Yay! It’s almost time for your session! My goal is to make this a fun, relaxing experience. The tips below will allow you to have the best possible session. Remember, no single session is perfect, and doesn’t has to be! As long as you’re having fun, that is all that matters! 

• Having fun is really the most important part about the session. It is so important that the adults and kids enjoy this experience because it will show up in your photos if someone just isn't having it or is in a bad mood.

• Relax and love on your family. Let loose a little bit because a little fun and laughter really brings out your personalities and makes for some awesome pictures! I try to avoid the “say cheese” phrase because it typically evokes an unnatural smile. 

• Don’t be afraid to play with your children; show me how you interact with them in real life! Toss them in the air, tickle them, kiss them… interacting with the kids and coaxing those smiles out naturally will make for the best photos and will allow them to be genuinely happy. So, relax and let yourself have a good time! 

• This time is about you and what makes your family special. We'll spend the first little bit getting to know each other. We'll knock out the "Christmas Card" photos (ones where everyone is looking and smiling), so you can relax a bit more and don't all have to be looking at the camera at the same time. You totally can if you want, but it's not required. 

• Be sure that you're always touching someone. Whether it's a hug or snuggle, or just a hand on the shoulder. Make contact with your family. This shows connections and love.

• If your kids are nervous or acting a little wild, that's totally ok! I embrace children in every aspect of themselves. We're focusing on moments. It's all about your family in this season of your lives! Remember that. 

• Avoid colorful drinks or lollypops within 24 hours of your session, dont let them eat or drink anything that will stain their face, teeth, or mouth.

• With children, you’ll want to clean nails, hair, wipe snotty noses, and teeth. If your child is still of napping age, make sure they nap before the shoot. 

• However you styled their hair, bring whatever you need to do it again. I’ve seen so many times when a kiddo falls asleep in the car and messed their hair up, or a little girl pulls her bow out. Better to be prepared, than wish you had it!

• Give yourself plenty of time to get ready. Rushing to the session will most likely result in a rushed feeling during the session. Your allotted time for the session is your time. If you are late to the session, it will reduce the time that is allotted for your session, could reduce the number of photos you receive, or you may have to reschedule your session. I will not reduce someone else’s allotted time because you are late to yours. If possible, arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled time. This allows time for last minute touchups.

• If you have items that need to be ironed, iron the night before and then hang the clothes for your shoot. If you're wearing something that wrinkles easily, don't wear it in the car on the way to the shoot. Just change at the location.

• If you’re hungry before the session, but made dinner plans after the session (because you’re all dressed up and why not) eat a snack before the session. Coming to the session hungry could result in hangry adults…and children.

• Have fun and don't stress!

Here are a few words of wisdom as we approach your session. These are just suggestions and certainly not required or even necessary for everybody. Just choose what fits into your budget, lifestyle, and current beauty regimen and go from there!

Don’t Pick. A pimple is very easy to cover with makeup, but scabs, wounds and flaky patches are more tricky. As soon as possible, stop picking at your skin. If you’re like me and scratch and squeeze at every bump and flake on your face, STOP. Stop examining your face closer than 2 feet from a mirror. 

Exfoliate. Plan to exfoliate a couple times before your session, but be sure to allow a few days between ‘treatments’, as well as a couple days after the last one before your shoot. 

Moisturize. Moistruizing helps your skin glow in photos.This is especially imporant if your legs are exposed.

Nails & Toes. A fresh coat of paint looks so “polished”! If you’re hard on your manicures, book the mani/pedi for the day before your shoot. If you prefer, neatly shaped, clean nails are perfectly fine. Think about the outfits you’re bringing and be sure to choose a color that will compliment your choices. If your polish is 1/2 on and 1/2 off, take it completely off. I once had photos taken with polish on one finger (testing shades at the salon) and forgot to take it off. It stuck out like a sore thumb in photos. I was so mad at myself for not removing it before the session. Don’t do what I did! 

Spray Tan. If you usually have a faux glow, get a spray tan a couple days before your shoot. This allows the shade of the tan to set.

Clean Your Wedding Ring. Using a toothbrush and toothpaste is a great last minute way to clean your bling, but most professional jewelers have sonic cleaners that make it sparkle like the day it was born. Many will even clean your ring for free. Especially if you return to the jeweler you bought it from. If it’s convenient, have it cleaned the day before your shoot. Or you could go with the old toothbrush method the night before. Just don’t leave it at home!

Wax or Shave. If you go the waxing route, give yourself a few days to heal before your shoot. Shaving can be done the night before to avoid razor burn. 

Makeup Touchup. Bring your lip color with you so you're able to touch up before the session, if needed.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!!