Get Excited!
Set the tone by talking about
how much fun your session will be
instead of focusing on everyone
needing to smile perfectly.
Shifting from “You better behave” to
“We’re going to have the best time!”
can make all the difference.
Start the conversation early
—let your little ones know they’ll get to
run, play, and explore
while showing off their biggest smiles.
Being in front of the camera can
feel a little intimidating, especially for kids.
Keeping the pressure low
and the excitement high
helps everyone feel at ease.
Arrive Early
Plan to get to your session 10–15 minutes early
to allow for unexpected traffic, finding parking,
and getting everyone settled.
This is especially important for mini sessions,
which run back-to-back.
If you're late, it cuts directly
into your already short session time.
A great way to prepare?
Check your GPS the day before
to get a feel for travel time
so there are no surprises.
Bring Snacks
Let’s be honest—hangry kids (and parents!)
aren’t happy campers.
A quick break with a small snack
can help turn moods around and
bring back those genuine smiles.
Stick to non-messy options like crackers,
goldfish, or fruit snacks,
and don’t forget water!
(Skip the juice to avoid spills and stains.)
Let Your Kids Be Kids
The best photos happen in the
in-between moments
—the big belly laughs, the running,
the playing, the tickle fights.
Posing stiffly for a long time
doesn’t feel natural for kids
or parents.
The most authentic smiles
come from spontaneous moments,
so let them happen!
Remember Why You’re Taking These Photos
There’s a reason you’re making the time to do this
—because these moments matter.
This season of life?
It won’t last forever.
Your baby will take their first steps.
Your five-year-old will lose their first tooth.
Your spouse will get a little more grey.
One day, these photos will be
the memories you hold onto
—the ones your kids will look back on,
the ones Grandma will cherish,
the ones that remind you of right now.
Print them.
Frame them.
Celebrate them.
These are the moments worth remembering.