These are the days to remember.
As the final months of the year roll in I always begin thinking about how quickly the year has flown by and all the little things I don’t want to forget. This is what pushes me to offer these mini sessions- to help all the moms and dads to freeze a little moment of fleeting magic. The seasons are fleeting, I know our memory can fail us more often than not, and I know these little glimpses back into your kids childhood will be a gift to you as much as theirs in the years to come.
RULE #1 for family photos
...there are no rules. Seriously. I aim to take images that are like oxygen for your soul. The way you want to remember them. Images not for technical value or the applause of others, but for the way they make you feel, and for what they mean to you. These are the images you will look back upon fondly, and these are the frames that will stir you to write the stories that you long to be told.
THE SHOOT
MY BIGGEST ADVICE
Take some time to be together beforehand
Your session should be something everyone is excited about, not just something you cross off a to-do list. If there's any way that you can take the day (or even the afternoon) off to spend time together in your favorite ways, go for it. Getting in a good, connected headspace will translate in the photos. Treat the whole day like special family time.
Let go of your expectations
and embrace the chaos and imperfection.
Go with whatever presents. The kids might be cranky and your husband may wish he wasn’t there. Your hair may not have worked like you wanted and the cheerios spilled in the car. It honestly does not matter. All that matters is you guys show up and say yes to whatever happens.
Be ready to relax and play
The best photos happen when you are relaxed and laughing. You will have downtime during our time together. You might lay on a blanket or throw rocks in the water with your son. It's OK to relax.
Show your love. Hug, kiss, cuddle, carry, and tickle. Smile. Lean on the people you love.
Take your time. Give extra long hugs. Sit down and see what the kids want to do. Do not stress.
Family photos should be fun, not a chore. Relax and have fun and your photos will show it.
All you have to do is show up relaxed and ready to hang out with your favorite people. If there are certain images you want to make sure I get, please let me know and I will do my best to include them. Otherwise just come relaxed, I’ll go through my usual shot list and leave room for candid shots as well. You don’t need to prepare yourself or any poses.
If you have any other questions about our session, please send me an email. I can’t wait for our time together!
Need a little more wardrobe inspiration? Check out my updated fall Pinterest board: