5 tips for a joy filled family session!

I know how much work it is to get everyone dressed, coordinating, hair done, drive to your session and trying to make sure everyone is happy and smiling…trust me I KNOW!! I’ve taken the time to write out some helpful tips to make your session experience more fun and enjoyable for everyone!

Pick a location where your kiddos can run around! This is so important because we all know that they can’t hold attention very long. Plus it gives us a few moments to focus on mom & dad!
Don’t be above bribery! The kids are nervous, or excited, or just not having it, and that’s totally fine. We can work with what we’ve got but it surely helps to have a reward to look forward to! Mama’s get creative, you can offer ice cream, tablet/game time, going out to eat or even a game of putt putt! I love when my families make this an entire experience. From getting dressed, twirling for photos and then a special family outing is a sweet time together!
Pick mama’s outfit first! We do this every year for my family because I usually pick the outfits and no one really cares as much as I do! I mean they would all probably think we should go in sweats! But mama isn’t having that! Once you pick your outfit first then you have the style and the color scheme to build on. This makes it much easier to coordinate everyone else’s!
Don’t try to control your kiddos every move during the session! It’s okay for them to run and get their goofy smiles out. Once they get comfortable in front of me/camera we can get the sweet smiles with everyone together. I have two wild kiddos of my own so I understand this scenario very well.
Have fun! Seriously, it’s time to relax and enjoy your time together as a family. Embrace the loudness and goofy faces, let them run and just love it. We are documenting this sweet season of life just as you all are.