You’ve got your session booked, and now you’re wondering what comes next. Or maybe you are still undecided which photographer to book with, and you want to know a bit more about how I work. Either way, let’s break it down so you know just what to expect when you book a family photo session with me.

First things first

Before the camera comes out, the first thing we will do is get to know each other. We’ve talked via email and text, but if this is our first session together, we all need to put names to faces. I like to take this time to see how everyone is doing and let the kids warm up and explore a bit. We will check in with any last-minute questions, and go over any “must-have” shots. I don’t guarantee specific poses, but I will always do my best to make sure we get images that capture what you value most.

After everyone is ready to go, I’ll go over my tentative plan for our shoot, and we’ll get started.

Ok, so now we pose and smile?

Yes and no.

My photography style focuses on capturing genuine, heartfelt moments. We focus on connection over perfection to create images that remind you what that moment felt like. It is what I consider a blend of storytelling and lifestyle photography.

Traditional family portrait photography involves the photographer posing you in a very specific, intentional manner, yet it often feels a bit stiff. On the other hand, documentary photography is meant to be as unintrusive as possible and captures life “as is”.

My photography style is based upon my own experiences as a mom and after working with many families over the past few years, I feel pretty confident that most people agree with me. There needs to be something in-between “stand still and don’t move” (impossible with toddlers) and full-on documentary. Most people I know don’t feel completely natural and relaxed in front of a camera. We need some help knowing that to do and how to relax while still feeling flattered in the images.

Don’t worry, I got you. I will offer suggestions and prompts along the way to encourage natural interaction and connection. I’ll help you move around our location to offer some variety to our images, or I’ll ask your children to help me pick where to go next, because what toddler doesn’t love the chance to be in charge? We’ll have downtime as we explore, and I’ll be looking for those beautiful, totally unscripted moments in-between.

These are always my favorite images, but I make sure that every session includes what I like to call the “Grandma Shot”, the traditional photo where everyone looks and smiles at the camera. The one all grandmothers ask for printed in a big frame to hang proudly on their wall year after year. It’s something we all love to have, but it won’t be the focus of our session.

If you’re interested in learning a bit more, I’ve written an article on what Lifestyle Photography means to me.

Enough time to keep it relaxed

My family sessions last typically up to 1-1 1/2 hours. Each session is going to be a bit different from family to family, with children’s ages and everyone’s individual moods. All the excitement and attention of a photo shoot can lead little children to tire quickly. We’ll either move quickly and keep things short and sweet, or we’ll slow down and take breaks as needed. Older children generally can understand the prompts and guidance, and our sessions tend to move more quickly. Bigger families tend to need more time, whereas, with an only child, we may need only 30 minutes to get plenty of great images.

I want you to know that we will go with the flow, and I will communicate with you when I think we’ve got our shots or your littles are just done.

Preparing for a Family Photography Session

Now that you know a bit more about what to expect at a family photography session with me, you’re probably wondering what you can to do prepare. I’ll be sharing different suggestions to help get each family member prepared before our session and give advice on what to wear. You can also read this article on preparing your kids for a session or check out my Instagram for quick tips.