{7 Tips} to Stress Free Session

When it comes to family picture day, a lot of stress is typically associated with days leading up to the session. I’m here to help you relax and be prepared all at the same time. Here are some tips:

1. Find the outfits you want everyone to wear a month in advance and set them aside somewhere safe. Then try them on ahead of time to ensure everything fits, then clean and press clothing for the big day too. Don’t forget about shoes, jewelry, belts, and other accessories. Shoes and matching socks are often overlooked with young children, be sure to double check they still fit too!

2. About three to four days prior to the session, start talking with your husband and kids about the session and what will happen and how they should behave. If you plan to use a reward, now is a good time to set that in place. Continue to talk to your children daily to prepare them for the session.

3. Two days prior to the session, pack a bag of everything you will need on picture day – snacks, props, rewards, etc. and put it somewhere you can grab it and go. Be sure to include wipes in case things get messy, an extra hairbrush, and other “emergency” items, such as bobby pins and a backup lipstick.

4. On the day of the session, make sure everyone is well fed (plan ahead a slow cooker meal), but not overfed. We don’t want sick little tummies from overeating, but we don’t want anyone getting “hangry” either. Do not get your family dressed in their photo clothes until after they have eaten and brushed their teeth. This will prevent spills and other messy accidents. If you session isn’t around a meal time, pack non-messy light colored snacks like crackers, granola bars, foods that won’t stain faces or clothing.

5. If you have young children, avoid any colored drinks the day of the session until after we are finished. Also, get them to wear a bib or drop cloth if they drink anything on the way to the session to save their shirts from wet spots or stains.

6. Once you get to the session, try to relax. If you have set a reward, please let me know so I can use that throughout the session if the children get restless. Trust your photographer - know that I will take care of things and will deliver amazing photos of your family.

7. If you are running late, please don’t argue and rush your family. I purposely schedule my sessions with time to allow for this very reason. A stressed frantic parent and child do not photograph well…and it makes husbands grumpy too!