Most sessions I meet up with my clients and we need to start right away for various reasons: the toddler didn’t nap, we started late due to traffic, and so one. Here is a list of things I hope every client knows before starting their session…

1. Let go of high expectations -I know this is so hard to do. I’m not sure why, but photo day seems to be when children scrape their faces or tare their clothes. One holiday season right before Daniel and I’s session, he tried on his pants that I had just bought him. I must have snagged a boys size by mistake and they were so small he couldn’t wear them. I’m a photographer, I should have these things planned out better, right? It happens to all of us, and if we can relax and laugh about things, everything goes a lot smoother.
2. Children will be honest -after working over 9 years with kiddos I know they can be honest and I love that about them. Now this does mean they won’t hide their feelings. If they are sad, there will be tears. If they are upset, there may be anger. And if they have any questions on their mind, they will ask them. It’s ok! I’ve seen and heard it all, and have had to chuckle many times.
3. Dress up but be comfortable -photo day is the perfect time to do a few “extra” things and wear your fancy clothes. But…if being comfortable is more important to you than wearing a long dress, choose comfortable. I am in your home and safe space, so feel safe and comfortable in the clothes you choose as well.
4. When you doubt there’s even one good photo, trust your photographer. This is the very reason you chose a professional photographer: to ensure they get the images you want. One time I was juggling two grandparents, two toddlers, two parents, a newborn baby and a dog all at once. Things can get loud and feel chaotic but my job is to bring calm and smiles to the your family. I promise, we will have fun.
5. Enjoy your time together -I can’t stress this enough. Children will follow the adults lead every time. If you go with the flow, they will too. Even if you have the most gorgeous images, if you remember feeling stressed during that photo, you won’t look at it fondly. If you, however, remember laughing with your children, stealing a glance with your spouse and snuggling your newborn…you will love every image and point out your flaws. You will remember the feelings during that moment.