I never know what to expect when I show up to a family session. Will the children be wild or shy? Did picking outfits go well that morning? Does everyone want to be there? I met Sarah two years previous to their family shoot at my Mother’s Day portraits at University Village with Village Maternity. We connected and I knew she’d be a repeat client as her family grew. As soon as I stepped into this family’s life, I loved them right away.

Nora, their two-year-old, is high energy and cute. Cathy, the children’s grandmother, jumped into some of our photos and kept Nora occupied the rest of the time. Sarah and her family live with Cathy so she’s very involved in the children’s life, and you could see the connection there. There’s such a press for individuality and striking out on your own, but I love when a family is close enough to live and thrive together. I’m a firm believer in that connection and love to bring it out in family photo shoots.

The pre-shoot questionnaire

I love when people are honest and open in the questionnaire I send out prior to their shoot. It helps me get to know you on a personal level and makes the family photo shoot that much richer. Sarah opened up in her answers by admitting that she was both nervous and excited about their incoming addition to the family. Nora had been the sole child for years, and Sarah felt anxious about giving her the attention and love. But, she was also excited to see her as a big sister! That helped me guide some of the family session, knowing they’d want to see that connection between the girls and remember that moment in time.

While the family had been battling ER visits, sickness, and many challenges, they were excited for the shoot. The whole family felt blessed to have Sloan finally there! The transition with Nora had been challenging at times and beautiful at others, just as expected.

Prepping your children for a family session

Letting your children be themselves is the best course of action for any family photo shoot. It’s ok if they’re acting wild and running around. I’ll find a way to capture them and have fun! On our shoot, Nora acted like a typical two-year-old, saying “NO!” to everything. But, she did discover a hole in my sock (#onbrand) and would do anything to see the hole and poke her finger through to my foot. We worked it and made it fun!