I’ve photographed hundreds of families, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the little things make all the difference. A session isn’t just about what you wear or where we shoot—it’s about setting the stage so your family feels comfortable, present, and ready to connect. Here are ten practical tips that will help your portraits go smoothly and make the experience more joyful for everyone.

1. Eat Before the Session

Hungry kids (and parents!) have a hard time focusing. Even if your session bumps up against your usual dinner time, try to eat first. Crockpot meals or a quick drive-thru after work are great options, just don’t save it for after photos. And if ketchup is involved, change into your photo clothes after.

2. Believe in Your Kids

Children grow and change every single day. When parents assume their child can’t handle something—because of how things went last year or even last week—kids often live into that expectation. When you believe in them, they often surprise you. I’ll always presume competence in your babies and kids, and I encourage you to do the same.

3. Let One Voice Lead

When I ask your child to do something, trust me to guide them. If directions get echoed and repeated by multiple adults, kids usually just feel pressure. I don’t expect them to follow me perfectly—I want their natural, unique response. Please let me hold that space without interruption.

4. Keep the Day Light

Big days full of errands, sports, or daycare leave kids drained. At home, they may be fine, but when we add the extra layer of a session, their tiredness shows up fast. Make photo day slow and restful whenever possible, so kids arrive ready to play and connect.

5. Trust the Photographer

You don’t have to figure out the light, the poses, or how to make your kids laugh—that’s my job. Every direction I give has a purpose, even if it doesn’t make sense in the moment. If you trust the process, the results will show.

6. Share the Prep

If you’re the one who booked me, read the contract, bought the clothes, and did all the prep—that’s amazing. But it doesn’t help if your partner walks in blind. Share the emails, show them my work, and let them in on the plan. When everyone knows what to expect, the whole experience is smoother.

7. Skip the Bribes

Children under 3–5 usually don’t grasp delayed rewards, and neurodiverse kids may not respond to them at all. Don’t worry—I have plenty of ways to keep kids engaged without candy or toys. If needed, I’ll pull out a last-resort trick (like my vending machine quarters in the studio), but connection is what works best.

8. Reschedule If They’re Sick

Even on the “tail end” of an illness, kids need time to fully bounce back. Lingering coughs, tummy aches, and runny noses don’t photograph well, and your child won’t feel like themselves. It’s always better to reschedule than to push through.

9. Plan Snack Breaks, Not Mid-Session Treats

If a child is hungry, let’s stop and let them fully eat—whether that’s a nursing break, a bottle, or a snack. Half-measures (a sip here, a bite there) just keep everyone unsettled. Feeding before we start always works best.

10. Limit Outfit Changes

One change of clothes is plenty. More than that, and the session shifts from capturing connection and personality to managing wardrobe. I’d rather spend our time documenting your child’s real expressions, play, and relationships.

One More Thing…

If you’re reading this and realizing, “Oops, I’ve done a few of these,” please don’t feel embarrassed. These aren’t hard rules, and every family, child, and situation is unique. Most of what I’ve learned has come from trial and error—even my own kids have taught me these lessons.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence. When you trust your kids, slow the day down, and let me guide the flow, portraits feel less like a production and more like a memory. That’s where the real magic happens.

✨ Ready to plan a session that feels joyful, relaxed, and truly you? Reach out to get started—I’d love to create something beautiful with your family.