Here is a list of 5 things every parent should know before a family session with me!
Leave the cheese at home!
Families who come to me are looking for natural and authentic family pictures. This means that interactions between family members and with the photographer are also natural and authentic. We aim to capture connection by lightly posing and then letting natural connections and interactions happen. You will never see a photo that I have taken of a child smiling unless it is a real, authentic smile. I may tell them to say cheese, but it's really the laughter afterwards that I'm capturing!
Have a quiet day and a late nap.
Most of my family sessions are late afternoon or evening. Before a family session, it is a great idea to have a quiet day – save up all the energy for the session! We definitely do not want the family to have had a very busy day and then hope to have the kids playful and interactive for the session. If still napping, try moving the nap a bit later for an evening session.
Bring Snacks!
We don’t need hangry kiddos! Make sure everyone has a snack prior to the session. Also, bring along snacks to the session. Bring something non-messy such as apple slices, cheese and water. We want to make sure no one gets stains on their outfits mid-session!
Please Don’t Bribe!
I would recommend staying away from bribing your child(ren) to behave during the session. This tends to result in kids being anxious to wrap up the session so that they will get their ‘reward’. Instead, make the experience a fun one by engaging in play, snuggles and laughter. A surprise family trip for milkshakes afterwards would be appreciated, I am sure!
Sessions are Play Led
While we do some light posing, my sessions (especially those with very small children) are play led. This means that we start off the session by doing a few poses but if and when children grow tired of posing, we can quickly lead them into a fun, playful activity and capture those memories as well. This could be playing in a lake, picking up sticks or running in a field. The great thing about lifestyle family photography is that poses are not necessary, nor is looking at the camera!
A family session is meant to be a fun, memorable experience. I want you to look at the images after your session and remember not only the way you looked, but more importantly the way you FELT. Kids will be kids and that is great! As a mom of two littles myself, I have learned to embrace the chaos and those are some of my most treasured photographs.
Looking for more information on family sessions? Check out this page!
Contact me with any questions you have or to book by submitting the contact form here!