THIS ONE'S FOR THE FAMILIES + EXPECTING MOMS
So you’ve just booked your maternity or family session with me and you’re excited, SAME!!! But you’re probably thinking to yourself, "What's next?" This guide will walk you through the steps you'll need to do to get your family ready for your photoshoot with me. The purpose of this session is to capture your family as it is, chaos and all. We want to make sure that everyone is represented, whether you are expecting, have one little baby or five teenagers! Expect to have a great time with plenty of laughter, hugs, kisses, and snuggles!
THE FIRST STEP
SELECTING A LOCATION
When it comes to choosing a location for your family session, the first thing to consider is the vibes you want to create. Do you want to go on an adventure or just stay at home and snuggle? Do you want to splash around on the shore or frolic in the fields (I promise there will be frolicking wherever we go!)? It's easy to narrow down your location options when you know what kind of vibes and style you want.
My recommendation to you is to choose something that your children will enjoy. They will be happier if their surroundings excite them. Finding somewhere interesting enough to keep them happy is the key!
If you haven't been able to dive into my location guide just yet, click below!
UP NEXT, STYLING
WHAT TO WEAR?
You might be tempted to run out and buy an entirely new outfit (believe me, I'm always looking for an excuse to shop hehe!) However, you should think about wearing some of your favorite pieces that you currently own! It will make a huge difference in how you act in front of the camera if you are comfortable in your outfit. Wearing something you already know you like will give you that confidence boost you've been looking for! This is especially true for children. Make sure they've tried on the outfits you want them to wear as new clothes can be uncomfortable at times.
We've established that you must feel fantastic in whatever you're wearing, but if the outfit doesn't spring to mind right away, here are a few pointers to get you started!
Also, changing outfits during a session always takes more time than my clients expect, so in order to maximize shooting time and give you the highest number of photos possible, I recommend the number of outfits (as follows) to keep stress low and the number of photos in your final gallery high:
Families: 1 outfit
Maternity + Couples: 1-2 outfits
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- Consider the location. Make sure you're dressed in a way that allows you to move easily (there will be a lot of it!). If you usually wear heels, remember to pack a pair of rubber shoes or slip-ons in case we need to embark on an adventure to get to our destination!
- Solid color outfits are the way to go because prints are sometimes distracting. However, if you would like to go with a print, make sure it isn't too loud.
- Wearing the same clothes may be super tempting because it’s cute, but it’s not a good idea. It won't help the kids stand out. Instead of wearing the same thing, try to coordinate. Mix and match the base neutrals that you've chosen. It's also a good idea to dress as if you're all going to the same place.
- When it comes to dress coordination in a family, I find it easiest to start with one outfit or a color palette. Use that outfit as a starting point for other outfits. Use the same base neutrals in each ensemble and experiment with different ways to add your pops of color. Keep in mind the location that you have chosen. You don't want to clash with the trees or even your own house decor.
- This is not the time to experiment with a new look. Put on something you'd ordinarily put on. If dresses aren't your style and you rarely wear them, don't feel obligated to do so. There are other options for looking nice without leaving your comfort zone. In these photos, you want to look like yourself. Remember that feeling at ease and confident is crucial!
- Take into account the weather! If it's raining or snowing, make sure you're prepared with your cute outerwear!
OUTFITS FOR THE KIDS
Keep these things in mind when choosing outfits for children:
- Clothing with a character theme should be avoided. Keep brands, photos, and graphics away from their favorite shows, such as Paw Patrol or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Even if it's their favorite shirt, it'll be a major distraction in the session.
- Make sure they're wearing the same socks!
- It is essential that they can move freely in their clothes.
If you're still lost, look on Pinterest for ideas, and if you want my input, send me images of your outfit(s). I’m always a message away!
INCLUDING THE FUR BABIES
Do you want to bring your pet with you? Say less! Many dogs have accompanied us on sessions. It may help you limit your options, as some areas aren't as dog-friendly as others! It provides you with another element to use (besides each other) and allows you to take some cute family shots! We all know that pets are an important component of a relationship!
I highly recommend having a family member or friend nearby to help with them while they're not in photos!
CANDID MOMENTS & INTENTIONAL POSES
I make every effort to ensure that your photos do not appear “too posed". Instead, I'll point you in the right direction and tell you what to do, and then it'll be up to you to make it your own. I'm not going to instruct you exactly where to put your hands or how to stand. My instructions are often vague, allowing you to be yourself! Plus, I don't think I need to teach you how to be a family; you're already pros!
The best tip I can give you is to NEVER. STOP. MOVING. Seriously, the more movement you do, the more photos you will get. You'll get one shot from a pose if I give you a direction and you stand still.

