Family enjoying a beach sunset, parents playing with two young children at the water's edge on a serene shoreline.
Everything you need to know before we meet.

Preparing for your Family Session

Your session is meant to feel easy, relaxed and natural. You don't need to practice poses or worry about what to do. I’ll gently guide you throughout while leaving plenty of room for natural moments to unfold.


Here are a few simple things to know before your session.

STEP 01

 

Before you Arrive

Try to arrive a few minutes early so we can get started on time and make the most of our beautiful light.


Before your session, take a quick look for anything you may not want showing in your photos:


  • Phones, keys and wallets in pockets
  • Smart watches or hair ties on wrists
  • Sunglasses
  • Bags or extra belongings


If we’re meeting at the beach, shoes can usually stay behind too!

STEP 02

 

During Your Session

Don't worry about trying to make every moment picture-perfect. The best thing you can do is relax, stay present and enjoy the people you're with.


I'll keep things moving and let you know when I need something specific from you. We'll capture the must-have portraits, but we'll also make time for walking, laughing, playing and all those little moments that happen naturally.


If something doesn't go exactly as planned, that's okay. We'll simply keep going. Some of my favorite images come from the unexpected moments.

STEP 03

 

How your session will Flow

We'll typically start with those must-have portraits while everyone is fresh and ready to go. From there, we'll move around, explore the location, and let things become a little more relaxed and playful.


I'll guide you throughout the session, mixing in a variety of groupings, natural interactions, movement, and those little in-between moments along the way.


Every session unfolds a little differently, and that's part of what makes your gallery feel like you.


Just enjoy your time together—I'll take care of the rest.


STEP 04

 

What to Bring

Less is best.


If possible, leave large bags and unnecessary belongings at your rental or in your car.


A few things that can be helpful:


A small towel

Water, especially during warmer months

A brush or comb for windy evenings

Anything small your child may truly need


For beach sessions, I recommend going barefoot. It looks natural, keeps things relaxed and means you don't have to worry about shoes filling with sand.

Sand, Wind & Water Are Welcome

It's the beach!
Mother and daughter dancing on a beach at golden sunset, wearing floral dresses, with reflections on wet sand.

Hair may move. Dresses may blow. Little feet will get sandy. Someone may even end up with wet clothes.


That's okay.


Rather than fighting the elements, I like to work with them. Movement and a little bit of beautiful beach messiness are part of what makes your photographs feel natural.


A Note About the Weather


Coastal weather can change incredibly quickly, and the forecast isn't always an accurate picture of what we'll actually experience at the beach.


I keep a close eye on the weather leading up to every session and will be in touch if I have any concerns.


Clouds, wind or the possibility of a brief shower don't necessarily mean we need to reschedule. Lightning, severe storms, heavy rain, high winds or unsafe conditions may require us to make a change.


I'll always make the final call with your safety and the quality of your session in mind.

Bringing the Kids

 

I don't expect them to be perfect—and you shouldn't either.

 

I like to start with those must-have family portraits while everyone is fresh and I have your children's attention.


Once we have those, we'll loosen things up.


We'll walk, play, run, cuddle and let them be themselves. I don't force children into poses or expect them to sit perfectly still.


If something isn't working, we'll move on.


Sometimes a child needs a minute. Sometimes they need to run. Sometimes they just need a snuggle with Mom or Dad.


That's completely okay.

 

 

Let Me Get Their Attention

 

You don't need to stand behind me calling their name, making noises or asking them to smile.


Having several adults trying to get a child's attention at once can quickly become overwhelming—and usually means they don't know where to look!


Let me work with them.


When I'm trying to get everyone looking at the camera, keep looking at me unless I tell you otherwise. I'll worry about getting their attention and the smiles.


Then, when it's time to play, you can simply enjoy them.

 

 

A Quick Note About Phones & Cameras

 

Please allow me to be the only one photographing during your session.


Having someone taking photos behind me can be distracting, especially for children, and can cause everyone to look in different directions.


You'll have plenty of beautiful photographs to enjoy afterward—I promise!

 

 

Connection Over Perfection

 

Your child doesn't need to look at the camera in every photograph.


Some of the images you may love most are the ones where they're looking at you, laughing with a sibling, holding your hand, running through the water or cuddled against you.


The same goes for the adults.


You don't have to spend the entire session looking at my camera. Look at each other. Laugh. Talk. Hug. Play.


Those are the moments that make your photographs feel like you.

 

Most Importantly...


have fun and enjoy the experience
Family of four sitting on sandy beach dunes with colorful beach houses and palm trees in background.

Come ready to enjoy yourselves.


You don't need perfectly behaved children, perfect weather, perfect hair, perfect poses or perfect smiles.


Just show up as you are, enjoy the people you're with and let me take care of the rest.



 

Easy, Natural & You