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.

Father lifting laughing toddler boy in blue shirt outdoors in sunny green meadow.
A boy in blue hugs a girl with a bow in a golden field.

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.

A family of four poses on a garden path surrounded by fall foliage.

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)


A mother and three children sit together on a log outdoors.

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!


A large multigenerational family poses together in an autumn forest.

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!
A family of five sits together near a waterfall backdrop.

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!

Family of four with dog posing outdoors in fall foliage, wearing coordinated outfits in red, green, blue, and brown.

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.

Two teenage brothers laughing and sharing a piggyback ride outdoors in green nature.

What if the weather is bad?

Can grandparents join?

What if we arrive late?

Can we request certain poses?

Can I bring my pet?

FAQ

What if the weather is bad?

Can grandparents join?

What if we arrive late?

Can we request certain poses?

Can I bring my pet?

Outdoor sessions are weather dependent and may need to be rescheduled in the event of unsuitable or unsafe conditions, such as heavy rain, strong winds, extreme temperatures, or poor air quality. Your safety and comfort are always the priority, along with ensuring we have the best possible lighting and conditions for your images.


If a reschedule is needed due to weather, we will move your session to the next available date. Your retainer will be held and applied to your new session date, provided it is rescheduled within 365 days of your original booked date.


FAQ

What if the weather is bad?

Can grandparents join?

What if we arrive late?

Can we request certain poses?

Can I bring my pet?

Yes, grandparents are absolutely welcome to join your session!


There is a $50 additional fee to include grandparents, which allows us to plan extra time and ensure we can capture a variety of groupings without feeling rushed. If you’d like to add them, just let me know ahead of time so I can schedule accordingly.


FAQ

What if the weather is bad?

Can grandparents join?

What if we arrive late?

Can we request certain poses?

Can I bring my pet?

If you arrive late to your family session, we will need to continue with the remaining scheduled time, as sessions cannot be extended for late arrivals. Mini sessions specifically  are booked back to back and time cannot be extended.


To make the most of your time together, please plan to arrive a few minutes early so everyone can settle in and we can begin promptly. This helps ensure we capture all the images planned for your session without feeling rushed.


I will always make sure to let you know ahead of time if a location requires additional parking time or a short walk to the designated meeting spot, so you can plan accordingly.


FAQ

What if the weather is bad?

Can grandparents join?

What if we arrive late?

Can we request certain poses?

Can I bring my pet?

I’m always happy to hear any pose ideas you have and will do my best to incorporate them into your session! That said, my sessions are guided and flow naturally based on your family’s comfort, movement, and connection in the moment.


Especially with children and family sessions, I don’t strictly “pose” every setup—instead, I gently direct you into natural interactions that photograph beautifully and feel genuine. This helps create more relaxed images and allows us to capture authentic expressions and connection.


If there are specific poses or styles you love, feel free to share them ahead of time so I can keep them in mind while planning your session.

FAQ

What if the weather is bad?

Can grandparents join?

What if we arrive late?

Can we request certain poses?

Can I bring my pet?

Well-behaved pets are welcome to join your session if the chosen location allows them. We just ask that you consider your pet’s temperament around other people, children, and other animals that may be present in the area.


To help keep the session running smoothly and focused on your family, pets should be comfortable being handled and able to follow basic commands. If a pet becomes overly anxious, disruptive, or difficult to manage, we may need to adjust or limit their involvement so it does not take away from your session time or experience.


A helpful tip is to have someone available to take your pet home or care for them once their photos are complete, so you can fully enjoy the rest of your session without distraction. If you’re unsure about including your pet, feel free to reach out ahead of time and we can plan the best approach together.

Relax, enjoy your family, and trust the process. Children don’t need to be perfect, and neither do you. The best images come from real connection and genuine moments together.