I am looking forward to our upcoming session!  Custom photography is an investment, and I want you to look and feel your BEST!  Please take some time to review the following tips so that I can focus on getting images you will cherish for a lifetime.  Being prepared will help you relax and make your session much less stressful and more FUN!


Be on time

We have all been there where you are rushing around, you can’t find anything, and Billy just got marker all over his shirt for the photo session.


My best advice is to give yourself at least an extra hour to get ready especially if you have children!  Please make proper considerations for traffic, parking, getting kids dressed, fashion emergencies and last-minute makeup touch ups.


Please do not over schedule the day of your session if you have children.  This may risk running late for your session but could produce tired and cranky kiddos!  Keeping to your routine as much as possible the day of your session will help us get some great pictures!


I highly encourage families with young children to arrive early so that kids have an opportunity to warm up to the location.  If your session is outdoors, most children will see open space and want to explore.  It’s best to give them some time to run around and explore before the session and this also helps release some energy!


I realize the sometimes things are out of our control but please keep in mind if you are more than 15 minutes late you may be asked to re-schedule your session.


Personal Hygiene for Family, High School Seniors and Headshot clients

  • Brush and floss teeth
  • Clean & trim finger and toenails
  • Men should come well shaved -Please don’t shave immediately prior to your session.  Cuts can take a while to clot!
  • Men should plan a haircut no closer than a week before the session
  • Women should plan hair color and cut appointments to avoid unflattering root growth
  • Makeup should be used to enhance your features (normal to slightly heavier).  Please be mindful that sunscreen and makeup containing sunscreens reflect light and can make your face appear lighter than normal in photographs.  I HIGHLY recommend your makeup be professionally applied for brides, high school senior and headshot clients since your face will be photographed closely.   
  • Bring a bag for makeup & hair touch-ups (hairspray, brush, Q-tips, wipes, hair smoothing serum, blotting sheets)
  • Please do NOT tan for THREE days before your session to avoid red/orange skin (includes self-tanner)
  • Consider contacts over eyeglasses to avoid glass glare
  • Lint brush for excess pet hair or lint


Dressed for success

  • My rule of thumb is to have your clothing options selected one week prior to your session.  This will help minimize any last-minute stress for you.  
  • Lay out all outfits together and see if they coordinate.  It is sometimes easier to draw inspiration and build around an outfit. For example, if you love little Hollie’s print dress, start there, and build everyone else’s outfits off that.
  • Try outfits on prior to your session
  • Outfits should coordinate.  Watch for certain colors or patterns that are distracting.
  • Plan outfits, color choices and footwear around the location of your session.
  • Sit, stand and kneel in front of a mirror.  Are you comfortable and do you like what you see?  If you are not comfortable in and outfit, it will translate in your pictures.
  • Check for unwanted lines, fabrics that are see-through/clingy and slipping straps.
  • Choose outfits for children that aren’t too bulky or have large ornate features that could obstruct a baby's face.  Large bows for little girls can be distracting and often move and need constant adjusting.


You are always welcome to snap a picture on your phone and send to me for advice!


Check out my Pinterest board for fashion inspiration!


Families with children

I understand as a parent that you want everything to be perfect for your session.  Realistically, your child may or may not behave perfectly.  It is my job to capture as much authenticity as possible even during a posed shot so please leave that up to me.  I can’t tell you how many times I missed a shot because mom and dad were looking at the kiddos making sure they were smiling.  I promise I won’t take the shot until everyone is looking when they are supposed to be looking!  I will also be taking candid/natural photographs during the session and while we all wish some things about our appearance were different, I strongly encourage you to let go and be in the moment.  Embrace the family that you helped create and I guarantee you those are the moments you will appreciate years from now.  It breaks my heart when a parent can’t look past themselves and see the joy in their child’s face.  Please put the stereotypical idea of perfection away for your session and embrace the love in your family.  Your kids will thank you later!


Items to consider bringing when you have children

  • Spare outfit for accidental messes
  • Wipes for messes
  • Pacifier
  • Sippy cup or refreshment
  • Small snack (crackers)
  • Treat for rewards (smarties or other treat that won’t discolor lips and tongue)
  • Diapers
  • Stuffed animal or blanket for comfort
  • Blanket for photographs
  • Band-Aids for scrapes


Pet Parents

  • Please exercise your pet before the session
  • Brush & Groom before session
  • Prong and electric collars do not photograph well.
  • Dogs photographed in public should have identification tag and be on a leash for safety
  • Bring a favorite treat and toy to session
  • Unless this is a pet only session, please bring someone along to watch your pet when not being photographed


Sit back, relax and have fun!  I look forward to our session!