1.  Plan your outfits at least a week before the session.   Coordinate your outfits -- add layers, jewelry, etc.  To see some examples check out my pinterest page on coordinating outfits.  

2.  Set out your outfits the night before the session and make sure you have everything ready.  You want the hours before your session calm and relaxed.

3. Arrive to your session at least ten minutes before your scheduled time. 

4. Arrive dressed and ready to go.  

5. Bring extra makeup, baby wipes and bottled water to the session. 

6.  Make sure everyones faces are clean -- this includes but is not limited to their mouth, nose and teeth.

7.  Make sure everyone is well fed!  Don't pull out snacks during the session unless you want those snacks in your images!

8.  Nails + Eyebrows:  Please clean up your eyebrows before your photo session! And your hands will likely be in at least a few photos, so make sure they look how you want them to look (i.e. fancy manicure is not necessary, but please, no chipped polish!)

9.   A few days prior, make sure you stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.  This will help keep your skin clear and eyes bright! Don’t stress if you wake up with blemishes the day of your session.  

10.  Unless you want all images of everyone looking at the camera -- focus on snuggling with your family -- kiss them on the cheek, tickle them, play with them as though I'm not there!

11.  Bring any props you would like to use -- examples include favorite books, toys, a pretty quilt. 

Additional Tips for families:  

1.  When I'm just photographing your child/ren -- you get to be my assistant ... which means we will be dancing and doing all sorts of things to get your child/ren to laugh!  I really love honest images where children are just being themselves and laughing vs. giving me a fake grin.  And you are the expert on getting the laughs.  Just be sure that you are standing directly behind me because they WILL be looking at you ... so, if you are to the left, they will be looking to the left in all the images. 

2.  Keep the hours prior to our session calm and relaxed. 

3.  If anyone in your family is sick, please reschedule!

Additional tips for high school seniors:

1.   What to wear: You should bring at least 4-5 different looks to your session. We may not shoot them all, but it’s always great to have options. Think in shades of casual/cozy to more formal/dressy, but keeping all options in line with your personality and style. Think about necklines and a variety of textures of fabric, lace, etc. Clothes that fit close to your body are more flattering in photos. Think about colors that compliment your skin tones (colors that compliment your eyes, skin tone or hair are great). Layers are great (jackets, flannel shirts, wraps, etc.) to give us options. Try to avoid flashy or busy patterns.  Examples:  Skinny jeans, heels, a fitted top and cute necklace and earrings.  A sundress, layered sweater, flats or if a short dress, cowboy boots.   A little black dress.