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You’ve booked your session, you have your outfits and location for your session decided, and now you’re preparing for the session itself. We’ve all been there: franticly running around trying to get everyone dressed, warning your kids they better behave, and praying for just one good photo to hang on your walls. But what if there was a better way?
Lifestyle photo sessions aren’t about perfection. Instead it’s about the messy, beautiful, real-life connection your family shares. My goal is for your session to feel less like a “to-do” and more like a fun family outing. While I can’t make the hour before your session go perfectly, I promise to make the session itself really fun.
To help make things run smoothly, here is a guide to getting ready for a relaxed and organized session.
1. Set Yourself up for Success
Give yourself the best set up for getting ready and dressed. I recommend laying the clothes out the day before your session and setting aside a few hours before the session to do makeup, hair, and get dressed with time to spare. Assume everything will take longer than it should to give yourself time to enjoy the moments before the session, too.
2. The “Full Bellies” Rule
The quickest way to a stressful session is a “hangry” family member (adults included!).
- Eat before you arrive: Plan a solid meal or a heavy snack right before the session.
- Bring “clean” snacks: If you need to bring backup, stick to things that won’t stain faces or clothes—think marshmallows, pretzels, or clear apple juice. Avoid chocolate or colorful fruit snacks!
3. Reframe the Word “Photography”
One of the best ways to ensure your kids show up ready to have fun is to change how you talk about the session beforehand. For many children, being told they are “going to take pictures” sounds like a chore—it means sitting still and behaving perfectly.
Instead, try this: Tell them we’re going on a family adventure.
- Make it an adventure: Tell them we’re going to go explore [Location Name] together. Focus on the fun things they might see—ducks at the pond, big trees to climb, or trails to run down.
- Introduce a new friend: Mention that your “new friend, Nicole,” is going to meet up with us. Tell them Nicole is bringing her camera along so she can help us remember all the fun things we find.
- The shy kid strategy: If your little one is particularly hesitant with new people, let me know! I am more than happy to send a short, personalized video to your kids before our session. Seeing my face and hearing my voice ahead of time helps break the ice so that when I show up with my camera, I’m already a familiar friend rather than a stranger.
By keeping the focus on exploration and play, we set the stage for real moments to happen naturally.
A Quick Pro-Tip for the Car Ride:
Try to keep the “behave or else” talks to a minimum on the way there. If the kids arrive feeling pressured to be “perfect,” it takes a little longer for them to let their guard down. Just remind them that we’re going to have a great time and that Nicole can’t wait to meet them!
4. Embrace the Chaos (and the Play)
During our session, I’m looking for the “in-between” moments. I might give you some direction (like where to stand), but I’ll mostly be asking you to interact with each other.
- Don’t worry about the “cheese”: You don’t need to tell your kids to look at the camera and smile. In fact, it’s often better if you don’t! Focus on playing, whispering jokes, and tickling them. We will try for a couple looking at the camera photos, but we want to keep those moments at a minimum to keep the session focused on your family interactions.
- Trust the process: Even if the kids are running in circles or refusing to sit still, keep smiling and engaging with them. Those often turn out to be the most “real” and cherished photos of the bunch.
5. What to Bring
To keep things organized and stress-free, keep your “gear” minimal. A small bag with the following is usually plenty:
- A brush or comb: For quick wind-blown hair fixes.
- Tissues or wipes: For stray crumbs or “runny nose” emergencies.
- A favorite toy: If your child has a special stuffed animal or blanket, bring it! It’s a part of their life right now and makes for a sweet memory.
- Snacks: small snacks that aren’t brightly colored or messy are best
6. Timeliness is Peace of Mind
Arriving 5–10 minutes early allows everyone to take a deep breath and acclimate to the location before we start shooting. It gives the kids a chance to explore and feel comfortable with me and my camera.
The Bottom Line: My favorite photos are rarely the ones where everyone is looking perfectly at the lens. They are the ones where you are laughing at a silly face someonemade, or where your child is tucked into the crook of your arm.
I can’t wait to capture your family’s unique story! See you soon!
Interested in learning more about a family session? Contact me today!
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