A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your photo session is stress-free and produces stunning results. From outfit coordination to timing your session right, here are my top tips. First, plan your outfits a few days ahead — never the morning of. Lay everything out, try it on the kids, and make sure shoes, bows, and socks are all accounted for. Stick to a coordinated color palette of soft, complementary tones rather than matchy-matchy outfits or bold logos and characters that pull attention away from faces. (I have a whole guide on what to wear if you'd like more detail.) Second, time it around your kids, not the clock. For little ones, the best sessions happen after a good nap and a snack, when everyone is rested and happy. I shoot at golden hour — the hour before sunset — because the light is gorgeous, so we'll usually aim for early evening. If you have a baby, keep their schedule as normal as possible that day and don't be afraid to feed right before we start. Third, come with a relaxed mindset. Kids absolutely mirror their parents' energy. If you're stressed about getting 'the perfect shot,' they'll feel it. The sessions that produce the most magical images are the ones where parents let go, play, and trust me to capture the real moments — even the silly, messy, in-between ones. Bring a few small things that help: a favorite snack (nothing too messy or colorful), a beloved toy or lovey for comfort, a change of clothes for inevitable spills, and lots of patience. For newborns, a feed-and-cuddle plan goes a long way. Finally, don't sweat the meltdowns. Almost every session with young children has a wobble or two, and that's completely normal — I build in time for it and often those reset moments lead to the best snuggles on camera. Come prepared, stay flexible, and let's have fun. That combination is what creates images you'll love for years.
Tips