Before I jump into the Do’s and Don’ts for your family photo session, two plugs:
- I’ll be opening for Spring 2025 photo sessions by the end of this week (likely Friday, August 9th). If you’d like to be notified as soon as those dates are released. Please contact me today! If you’re reading this on/after the 9th, check my remaining availability here (Be patient with the calendar function. It’s super slow).
- My debut novel, Soulmatch, is publishing with Simon & Schuster next summer. It’s about a genius who reports to the government on her 18th birthday to learn about her past lives and if she has a soulmate, and becomes the object of worldwide scrutiny and anonymous threats, doubting both the soul identification system and herself. If this sounds like a book you’d love to read, please add it to your Goodreads TBR and join my mailing list! I’ve seen my final cover and will be sharing it with newsletter subscribers first!
Okey doke, moving on! My book advance was wonderful but not enough to quit my day job! LOL. Besides I very much love photographing your families!! To help illustrate the do’s and don’ts for your family sessions, I’m sharing some of my favorite photos from this spring!
DO…
- Keep me updated on your ETA. It’s pretty rare for families to arrive on time, so knowing when you expect to pull up helps to ease my worries that you got lost, in an accident, or forgot you had a photo session (it’s happened!). My cell number is in all the confirmation and reminder emails I’ve sent you!
- Let me know if you or any family members have injuries, ailments, physical limitations, or other characteristics/traits that should be accommodated during your session. I’ve photographed all sorts of families over the past 15 years. I can pivot quickly if needed, but it really helps to get a heads up so I can adjust locations and the way I approach your session. Feel free to call to discuss!
- Try to relax. Photo day is SO stressful! But you made it, you look amazing, and we’re gonna have fun.
- Let me know if you have ideas for any poses or locations. I love it even more when your kids suggest things. So fun!
- Remind me if I forget something. Did I miss a photo of you with your youngest or your parents together? Please speak up!
DON’T…
- (Don’t) Worry. About scratches, bruises, the wrong shoes, running late, frizzy hair, wild kids, temper tantrums, etc. It’s all good. I’m a mom/human, too. (Of course, lmk if there’s a scratch or something you want to be sure I’ll zap from your photos).
- (Don’t) Come to your session if you’re unwell (this includes postpartum mothers). Your health is more important than a photo session, and I want you to love your images. We can reschedule.
- (Don’t) Focus on perfection. We’re supposed to be documenting your love for one another, not a perfect outfit or hairstyle. Focus on the people you brought with you, how much you love them. It’s fine to fix hair and clothing if they get mussed up, but the more you try to get everything perfectly situated, the less authentic your photos. You will end up looking like statues in your images.
- (Don’t) Ask me to replicate another photo, even if it’s my own. Every session is different, and every family is different. I can go to the same location at the same time of day, with the exact same lighting, and still not quite capture the moment the same way. Instead, let’s explore together and create images that other people will want to replicate!
- (Don’t) Leave your session wondering if the photos will suck. They won’t. There’s a reason I shout, “Got it!” and say things like, “Oh my gosh, this is perfection!” while I’m taking your photos. It’s to reassure you we’re capturing pure gold! If I had any doubt, I’d say, let’s try again… which I do all the time. I wouldn’t let you get in your car unless I was 100% positive we got what you came for!
Some of you have been my clients for the longest time! Do you have any do’s and don’ts for family photo sessions you would add?
Ummm… I’ve come to the end of my planned blog content, but I still have a ton of spring sessions to share! Keep scrolling to admire these gorgeous families who nailed their do’s and don’ts of family photos!
