Photographs are a big event for families. And there are a lot of expectations. You spent so much time finding the right photographer, scheduling your session, figuring out what to wear, where to go, and then the big day comes and things don’t always seem to go the way you thought they would. It’s a universal truth that the more you plan for something, the more things seem to go sideways. But here’s the truth: while photographs are something you may only do once a year, it’s something I do all the time. There a few key things to making sure your experience is a memorable one and you get the images you’ve always wanted. Here are a few things I wish clients knew before their session:
1 - Your kids are behaving just like any other kid.
If there's one single universal truth, it's that kids are unpredictable. Some kids love being photographed. Some don’t. Some explore. Some cuddle. Some, don’t. It’s all up to them. And it’s never my goal to force them into doing something they don’t want to do. Instead, the goal is to capture them as they are. As they want to be; as you remember them. Interacting with you and loving on you the way only they can do.
2 - Let me do the work, I want you to enjoy the time with your family.
Don’t worry about your hair or saying “cheese!” In fact, you don’t need to worry about anything at all. When your session starts, let me do the work. I’ll direct you and your family, I’ll double check your hair, I’ll make your kids laugh. Spend your time focusing on your kids and I’ll take care of the rest. The best images happen when you’re enjoying the experience.
3 - What you wear matters (but also, it doesn't really matter at all)
For many clients, wardrobe is the most daunting part of the photography experience. After all, it’s one thing you can plan and prepare for at home before you ever see me. And what you wear matters. I am picky about a lot of things, and, because it can effect the aesthetic outcome of your images, wardrobe is certainly one of them. But here’s the secret: what you wear pales in comparison to the emotion that comes through with genuine connections. Breath into the moment and let the rest fade away. Ultimately, the most important thing is connection.
4 - Your session means as much to me as it does to you.
I know that these images are meant to last you a lifetime, and I take that responsibility seriously. I want these images to live on in your home and get passed down from mother to daughter to granddaughter. I want you look back on them fondly and think of the silly story that it took to get the image. I want you to smile when you look at your children’s gap-toothed smiles and chuckle about how wonderful they are.
5 - You are beautiful and I think you are amazing.
Moms, I’m talking to you now. You are beautiful. I know it’s not always easy to think of ourselves that way (I include myself in that group), but we are. When our families look at us, they see a mom, wife, friend. They don’t see the little things about ourselves that we’re always nit-picking. Don’t left self-consciousness get in the way. Get in the frame. Get portraits of you with your children. Then make sure you tell them how happy you are that you have them.
