As a busy film photographer in Raleigh, North Carolina I tend to get a lot of questions from parents on advice for prepping for upcoming sessions with me. That being said, I decided today to go over three of my best tips for having an awesome family session! I’m really excited about sharing this one, so let’s jump right in!

My first piece of advice is to let kids be kids. My friends, I have seen it all. I want you to know that I am not going to come into your home to judge you. I want to capture your family as you are, silliness and all! I also want you to not worry about directing or trying to get your kids to look at the camera. The best pictures are the natural unforced ones. So sweet friends, just snuggle your kids and love on them, play with them and watch the magic unfold…

My second piece of advice is to talk to your kids about our session. Be sure to talk about me and our fun photo session prior to my arrival at your house so your children will be anticipating and excited for this day. This day is so much about them and all the joy they add to your family. Please don’t feel stressed if your children are not cooperating. Children are magical and they usually require very little prompting to get a natural reactions or expressions. Please refrain from asking your child to “say cheese” in attempt to get them to smile for a photo as this typically produces an unnatural smile. I can work around anything and I have lots of tricks up my sleeve. I promise I am capturing connections and moments throughout our session.

My third and final piece of advice is to embrace the chaos. If things get crazy (and I’m pretty sure they will), go with it. Embrace the craziness. Laugh with your kids. Relax and giggle. Have a tickle fight. A little craziness brings out everyone’s best side! I will be there snapping away getting all the fun documented and giggling along with you.

There you have it! My top three tips for a smooth sailing family session. Do you have more questions? Feel free to drop me a message and I would love to chat with you more on this!

Interested in scheduling a session in 2019? Most family and newborn sessions are typically done in your home + fave places...we usually always venture outside around your home to play  (weather permitting). Some folks like to do just their house and yard, some folks like to do just one room of their house and their favorite park up the road. We're not meeting in some random park or place you've never been before. These are the places that matter most to you. This stage/house/moment you're at right now will be totally different and changed and just "where in the world did time go?" a year from now. Take the time to capture your here and now. I promise you will NEVER regret preserving those in-between moments. Call or email me for session details (or just click this link right here).