How to set yourself up for success, for your family session!

I realize that the stress lands on you Moms, most of the time, when it comes to family portrait prep! Let me give you some secrets and tips to set you and your family up for a successful family shoot!

Plan your outfits--use my tips for colors palettes, texture and layers. Don't wait until the last

minute to finalize your outfits--that just adds to the stress. Like I always say, shop

your closets first. It easiest to start with the girls of the family: Moms or little sisters. But if you just have little boys, start with Mom, you have to be comfortable and feel confident in what you're wearing. After you nail down moms and/or the little girls in the family, move to the boys and then Dad. Dads are usually easier to dress--but don't forget to make their shirt/pants etc coordinate with the rest of the family.

Prep your kids with your expectations prior to the day of! If you are going to be using

any sort of reward--talk it up! I'm happy to even gently remind the kids of their reward--I however and very laid back, and don't expect your kids to be on perfect behavior for your entire session--we can joke, laugh and take some silly shots if that adds to the fun! I promise to make the sessions as fun as possible and I try to work quickly with little kids especially so we don't lose their attention!

Prep Dad/Husband--I know, many times this isn't Dad's favorite way to spend his Saturday morning etc. But remind him that the kids will play off his behavior, and again I PROMISE to make the session as pain-free and quick as possible, while still providing the family portraits you're wishing for! As a whole, if you can remind everyone that their behavior and attitude play a big part in the way the session goes-- for sure the best listeners tend to make for the smoothest session, which in all reality makes for a easier, quicker session!

Let your kids have fun! Of course, I know you want them to listen and be easy to work with--but they are kids, and my favorite part of my job is working with kids (remember I used to be a preschool teacher) so I am very patient and want there to be fun associated with working with me! So don't let the stress of worrying about IF they will be good etc ruin the whole session for you--I promise, we will get some good shots,

Set your expectations accordingly, if you have a four-year-old, energetic boy, don't expect

him to be sitting shot after shot--we will be on the move to try to keep him entertained and engaged. Just adjust your expectations to match the stage of life you are in--give them a little grace--I promise one day you will get ALL the posed family portraits with older children and I know you will still cherish the toddler family portraits too, mark my words--these images will be of your most favorite people and you will cherish them!!

I can't wait to see you for your next family session! As always, feel free to ask me any questions--I'm always happy to help make your session the most stress free it can be!!

Hugs,

trent