Here you should find everything you need to know about how to prepare for your shoot. Please read this al the way through when you receive it. the more prepared you are, the better this session is going to be. Prepare to have a lot of fun.


The goal of this session is to capture your family as you are, chaos and all. The most important thing is everyone is represented in who they are! Don't stress out if your baby, child, or teenager isn't behaving how you imaged for the shoot. I can work with kids and their temperaments instead of trying to get them to work for me.

What to wear


You might be tempted to go and buy a whole new outfit (which of course you're more than welcome to do!) but the most important thing, and I'll constantly say this, is you feel like yourself during the shoot. Wearing something you love, or something that makes you feel like your best self will give you that confidence boost that you might need! We're capturing you and who you are, not your clothes.


  1. We'll be moving around a lot! Whether we're in the studio or outside make sure your outfit is not too restrictive so you can relax and feel comfortable during the session. 
  2. This isn't the time to try out a new style. Wear something you would normally wear. Whether it's comfy day clothes, a little dressed up, or formal, you want to make sure it fits well and you feel like yourself in the photos. You want to remember being you and sharing this moment!
  3. Solid color outfits tend to look better than prints, which can be distracting and overwhelming. If you go with a print, make sure it's not too loud! If you go that direction, I recommend only one of you wears a print so you're not overwhelmed in the photo. We want you to be the focal point.
  4. Start with a neutral base and build from there. Neutral tones are typically more flattering and cohesive. Pick two or three neutrals to start with and add accents of color if you want! Greys, khakis, soft whites, navy blues, blacks, etc. are great options
  5. Avoid tight fitting clothes that might highlight areas you'd rather not be highlighted. 
  6. It’s best to avoid chunky jewelry and watches, which can be distracting elements and will look dated years from now. Strive for timeless photos that will be staples in your home for decades to come.
  7. Do not match. Avoid wearing the same exact outfit (especially the classic white t-shirt look). You can mix and match the base neutrals so there's coordination, but you each want to stand out! Alternatively, if you want an outfit where every one of you matches you can move forward with that look
  8. Matching socks. This is crucial so we're not looking at your feet in your final photo.


When trying to coordinate family outfits I find it easier to start with one outfit, then take that outfit and use it as inspiration for other outfits. By using the same base neutrals you'll find different ways to incorporate pops of color. Remember to think of your location, if we're outside make sure you bring appropriate clothing for the weather. 

Newborns


It’s no secret that infants sleep a lot. But sometimes, their sleep patterns don’t cooperate with our plans. If you want your little one sacked out during the photo session, so you can get those adorable sleepy newborn poses, keep them up for a while before your photographer arrives.


  1. Making sure you keep your baby awake prior to a session is a great way to guarantee they will sleep through most of it. That will lead to peaceful pictures, instead of ones where they look enraged or red-faced from crying.
  2. Feed your baby 20-30 minutes before your session. Newborns are some of the hungriest creatures on this Earth. You don’t want their photo session disrupted by their frantic cries for milk. Feeding and burping your infant right before your newborn photo session begins means less crying, better sleep, and relaxed parents (and photographer!).
  3. Most photo sessions last around two hours, which leaves plenty of time to refuel if your child wakes up expecting a snack. Just make sure to have an extra bottle on hand if you use formula.
  4. Bring anything you're normally bringing to the shoot! Change of diapers, clothes, etc. You know your child best and we want to be prepared.


About 30 minutes before the session, change your baby’s diaper into a loose (but not too loose), clean diaper and swaddle them. Since most photographers prefer babies to be unclothed during their session, undressing them beforehand is a timesaver. It also means you won’t disrupt their sleep cycle by trying to get their onesie off. A loose diaper is best because it will avoid creating diaper marks around their waist.


Feel free to bring any special outfits or sentimental items (blankets, favorite books you like to read to you child, toys you like to play with, etc.) to the shoot! I love incorporating pieces of your daily life. If there's some practice or routine you all share you'd love for me to capture please let me know ahead of time. I would absolutely adore to capture the normal special moments you share.

What to Bring


I'm more of a better safe than sorry person, and I permanently have my water bottle on me. Even in short shoots I personally need to grab some water, and you never know if you'll need something! So here are some handy options to bring:


  1. Water bottles, take this as you please. For a studio session it's all up to you for what you feel is necessary. 
  2. If you wear makeup, bring a little bag for touch ups. 
  3. Please don't bring gum
  4. A change of clothes. You might want to switch it up (and you're more than welcome to) So don't forget to bring that with you! It also always helps to have a back-up in case it gets dirty. You never know with kids. If you plan on a change of clothes beforehand talk to your photographer so they can account for time.
  5. Comfortable shoes! Always good to feel comfortable. Or if you'd like to go barefoot, make sure your feet are camera ready! (it might be a weird thing to mention, but you won't want overgrown toenails becoming your focus when you want to remember a beautiful moment)
  6. Props! If you have any special props you'd like to bring feel free! Special blankets, baskets for newborns, or anything sentimental feel free to bring day of.


Only a little more!


We're going to be moving around a lot! I aim for the photos to not look "posed". I will give you direction and tell you what to do, but then make it your own! If you're feeling some crazy dance or pose, just be yourself and take any liberties with any directions I give you. Hugs, tickles, kisses, funny faces are welcome at any time! This is about you, and you don't need anyone telling you how to be yourself.


I'm going to be playing some music in the background, if you have any music you'd like to listen to feel free to send them my way! I find it's more helpful to feel relaxed and natural. Plus we all get in the groove a little more when we hear some good tunes playing.


It's really important to arrive on time, or be ready for me to come to your home on time. We're booking your session on light so we may be limited, especially in your home.


This may sound like a lot but you'll get the hang of it while we're in the shoot! Don't stress it, that's why I'm here to help guide you.


If you have any more questions feel free to reach out! I'm here for you and so excited to work with you!