Can I tell you the number one thing I hear from moms before their session? Some version of this: I am so sorry in advance. My kids never cooperate for photos. And every single time I want to say: good. I am counting on it.

Here is what I actually want you to know before your session – practical, honest advice from someone who has photographed a lot of real families with a lot of real kids..and who has kids of her own.

Lower Your Expectations for Cooperation (Seriously)

The biggest gift you can give yourself is releasing the idea that the session needs to go a certain way. Kids are wildly unpredictable and will choose the worst possible moment to decide they hate their shoes. And that is okay. Some of the most beautiful photos I have ever taken happened during what the parent thought was a disaster. A meltdown that turned into a mama holding her child close, completely in her own world. A toddler who refused to sit still and ran straight into dad’s arms. Let go of the outcome. The photos will be better for it.

Time It Right

Try to schedule during your child’s best window – not right before nap, not right after a long day. If your toddler is a morning person, let’s shoot in the morning. If they come alive after 4pm, golden hour it is. A well-rested, well-fed kid is a completely different experience than a hungry, tired one.

Bring the Snacks

I cannot stress this enough. Snacks are magic. Keep them out of sight until needed, then deploy strategically. Mini marshmallows, goldfish, fruit snacks – whatever your child’s currency is, bring it. We can always take a snack break and pick back up.

Don’t Hype It Up Too Much

Telling your kids for two weeks that they need to be on their best behavior for the big photo day will backfire. Kids feel the pressure, and pressure makes everything harder. Instead, keep it casual. We are going to the park and a nice lady is going to take some pictures. Low stakes, low stress. I want them to feel like we are all having fun together!

Be Present With Them

The most important thing you can bring to your session is not an outfit or a plan — it is your presence. Put your phone away, forget about the to-do list waiting at home, and just be with your kids. Get on their level. Laugh at the things they think are funny. Let them drag you into whatever game they have invented on the spot.

Trust Me to Handle the Rest

I have photographed kids mid-tantrum, babies who cried the whole session, toddlers who refused to put down their toy trucks. Every single one of those families walked away with photos they love. You do not need to manage your kids during our session. You just need to be present with them. I will handle everything else.

The parents who walk away with their favorite photos ever are almost always the ones who stopped thinking about the camera entirely and just… showed up for their kids. That shift from performing to being present is where the magic happens. And I will be right there to catch it.

Ready to book? Messy hair, uncooperative toddlers, and all – I am here for it.

Reach out here and let’s get your session on the calendar!

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