But if you follow my advice and move around, you'll get a lot more variety. This type of photography is ideal for children because they are often unaware that they are being photographed! Feel free to deviate from any of my instructions; kisses, hugs, and tickles are all welcome at any moment!
We're going to have a lot of fun. I'll be making a fool of myself in the hopes of making your kids laugh, and I fully anticipate them being silly as well. I want to encourage as much individuality as possible, and I recommend that you do the same.

Be true to yourself! Remember, these are photos of you, so don't strive to look like that family photo you saw on Pinterest. We'll try a few different shots, and it's fine if not all of them work out. The ones that do come out will be the most authentic and beautiful representations of you and your family!
BECOME A STORYTELLER WITH YOUR PROPS
include something that feels like you
You've properly coordinated your attire and found the most beautiful outfits. But how else can you make your family photographs more unique and significant besides the apparel and background?
Small elements can often make a family portrait stand out from the rest, and these small details are usually the props you use in your photos. While you may use almost anything as a prop, the ones you choose for your family portrait should represent something to you.
Not only will the correct prop give you something to engage with and help you feel more at ease in front of the camera, but it will also reveal who you are as a family.
Props aren't required or expected, of course. In fact, I don't use props in the majority of my family sessions. However, they can occasionally provide an added layer of enjoyment, particularly when toddlers are involved.
ULTRASOUNDS
BLANKETS
FLOWERS
CHAIRS
PICNIC SPREAD
MY TOP 5 TIPS
- Before the session, talk to your kids about it. It's better not to catch them off guard. If they know what's coming, they can prepare themselves (even toddlers require some forewarning!). You can show them my photo and tell them that a silly buddy will be taking their pictures, but don't worry, they won't have to sit and smile for an hour!
- My outdoor sessions are usually held at sunset. Shooting around sunset creates the beautiful light you see in photos. In the summer, some families' sunsets are later than others. Please consider having your child nap later in the day or scheduling your session for sunrise.
- Arrive on time and prepared to begin your session. Because your session is timed according to the light, please factor in traffic and other things. If you need time to get your children ready or settled, arrive early to the session.
- Make sure everything is ready the night before so you aren't scrambling in the morning; you don't want to be stressed out before your session!
- Speaking of food, make sure the children are well fed, hydrated and rested before the shoot. It’s also good to keep it light the morning of the shoot. You can always bring some snacks, especially if we are adventuring!
JUST ONE LAST THING
I know I just gave you A LOT to think about! Don’t panic :) Just take it one step at a time. I provided a Checklist for you below to help you stay organized and on top of things! But if you have any questions at any point, please know I’m here for you! If you’re deciding between two dresses and can’t commit, no problem! I’m here. If you love three locations but can’t make up your mind, no worries! I can help with that, too. If you need a recommendation of any kind, I’m on it! Remember, I’m just an email away :)
session CHECKLIST
- Water bottles (especially for summer sessions)
- Snacks in case someone gets hungry or needs a little bribe.
- A brush, hairspray, and/or gel are all useful tools. Do you have faith in your hair to stay in place for 1-2 hours?
- A little makeup bag for touch-ups.
- A towel in case somebody perspires too much.
- Umbrellas because weather is unpredictable.
- A change of clothes. You may wish to change things up (and you are free to do so!) So make sure you remember to bring it with you. It's also useful to have a back-up plan in the case of an accident.
- Shoes that are both comfortable and stylish!
- Your kids. As tempting as it is to leave them at home, it won’t be that bad heheh
At the end of the day, though, the location you choose and the outfits you wear won’t matter nearly as much as the fun we have together and the memories you make. The style choices you make will definitely enhance your photos, but the most important accessory to bring with you is a joyful attitude – which is the one that makes the biggest difference in your photos anyways. You don’t need to have prior experience in front of the camera. Just show up with a smile and I’ll take care of the rest :)
LITTLE SUMMARY
KEY TAKEAWAY POINTS
- Take into account your session location, you want to stand out and not blend into the scenery.
- Neutrals and earth tones are always great and photograph beautifully! Try to avoid bright colors, they tend to reflect onto you and your partner's skin tone.
- Avoid small, thin lines as they create the moire effect and that cannot be corrected in post processing. If you're wearing a pattern, ideally it should be bigger than a dime.
- If you've booked a session that is over 30 minutes, you are more than welcome to do an outfit change and I have a portable changing tent just in case your session location does not offer a changing area.
- Choose outfits that you feel comfortable and happy about yourself in!
- Remember, the goal is to coordinate your looks and not be too matchy-matchy. Try on your outfits together and see what feels right!
We're going to have so much fun!
So excited to see you!
Lots of Love,
Halie
