My goal is simple:

for your session to be as fun and stress-free as possible! That’s why I’ve created this guide just for you. The following pages will help you get the absolute most out of your photos. By the time you've read through it, you'll have all of your questions answered and feel ready and prepared for your session!

This guide is packed with my best tips, tricks and insider secrets for scheduling and styling your portrait session -- and everything in between. Your only job is to be yourself, laugh a lot, have fun and let me do the rest! I can’t wait to get you in front of my camera and I’m so excited to see you soon!

Choosing Colors

The camera loves sophisticated color. I recommend neutrals, earth tones, soft pastels, muted colors, or jewel tones.

Bright, bold or neon colors are distracting and take the focus away from where it should be: YOU! And how much you love each other. You can never go wrong with light neutral earth tone colors like cream, taupe, camel or light gray. The camera also loves shades of soft pinks and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light-colored neutrals. That softer, more neutral color palette fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor environments and keeps the focus right where it should be, on your loved ones!

Use a Color Palette

One final strategy that works especially well for big or extended families is to choose a color palette, send it to the family, and have everyone plan outfits with those colors. You can find color palettes on Pinterest (I linked a board below).

Mixing Up the Pieces

As you’re coordinating your outfits with your family, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palette and wardrobe pieces coordinate, but don’t actually “match.” In fact, I recommend that you avoid thinking about “matching,” and instead think about what “fits” together. This will create more visual interest, and allow each personality to shine through. If you have multiple children, don’t feel like you need to put them all in the same type of outfit. For example, if one of your daughters wears a dress and flats, the other can wear pants and booties, if that’s more of her style. If one of your sons wears a bowtie, the other can wear suspenders or a blazer. Mixing up the wardrobe pieces will bring even more visual interest to the photos.

Prepping Your Little Ones

Before your session, pack a bag with water and your kids’ favorite snacks. If they’re too young to follow directions, bring any objects that you think might help me get their attention (like small toys or stuffed animals) when it’s time for them to look at the camera.

If your little ones are old enough to understand you, it’s a good idea to prepare them for what’s to come before the session starts. Explain how much the photos mean to you so they know to be on their best behavior. A lot of families pick something fun to do -- as a treat after the session -- if their kiddos are good listeners. Like an ice cream cone or dinner at their favorite pizza place!

It also helps if your kids' bellies are full and they’ve had some good rest before the session. After you do your best to prepare them, give yourself (and them) some grace! I have a lot of experience working with kids, so if they’re “in a mood” or aren’t cooperating perfectly for some reason, rest assured that I'm not judging you (or them). I’ve seen it all and know how to get great photos no matter what! My goal is to make this as fun and stress-free as it possibly can be for you and your family! This season of life feels long right now, but in the grand scheme of things, it's short. So even if things don't go exactly as planned or as you'd hoped in terms of your kids’ behavior, one day, you’ll be so glad you took these photos.

Should We Bring the Dog?

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUESTIONS AND THE ANSWER IS YES!

Bringing your dog(s) is a fun way to get natural smiles and candid moments with toddlers and teens alike! Just double check with me that the location allows dogs. Please bring a leash and treats. Bringing a helper to look after the dog when he's not in the photos will take away your stress and allow for a larger variety of images.