Family sitting closely together on blue couch while holding and admiring newborn baby wrapped in gray blanket.

1. Focus on the Love


I don't want you to be stiff and stressed and worried about your kids being on their best behavior at all times.


If you are calm cool and collected, most likely your kids will feel that and things will fall into place.


Remind yourself why you wanted to have these photos- not for stiff family portraits, but for the joyful moments and real smiles.

Family spends quality time together sitting on a sandy beach during golden hour at sunset.

2. Don't yell


There is nothing like speaking firmly at your kids one second and then expecting them to smile and be happy the next. I give you permission to ignore the bad behavior for this one hour of time.

I will prompt you to hug, snuggle, kiss tickle, chase after, dance laugh, and joke.

Family sharing a tender moment on rocks by wooden pier during golden sunset.

3. Let Go and Trust


Let me be the one to give direction to everyone. If the kids are hearing directions from you and then

myself, they may get confused of who to listen to. Let me talk to them and gain some trust. I'll give lots of positive feedback and you can too!

I may even pull the kids aside away from you for a few minutes for some photos which can help with

behavior at times. They always behave better for other people than their own parents for some reason!

People running and playing near a wooden pier during a golden beach sunset.

4. Play and have fun!


Focus on exploring the location, talking to your kids, asking them to pick flowers, allowing them to climb and get dirty.

Family walking together on sandy beach path under dramatic stormy sky.

5. Be Flexible


And know that I will be too!


If something isn't going well I can usually sense it and will suggest moving to another spot or trying something else.


I may even let the kids have a break and take some grown up photos only- this almost always makes the kids want to be in the pictures!

Family relaxing together on grey couches in a bright living room.

6. Good Vibes Only


Focus on the positive- give the kids lots of compliments if something is being done right.

It's hard to do this but you can twist negative commands to positive ones.


Instead of "stop running

away!" you could say "Stay closer to mommy" or "I love it the most when you are near me!"

Group gathered on beach at sunset with dramatic pink sky and ocean waves.

7. Let Your Kids Do Their Thing- Really!


Let them be naughty for this little window of their day- and just laugh at it.

I've seen it all and have two wild boys of my own. Let me capture you as you are in this moment in time.

At the end of the day, the best thing you can do is relax and focus on loving your people.

Let your kids be themselves, trust me to guide the session, and try not to stress if things don’t go exactly as planned.

Some of the most beautiful moments come from the chaos, the play, and the in-between.

Often the magic happens near the end of the session when everyone is more relaxed in front of the camera.

We’re not aiming for perfect—we’re capturing connection.

❤️