You’ve done it- you’ve booked your family session, you’re super excited to have this time in your family preserved, and the day has finally arrived.

But what if you’re not excited and there is a level of dread that this whole thing is going to go to shit?! What if my children are gremlins in hiding? My toddler is going to cry. My teenager is going to be in a MOOOOOD.

Let me start by saying that I totally know how you may be feeling!

I book family photo sessions for myself regularly and each time the day arrives, I’m low level nervous. Will my kids behave? Has everyone eaten and rested properly? What if it’s a complete shitshow? Then I remind myself that I have hired someone great and it’s time for me to let go of control and trust their process. My children are crazy and rarely listen to me. And yet, somehow they always follow through when someone else is in charge (and somehow that tends to happen when I’m photographing a family as well). And so my words of wisdom as someone who photographs families regularly and has been on the other side many times…

Your only job is to show up relaxed and ready to have fun. And honestly, that’s your kids job too. Set it up that way- let them know that we have a super awesome experience happening tomorrow- they get to play and laugh and all that good stuff. I have kids, I love kids, I spent 12 years as a social worker in the family’s homes working with kids. I expect them to be quirky, exploratory, funny, and so much more. The more you embrace the moments, the better the photos. Your child may have a meltdown, but if you’re frowning, it’s less cute ;) On top of all that, I view your photo session as a time for you to soak in your kids laughter, hold their squishy face in your hands as you kiss their nose, grab your partner’s butt as you sneak in a kiss, and dance around with those early 2000’s dance moves.

2. Food and rest- no one likes a hangry, tired human. Shoot, I don’t like myself when I feel those things. Don’t overschedule your day- no need to go to soccer, then have a play date, run errands, and then after all that, hope to god your children can be in a good mood during our session. Take it easy that day. Give your child a great snack or dinner of their choice. Have a cocktail ;) Spend the afternoon watching a movie. Even better, schedule a morning in-home session and there’s no time for the world to go awry ;)

3. Introduce them to me. Sounds weird, right? However, while I am super comfortable meeting you and your family, your kids may be like, who is this lady with the big black things she’s holding up to her face?! So first, tell them what’s going on- that I’m going to be taking pictures of them today and then go onto my website and show them my picture. It takes away the weirdness a touch. Even with all that, the first thing I’m going to do after saying hi at our session is get down on your kids’ level and talk to them.

4. Rolling with the punches. I refer to my work with families as a collaboration- you give me the goods on your family (kids favorite things, what you want to remember about them at this age, your favorite activities, yada yada) and I work with the elements to make it all turn to magic. Sometimes that means diverting from the original plan or changing things up a bit. I roll with it all and we eventually get to where we are meant to be. Trust in the process and let go of your expectations. It’s where the good stuff gets even better and I show you the beauty in your love story.