After 10 years of being a photographer, I have found the following to be really helpful in setting us up for the best session possible.

1. Feed your kiddos prior to our session....full bellies are happy bellies!

2. Change into your photo clothes once you arrive at the session location to avoid any wrinkles or travel mishaps.

3. Make sure you and your family stay hydrated in the days and hours leading up to your session.

4. Try to have a low key restful day prior to our session. (Example: a long, fun day at the zoo and then photos in the evening is a little too much for kiddos.)

5. Make sure everyone is bathed and all tidy before your session - this includes checking chipped nail polish, clean faces, and brushed teeth, remove fake tattoos.

6. If you have a child with long hair please have their hair pulled back from their face, and if your child is wearing a dress please have a pair of bloomers or fitted shorts underneath so no diapers or underwear are showing.

7. Please arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early to your session to go potty, change clothes, clean hands and faces, and brush hair or touch up makeup. Make sure to remove all items from pockets, including cell phones, keys, wallets, etc. and leave them in your car or with me.

8. Most importantly, TALK to your kiddos about our session! Tell them how important it is to be good listeners, and how much fun its going to be. Tell them that the photos are important to you and that you are really excited about getting pretty photos of everyone to hang on your walls and give to grandmas, etc. The more you talk to your kiddos and pre-frame them for a great session the better our odds are!
9. Look through my social medias and blog posts so that you can get an idea of what we will be doing during a session together. Tell me if there is any special shot that you are hoping for.During our session we will have fun! I will ask you and your family to do many things like walk, hold hands, snuggle, tickle, kiss, etc. so that we can create really fun and beautiful images for you. I have a goal of getting both posed and lifestyle photos. If you have a small baby that is unable to sit up on their own I ask that parents be in the photos and holding their small baby.