Welcome to Your Session!

Everything you need to know—so you can show up, relax, and be yourselves.

I’m so excited to capture your story — whether you’re a family with little ones, expecting a new arrival, welcoming a newborn, documenting your brand, or including your furry friends! This guide will help you feel prepared, inspired, and confident — and maybe even a little excited to see your ordinary moments become extraordinary.

A happy baby being held up in the air by an adult, with two other adults reaching towards the baby in a playful manner.
Two children wearing winter jackets with hoods, one with fur trim, looking down into the camera that is positioned below them, outdoors with overcast sky.
Black and white photo of three people smiling, including a man with curly hair, a woman with long hair in a striped shirt, and a young boy with a cap, outdoors against a clear sky.

Clothing Tips

Skip the logos: Big graphics can be distracting. Stick to solids, subtle patterns, or textures.

  1. Barefoot at home: – shoes can get in the way of jumping, dancing, or chasing around; being barefoot lets everyone move and play freely.

  2. Match your environment: Bold, vibrant colors pop beautifully in the city. Soft pastels and earthy tones sing in the desert or nature-filled locations.

  3. Comfort is key: You’ll move, play, and maybe even dance — so make sure you can move freely.

For a more thorough guide on what to wear, you’ll find that here.

Planning Your Session

Session length: 1–2 hours (or longer, if you’ve added extra coverage).

  1. “Invitations to play”: Plan a few activities — anything that feels like you. For families, that might be snack time, bath time, or backyard play. For expecting parents, a quiet walk or a cozy cuddle. For branding sessions, a product demo or workspace interaction. Pets? Walks, fetch, or snuggles!

  2. Go with the flow: Kids, babies, or pets may come up with their own ideas — let them lead! Some of the best images are unscripted.

  3. Light is magic: Open curtains and blinds. Best times:

    • Just after sunrise

    • The hour or two before sunset
      But we can make beautiful images happen anytime!

  4. Pick a meaningful location: Your session should feel like you. Are you outdoorsy adventurers? Cozy pajama lovers? City explorers? Home office creatives? Pet lovers who love a backyard romp?

Invitations to Play

Here’s a list of ideas to spark your imagination. Pick what fits your session, or let your loved ones (kids, babies, or pets) invent their own adventures!

At Home

  1. Cuddling on the couch with a favorite blanket

  2. Baking or decorating cookies

  3. Reading stories together (bonus points for dramatic voices!)

  4. Bath time with bubbles and splashes

  5. Playing dress-up or putting on silly hats

  6. Painting, coloring, or simple crafts

  7. Bubbles, magnifying glasses, and nature journals - oh my!

  8. Making a living room obstacle course

  9. Family board games or card games

  10. Eating popsicles or snacks in the sun

Backyard Shenanigans

  1. Running through sprinklers or squirting each other with water

  2. Swinging, climbing, or sandbox adventures

  3. Chasing bubbles or blowing dandelions

  4. Tent or picnic setup

  5. Garden exploration — smelling flowers, picking veggies, or watering plants

Neighborhood / Outdoors / Branding

  1. Strolling streets, alleys, or murals you love

  2. Walking pets or exploring a local park

  3. Riding bikes, scooters, or skateboards

  4. Jumping in puddles or kicking leaves

  5. Chasing shadows, reflections, or the setting sun

  6. Capturing interactions with your products, workspace, or hobbies for branding sessions

A Few Final Notes

  • Let the session flow freely — kids, pets, newborns, or even your brand story. The best moments are often unscripted and unplanned. Allow for flexibility and stay open to all possibilities.

  • Embrace crumbs, dirt, sleepy faces, or pet hair — it’s all part of your story.

  • Have fun! The more relaxed and playful you are, the more joyful the images will be.