I am so excited to get to know you and capture some amazing memories for you all. The goal is to capture your family as it is and your connection and uniqueness.

Believe me, I know it can feel awkward to have someone photographing you or feeling like you need to perform for someone. I will help ease this by coaching you through the session.  I also want you to relax and just let the connection of your family be the focus so I can photograph those “moments” and not poses. (But don’t worry, I will also get that one Christmas card where everyone is looking at the camera). There may be babies crying or toddlers having a meltdown but its ok and I will document this time in your life and the photos will create beautiful (and sometimes funny) memories. The meltdowns usually pass fast and just know I got this 😉 The photos capture who your children (and you) are at this moment in time, the chaos and all. I just simply ask for you to just “be” with your child. Try not to worry and just be in the moment. I love movement in photos and I really love if you have any fun things your family does.( For example, if dad grabs all the kids at once and spins them around.)

Remember all the love in your family and your partner and visualize that during the session.  Really love and cuddle your kids …and relax. These emotions show up in the photos and so does stress and feeling tense. (Please note that extended family sessions are a bit different and do have much more posed photos because of the logistics and getting all the groups together.)

Some other tips:

 –  Keep  hands touching someone at all times. Your partner, the kids, etc. Hands should always be doing something. Hands should hold other hands, or rest on a knee or hug someone, or be in their pockets. 

– Bring towels and a change of clothes if you decide to get in the water. Water photos are my favorite!

– Be sure to arrive on time and ready. We are working with sun and once the sun is gone we are done so please be prepared and ready to start.

-Please leave watches or wrist hair tyes off (unless you want in photo), and phones and wallets out of your pockets! Oh and please no gum during the photos

– Sessions will usually be scheduled the hour before sunset for the best lighting. However, if it is overcast we can schedule it earlier and can decide this the day of the session. 

– What if it rains? Spring/summer it is so common at the beach to have a forecast of rain. I rarely have had to cancel a session. Most of the time, the forecast changes last minute or it rains for a short period. If it does rain, we can adjust the time if you are flexible. If there is the rare all day storm, we can reschedule. I only cancel the day of the session if it is very clear there is a storm. 

-I love sessions with your dogs! Just be sure to ask first because the beaches do not allow dogs during certain months or times of day. 

-Styling and wardrobe can really add SO much to your session. You should receive a style guide from me to help with this.

If you decide to get your hair and/or makeup done just reach out to me and I can send you my recommendations. You can text me at 910-520-7490. 

Most important tip of all… HAVE FUN!!!!!