My *ultimate* goal (no pun intended) is to make your family photography session go as smooth as possible, and part of that is giving you all the information you may need to make your session, the best session.

It may seem like an information overload, but at the end of this blog there’s a simplified list that I highly recommend copying and pasting, then printing out to make this go even smoother.

First things first: Booking your photographer. When you are searching for a photographer you will browse through their portfolio and know almost right away if you love their work or not. Find a photographer in your area (and also in your budget) that you love! Ask them all of the questions that you may have (Here are some great questions to ask), and this one is important: Ask them about their rescheduling policy. Life can be chaotic sometimes, and if you have a kiddo that is prone to illness or injury it’s much better to be safe, and not sorry. Now heres the fun part, get booked!

Here’s a little recap of your first steps:

• Find a photographer in your families budget
• Ask them all the questions
• Get on their books

If you’re all about the details, like I am, and it’s in your budget, I highly recommend booking a hair and nails appointment! While it’s not required by any means, you can’t go wrong with getting all done up for a session as important as this one. So, if it’s in your budget, get in your stylists books about one month before your session. (I recommend getting your hair done about 1-2 weeks before your session, and getting your nails not 1-2 days prior.) If you need recommendations for either, don’t be shy! My go-to girls are amazing at what they do! Oh, I almost forgot… Let’s avoid the spray tan. Self and spray tans can create a strange orange glow in camera, and if it goes sideways, there’s no way I can fix it in editing. So lets play it safe and avoid it altogether.

Now is the time to:

• Book hair & nail appointments
• Skip the spray tan

At this point your session is only a week or two away! You’re getting closer! This is the perfect time to apply your knowledge from the Style Guide, and choose the perfect outfits. Whether you’re buying new, or digging in closets you want to choose your families outfits at least two weeks in advanced.. No rushed shopping sprees here! (Trust me, it’s the worst!) This also ensures you’re comfortable in your clothes, and you won’t be surprised by bra straps and sneaky panty lines.

This is also the perfect time to mentally prepare your family. Remind them that you have booked a very important photoshoot, when it will be, and what they can expect. Feel free to show kiddos pictures of your sessions location, or maybe even take a drive and visit it in person.

This means your one-to-two-week list is:

• Plan your outfits
• Get your family excited!

There’s 3-5 days before your family photoshoot… You’re in the home-stretch! By now your hair is done (And it’s looking FABULOUS) and your nail appointment is approaching. You’ve still got a little bit think about. Choose accessories, double check bra straps and panty lines, undershirt lines for men, and how well fitted clothes are for the little ones, this way you’re 100% satisfied with how your photos turn out and there are no surprises.

This next one may seem obvious, however, make sure you and your family are drinking plenty of water. Staying well hydrated before your session can help your skin look hydrated and extra glowy on camera, and come one, who doesn’t want that!? Glowy photos here we come!! (It’s getting really exciting now)

3-5 days before your session, you should:

• Double check everyone’s outfits
• Choose accessories
• Hydrate
• Get even more excited!

Your family session is tomorrow! It’s getting real! Your hair is still looking fabulous, your nails have now joined the gorgeous party, and you & the fam are staying hydrated. Things are looking great! Just a few more things left on the list… I promise!

If you have multiple outfits (and you photographer is aware of that!) make sure they are all packed up, alongside their coordinating shoes and accessories. And don’t forget your normal going-out bag. I don’t need to tell you what’s in it, you already know! But snacks for kiddos (That’s a BIG one! Hangry kiddos don’t like to cooperate!), and extra diapers for the wee-lads are a must. Maybe even plan for an epic post-session ice cream outing… Who doesn’t love ice cream!?

Finally, get some amazing rest, and keep hydrating! You’ve got a day packed full of fun ahead, you want to feel refreshed and ready to tackle it all!

That makes your final pre-session checklist look like this:

• Pack all the bags
• Don’t forget the snacks!
• Keep hydrating
• Get a good nights sleep

Now we can look at this list as a whole. (This is what you’ll want to keep on hand) You don’t want to forget anything!

Booking:

• Find a photographer in your families budget
• Ask them all the questions
• Get on their books

One month before:

• Book hair & nail appointments
• Skip the spray tan

One to two weeks before:

• Plan your outfits
• Get your family excited!

Three to five days before:

• Double check everyone’s outfits
• Choose accessories
• Hydrate
• Get even more excited!

The day before:

• Pack all the bags
• Don’t forget the snacks!
• Keep hydrating
• Get a good nights sleep

This guide may seem a little silly, a little overkill… But there is no better way to ensure a smooth family session than staying prepared! If there are any unanswered questions, don’t be afraid to reach out. I would love to help you feel more comfortable before, and during, your family session. I can’t wait to meet you!