How to Prepare for your Family Photography Session

Ahhh kids. They are wonderful and sweet and fun and grow WAY too fast. I know how important it is to capture these little moments to freeze in time.

I also know how unpredictable photoshoots with littles can be so Ive compiled a short list of things we can both do to make your family photoshoot easy, effortless and fun and make sure we get the best photos for you to hold onto for years to come!

Mommy & Me Photos at Strites Orchard in Harrisburg PA

Happy Babies Make Great Subjects!

We could have the most beautiful light, location, outfits and props. If baby isn’t happy, we won’t have much of a session! This is why I am always a little more flexible with family sessions and leave timing mostly up to parents. We will still try to avoid harsh mid day light if possible but you know your babies schedule best. Is she happiest first thing in the morning? Or does she get a spurt of energy in the evening after nap time?

Let’s use that info to determine best time for shoot and then choose location that works with that time of day.

You will also want to feed prior to shoot so either before leaving home or if longer commute, lets meet earlier and we can feed there and have a little picnic while baby gets used to me!

2. Activities and Toys

Break out the bubbles!

Seriously. Especially for toddlers, giving them something to do or play with while we take pictures can make all of the difference. Once they like to run, there’s no stopping them so let’s find something that photographs well and set up an activity that keeps them engaged, still and smiling so we can capture all the perfectly imperfect moments!

Your little one artistic? Lets break out the paints and make a mess! Love to eat? Lets make some s’mores! Tea parties, stuffed animals, blocks, dance parties, you name it… This is after all about having fun as a family so what do you guys do in your spare time that is a memory you’d like to remember when baby is off to college and too cool for these things. Let’s make that that theme!

And if all else fails, I always have some bubbles in my bag :)

Mommy & Me Photo Session Dewey Beach Delaware

3. Have Fun!

This is the #1 piece of advice I give for family sessions with littles. Just throw your expectations out the window and try to have a great time creating a memory.

Don’t worry about everyone looking at the camera or posing perfectly. Don’t think about dresses getting messed up or hands getting dirty. Kids are messy and life with kids is messy. Someday the house will be quiet and no one will be pulling things out of place and you will miss those messy hands and sticky faces. Let’s let your photo session be about realistically capturing this chapter in all its beauty. Laugh. Tickle. Giggle. Play.

Yes, your job is mostly to keep the kids happy and smiling while I take pictures, but I want to see those real smiles on your face too! There is nothing as heart warming as a family having fun TOGETHER. So let the worry go and just be in the moment with your loves, and let me worry about the pictures. ;)