How to Prepare for Your Session


Small Children: Small kids are so fun to photograph! They’re typically energetic and full of giggles if they

are in a good mood. But like anyone they can get cranky if they’re hungry or tired. A great idea is to plan

your session time after your child's nap so they’re fresh and ready. Bring snacks in case your child gets

hungry or treats (that won’t stain fingers and tongues) to help them sit still during posed family shots. If 

your child has a favorite toy or something that makes them giggle, share that with us so we can incorporate it

behind the scenes to make the session fun for your child. And keep it light! Try not to scold children during the

shoot. This typically leads to tears and/or strained smiles and stress for everyone.


Older Children: If your child brings a device like a phone or tablet to the session it’s a good idea to leave

it in the car as it can be distracting if it’s in their pocket. Let them be involved in choosing their outfit so

they are comfortable. Older kids can sometimes have a hard time “loosening up” for their shoot so it

helps if they feel good in what they’re wearing. While we will do posed shots, candid shots are the ultimate goal,

so feel free to tickle, joke and be silly with your older kids! Try to make them laugh!


The Nitty Gritty: Kids of all ages can get boogies in their noses, have dirty faces or crazy hair! Try to 

check your children thoroughly to make sure their faces and noses are clear of anything you might

not want showing up in your images. All photographs are professionally edited and we'll do our best to edit out

any stray crumbs, but you’ll make our job a lot easier if their faces are clean and ready to go! Bringing some wipes and a hairbrush is

a great idea for last minute touch ups. Sometimes you’ll even need to pull them out during the session and that is totally fine!

Check your child during your shoot to make sure they’re still boogie free.


Adults: Preparing your family for a photo session can be stressful on both parents. Try to use the drive

to your session as a time to lighten the mood. Listen to your favorite songs, play a game along the way

or crack some jokes. If you’re not happy in the pictures it shows!   

What to Wear


Choose several complimenting colors and 

stick to them. Pick some of your hues that coordinate 

well together and stick to them. What are your family’s 

favorite colors? Don’t choose one color for the whole 

family - multiple colors will add dimension to your 

images.


Pick one pattern and go from there. Avoid dressing

the whole family in patterns. A good idea is to choose 

one item, a dress for example, with a pattern containing

the colors you love. Then choose colors from the item 

that you love for the other family members to wear.  


Be comfortable. Make sure that everyone’s clothing

fits properly and is weather appropriate. If you’re hot

or cold during your session it’s less likely that you’ll

appear happy and relaxed in your photos. This is 

especially true for children. If you feel good in your

clothes it shows! 

Do: Wear layers. Layers add dimension and depth to your images. If 

it’s hot outside layer with accessories - cute belts, necklaces, bracelets,

etc. If it’s cool weather cardigans, vests, scarves, boots and hats are all 

great examples. Avoid graphics on clothing - accessorize instead!


Do: Purchase clothes that fit your body. It can be tempting to buy kids

clothing a size bigger so they’ll have room to grow, but for photo sessions

it’s not the best idea. Avoid looking sloppy by wearing well fitting garments.


Do: Start with one outfit and build the rest of the family clothing from there.

It can be overwhelming trying to choose all the outfits at once so start 

small and build from there. Everything doesn’t have to be new, shop your

closet! 


Don’t: Wear neon colors. They don’t photograph well and cast colors onto

the skin of those who are wearing them. No one wants a bright yellow face! 


Don’t: Match! Matching is out, coordinating is in. Remember, it doesn’t have

to match, it just has to GO. Outfits should complement each other, not match

each other.


Don’t: Choose colors that match the scenery. If you’re doing a lot of outdoor

photos for example, avoid wearing a lot of green as you’ll blend in too much

with the background. Of course pops of green here and there are fine!


Don’t: Wear solid black or solid white clothing. These colors don’t show 

dimension when photographed and make for dull, boring images.