Let's Prepare!
Family Session: Mini, Regular and Extended
This guide will help you feel prepared and relaxed for your family session. A little planning helps everything run smoothly so we can focus on natural, connected moments and beautiful images of your family together.
About your session:
Family Mini Sessions:
Family Mini Sessions are 20 minutes in length and are designed to capture a beautiful mix of both posed and candid moments in a fun, relaxed setting. While the session is shorter, we'll make the most of our time together to create a variety of images of your family. In addition, because of the limited session time, posing options and the number of backdrops used during the session will also be more limited.
Family Regular Sessions:
My family regular sessions typically run 60 minutes and are designed to capture your family just as you are—full of love, connection, and joy. During our time together, we’ll photograph every combination you’d like: the whole family, siblings, parents with kids, couples, and any special pairings that matter to you. The possibilities are endless!
We’ll begin with some lightly posed portraits, giving everyone a chance to warm up and settle in. Then, we’ll move into a more relaxed and playful portion, where I’ll encourage interaction, movement, and laughter. This is when the magic happens—candid moments that reflect your family's real connection and personality.
If you have young children, I’ll bring a few simple props to help keep them engaged and comfortable. Small chairs, wooden crates, and cozy blankets can be a lovely touch, helping little ones feel at ease while adding variety to your gallery.
Pets
Pets are welcome at both mini and regular sessions if the location permits! If you plan to bring your furry friend, please make sure they are comfortable around people and other animals and are able to cooperate during the session. For the smoothest experience, I also recommend bringing someone who can take your pet once we've finished their photos so we can focus on the remainder of your family portraits.
Selecting the Date, Time, and Location:
Mini Sessions:
Mini Sessions are offered on select dates at predetermined times and locations. Sessions are scheduled during the best natural lighting—typically around sunrise or sunset—and take place at carefully chosen locations that offer a variety of beautiful backdrops within a short walking distance, allowing us to make the most of your session.
Regular and Extended Sessions:
I schedule sessions around sunrise or sunset to take advantage of the most beautiful, flattering natural light. While weekday sessions may be a little less convenient, they often provide a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds, giving us the best opportunity to capture beautiful, uninterrupted images.
One of my favorite parts of portrait photography is discovering beautiful new locations! I'm happy to meet you at a location that's meaningful to you, or if you'd like a little guidance, I can recommend some of my favorite spots based on the look and feel you're hoping to achieve.
Below you'll find a list of some of my favorite session locations for inspiration. These are simply suggestions—I always love exploring new places and am happy to consider other locations within a reasonable travel distance.
A $25 travel fee applies to locations more than 20 miles from my home studio. If you're unsure whether your location falls within that range, just ask!
Clothing & Styling Guide
One of the most common questions I get before a session is, “What should we wear?” So, I’ve put together some helpful tips to make choosing outfits a little easier—and maybe even fun!
The #1 Guideline:
Coordinate, don’t match!
Choose a color palette you love, and build each outfit around it. The goal is for everyone to look cohesive without being overly matchy. Think: complementary colors, a mix of tones, and a variety of textures.
You might opt for neutrals with a few pops of color, or go for a soft palette using different shades of similar tones. Pinterest is a great place to find visual inspiration—feel free to share any boards with me!
Starting Point
I always recommend starting with mom (or the primary female in the group). Pick something that makes you feel confident and beautiful, then coordinate everyone else’s outfits around that.
Style Tips
If you’d like to include a fun pattern, limit it to one person in the group. This creates a focal point without the distraction of competing prints.
Mix up textures—think denim, knits, lace, linen—to add depth and visual interest.
Accessories like scarves, belts, hats, or jewelry can help tie a look together. They’re also an easy way to switch things up without a full outfit change (remove a hat or vest = instant second look!).
Dress for the Setting
In a garden or open field: Light, flowing fabrics in natural tones work beautifully.
In the fall with rich foliage: Layers, knits, and earthy tones complement the setting.
Urban locations: Trendier, slightly bolder outfits can look amazing.
Always keep comfort in mind—when you feel good, it shows! Confidence is the best accessory.
Try to Avoid:
- Large logos or brand names
- Neon colors or super bright tones
- Thin stripes (they can cause distortion on camera)
- Large, distracting text
- Noticeable tan lines (plan ahead if your outfit is sleeveless!)
Need Help?
If you’d like a second opinion on your outfit choices, I’m more than happy to help!
Simply lay your outfits out on a large bed or clean floor and snap a few photos of your favorite combinations. Send them my way, and we’ll work together to find the perfect, coordinated look for your session.
What to Bring:
- Bring small, mess-free snacks (if needed)
- Water for everyone
- A change of clothes for young children (just in case)
- Any sentimental items you may want to include
- Hairbrush, small mirror, wipes
- Feel free to bring a favorite comfort item for children if needed (kept discreet)
Before the Session:
Appearance:
- Before your session, please make sure all pockets are emptied—this includes phones, wallets, keys, and anything else that could cause bulges or visible outlines in your photos. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference!
- Fly-away Hair: Flyaway hairs are one of those tiny details that can be surprisingly noticeable in photos—but the good news is, they’re easy to manage with a little prep! A light mist of anti-frizz spray, finishing cream, or even a touch of hair oil can go a long way. Focus on the top layer and ends.
For the Little Ones:
Before your session:
- Check for Temporary tattoos, marker or pen on hands/faces, chipped nail polish
- Avoid sticky or messy foods right before the session
- Let them know we’re going to have fun together, not just “pose”
Do this the day before and again about an hour before your shoot. Little details like these can make a big difference in your final images!
During the Session:
Family sessions are relaxed and guided—you don’t need to worry about posing.
I will gently direct you into natural positions and encourage interaction so we can capture real connection: walking, laughing, cuddling, and simply being together.
Please don’t stress about perfection—genuine moments are what matter most!
After the Session:
Once your session is complete, I'll carefully select and hand-edit the best images to create a beautiful gallery that reflects your family's unique story.
Your online gallery will be delivered within 2–3 weeks. During the busy fall season, please allow the full 3 weeks for delivery due to increased demand. As soon as your gallery is ready, you'll receive an email with instructions on how to view, select your favorite images and download, and, if applicable, order prints or additional products.
Thank you for trusting me to capture these special memories. I can't wait to share your finished gallery with you!
Health Policy & Safety:
Health Policy
Your family's health and safety are my top priorities. If anyone in your immediate family is feeling unwell, has a fever, or has been exposed to a contagious illness, please let me know as soon as possible so we can discuss rescheduling your session.
For outdoor sessions, please dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes if the location requires walking. Be mindful of uneven terrain, insects, and sun exposure, and consider bringing sunscreen or bug spray if needed.
Supervision
Young children should remain supervised at all times, especially near water, roads, or other natural features at our session location. My goal is to create a fun, relaxed experience while ensuring everyone stays safe and comfortable throughout our time together.