How To Appear Natural And Relaxed In Family Portraits.

1. Let Go Of All Expectations.


Letting go will take some pressure off and help you relax and enjoy this occasion. Remember - the perfect family portrait may be different than the one you have in your mind! Relax & have fun.


2. Why So Serious?


Remember to be silly, play, laugh and let go. Make your family photo session a fun event, something to look forward to.



3. Focus On Yourself.


It’s a common mistake to focus on getting everyone else looking perfect. Focus on looking your best yourself, and leave everyone else to me.



4. Keep It Moving!


Moving between shots is actually the best way to create authentic and candid images. Even supermodels move between their shots!



5. Remember To Breathe.


It's obvious, but oh so easily forgotten. Deep breaths will help you calm your nerves and slow your heart rate!

Easy And Fun Tricks When Photographing Kids.

Ah, the coveted family photoshoot with the little ones.


Be it your first shoot with your kids or your tenth one, one thing will always stay true - you'll be nervous.


And that's completely okay! I get it, you booked this session months in advance, wanting the ideal images that would commemorate this stage of your lives, and you feel the pressure to have everything go perfectly.


But as we all know (including me, so don't you worry about that), kids are their own little people, with plans and ideas of their own, and keeping them locked in can be challenging to say the least.


So, to ease your mind and ensure that you have a good time during the session, I put together the best tips on reeling in your children:


1. Get Your Kids On Board In Advance!


Being prepared is the best strategy. About a week or two before the scheduled shoot, sit your little ones down and have a talk with them. Tell them about the shoot, how important it is, and how much fun it's going to be. Really try to sell them on the idea!


Talk about how important it is that they behave and listen to the nice photographer lady (please don't try to scare them by saying I'm mean and strict). Consider planning a family outing afterward to some place they might enjoy, be it the movies, or their favorite food place.



2. Get Them Involved!


Like I mentioned before, your kids are their own little people. And treating them as such is bound to make them more invested and interested in the session.


Involve them in the planning and decision-making process. Let them help choose some of the clothes they will wear out of preselected options we've discussed. Ask them if there is a certain pose they want to strike. Let them choose and bring their favorite stuffed animal.



3. Get Silly, Have Fun, And Take Breaks!


What's the point of professional photos if everyone pictured in them is looking miserable and tense?


So, get silly! Run around with your kids, joke with them, pick them up, and spin them around! Don't forget to take quick breaks in between and just let them, and yourself, be!


We'll have enough time for some classic posing pictures. Have some fun and I'll make sure to frame your family's energy the way it truly is. This way everyone is relaxed and feeling good when we get to the "serious" pictures.



4. When All Else Fails - Use Bribes.


Okay, so you tried everything and they're still not so keen on the whole "lady with a camera taking pictures of us", thing.


Well... give them something they ARE interested in. A reward or treat can be all they need to be on their best behavior. The fun cinema outing or tasty goodies can be had only if they behave. When will they know? When the shoot ends! A little anticipation never hurt anyone.


P.S. Just going to ask for a favor - please keep any sticky-finger or stain-inducing reward until after the shoot!



5. Have No Fear, A Professional Is Here!


Remember - it's not your job when to tell your kids to smile, sit straight, look at the camera, or stay put. It's mine. You're just taking part in a photoshoot, just as much as they are.


I will make sure to talk to them, and you, and guide your family while making sure that everyone is relaxed and having a good time.


I've been here before and I know what to do. All you have to do is show up and look good, and I will take care of the rest. So ease, your mind, you're not alone - we're in this together!


Senior Session Tips


Choose Outfits That Feel Like You

  • Bring at least one outfit that feels like your everyday best self.
  • For full sessions (Collections II + III) add variety: dressy + casual, jeans + statement pieces.
  • Don't forget to iron or steam clothing ahead of time.
  • Solid colors, earth tones, and light neutrals photograph beautifully.


Think About Props or Personal Touches

  • Bring items that represent your passions
  • Sports gear
  • Instruments
  • Books
  • Letter jackets
  • Your car
  • Pets (yes, please!)
  • Cap + Gown (for Spring session or Collection III)


Hair & Makeup Tips

  • Go for polished but natural - whatever helps you feel confident.
  • Avoid trying something totally new the day of the session.
  • If possible, do a makeup trial or schedule it earlier in the day.


Be Yourself - That's The Magic!

  • I'll guide you through poses that feel natural, but your best expressions come when you're relaxed.
  • laugh. Move. Be goofy. Be still. This is your story.


Bring a Hype Person

  • A parent, best friend, or sibling can help you feel relaxed and bring real smiles to the session.


Don't Stress - We've Got This.

  • I'll help with posing, location selection, outfit timing, and more.
  • We'll have fun, and you'll walk away with images that feel like you.