Gone are the days when 99% of your images were you smiling for the camera; documentary storytelling is in and I AM HERE FOR IT. I understand it’s not for everyone - I can hear grandma now: “why isn’t anyone looking at the camera?” But in my opinion, it’s the most authentic way to show who your family is and document un-forced moments that posing for the camera would lack. I’ve put together a small list of “success criteria” I personally set as your photographer from your pre-session mindset to end result, and tips you can take when planning yours.

1. IT’S NOT A SESSION - IT’S AN MEMORY-MAKING OUTING THAT I’M DOCUMENTING
Once you flip this mindset, it takes a lot of pressure off of you thinking you have to perform. I want you to play and explore our location as you would normally do, and get so lost in each other that you forget that I’m even there. Sure, I’ll help prompt you into positions that encourage closeness and emotion, but the goal here is zero posing!

2. LETTING THE KIDS BE KIDS
No need to direct them to look at the camera or have them say cheese. We go with the flow when it comes to littles. Watch your tone, keep the conversation light - tense situations or being told to act a certain way will keep their personalities from shining through. If it doesn’t feel like chore, you’ll be so surprised how fast the full hour flies by without a meltdown. Oh, and bring snacks and their favorite toy for a little bit of bribery!

3. DAD HAD FUN
For the most part, men hate getting photos taken. One of my biggest suggestions is to give Dad a pep talk ahead of the session. Let him know what these photos mean to you and what they will eventually mean to your children. For ONLY one hour, urge him to be affectionate, playful, and complicit. Many dads I work with leave saying, “That wasn’t bad at all!”

4. MOM FELT BEAUTIFUL
Unless you prioritize photos being an investment you make multiple times a year, sessions are a special event. Do what you can that makes you feel your best, whether it’s getting hair and makeup done, splurging on a new dress, or even letting me know what your insecurities are so I can do my best in concealing those.

5. COLLABORATED WITH ME ON STYLING AND LOCATION
Again, this is a special event - get out of your comfort zone and let me help you dress in a way that elevates the look of your images. All clients of mine receive a styling guide and have access to my client closet full of dresses and other accessories that take your images up a notch. And if you’re ready to dive in head first and submit to the process, I can send you Pinterest inspiration boards and links for you to purchase items via a styling platform called Style & Select. These are not everyday photos so ditch the everyday wear. Plus, anything I can do ahead of time to elevate the stress of you having to shoulder all this by yourself is a win in my book!

6. PRINTED THEIR IMAGES
Love seeing my sessions on social media as profile images and cover photos, but the ULTIMATE goal is to get them displayed in your home. Stay away from using quick, 1-hour drugstores and big box locations, and use a reputable consumer photo lab that maintains the color profile I intend the images to be with my editing. I can give you recommendations for self-printing or put in an order with a professional lab, so just ask!

If you’re ready to book a session with me, click here: LET’S MAKE MAGIC.