8 Ways to Prep for Your Family Session

Family Session Season is coming up quick! In my opinion all year long is “family session season” especially if you are into lifestyle sessions at home, or playing out in the snow :)

That being said, August-October are always my busiest time of year! Below are a few tips to help you come to your family session feeling your best, and most relaxed.

As a mama of 2 little boys (and former elementary school teacher), I have been where your are, and I am here to work with your family for the most fun loving photos documenting who you are in this season of life!

(Please note, until further notice I will be wearing a face mask to all family sessions - safety first!)

1. EXPECTATIONS

This is a family session to document who you are! Especially if you have little guys, it is unlikely that you will have more than a handful of photos where everyone is looking at the camera - it is important to be ok with that! Your family is your family - I would assume it is rare you all sit and look at one person for an extended period of time. I will encourage you to play, have fun, sit in the grass, engage with each other. Be ok with possible grass stains or some mud. Treat our time together like a family outing, and plan more on having fun than posing. Chat with your kiddos about what your are going to be doing. I promise you won’t be disappointed with the results!

2. TIME OF DAY

I absolutely am happy to recommend times of day for the best lighting. EARLY morning or evening will aways look the most beautiful. My kids are usually up before the sun, so if I can photograph them right after they eat before parks are busy that is my favorite. Evening has the most beautiful warm light. All that being said YOU KNOW YOUR FAMILY BEST. Opt for when your kids are happiest - after their nap,? after dinner? when they get up in the morning? To allow for the most fun and least stress, opt for when your kiddos will enjoy this time most.

3. CLOTHING

Comfort is key! Yes it looks nice when everyone’s colors complement each other that does not mean you all need to have perfectly matching outfits. Choose something as a base to work off of. Shades of blue, warm fall colors, bright and fun - there are so many options. I always recommend something for the kids where you don’t have to worry about things like pulling up their pants constantly, or shoes that might hurt their feet or fall off. My 3 year old is happiest in his rain boots, you can believe he wore them for our most recent family photos.

If you just got some new shoes for you or your little guys, make sure to break them in! Nothing is worse than a blister when you just want to have fun!

Scroll below for some great family outfit combos.

4. PROPS

YAY! Bring things that will make your family happy and that you can interact with. Make sure you are ok with these items being in your photos. Neutrals are always great - wooden toys, simple balls, rocks, sticks stuffed animals. Use props to help :) Assume anything you bring may end up in your photos. Other things I always recommend brining:

-blanket to sit on (neutral colors, or one color)

-fav toys

-pets (if you feel comfortable with this, or want to bring someone to help!)

-anything special you want your kiddos photographed with - think hobby, fav sport, special gift

5. SNACKS

Make sure your kiddos don’t come hungry - hangry little ones don’t end up wanting to be photographed. Even if they were just fed, favorite snacks on hand always help out.

6. LOCATION

Choose somewhere you love. Where is there a place you family loves going to spend time at? Where will your kiddos be excited to go play? The beach is always a win for us, but we always mentally prepare for the kids to end up wet or muddy. Looking for a great outdoor spot in the Milwaukee area? I am so happy to recommend! From beaches, to rivers, grassy fields, woods to explore - everything is right here.

Feel most comfortable at home - let’s make it happen. In home photos always look a little more snuggly and relaxed, and I encourage you to play with your kiddos in your favorite space. We can also head outside to play too!

7. DURATION

30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90? Again, you know your family best. Are we going to explore a park that has multiple areas for your family to play? You probably want a little more time. Are your kids at an age where you only really feel like 30 minutes will work for them before they are just down to their diaper and eating sand (my kids)? No problem. Want to start with 30 minutes and if it is going well extend to 60? Perfect!

Generally for younger kids 30-60 minutes is best. Some parks have beaches, playgrounds, spaces to run around and that might lend to more time where your kids are having a great time.

I am happy to talk through what might work best for you :)

8. LOVE

Ultimately this session is to document your family in this time, during this unique part of life. Loving on each other, letting your kids be who they are and enjoying this time that is meant for you to be together uninterrupted - you don’t even need your phone, I will be snapping every photo you might want to grab.

I am here to help you make this the most fun and low stress documentation of your beautiful family. Let’s hop on the phone, tell me about your kiddos, and what they love, what makes them excited!