How to prep your kids!


My photography style is very unposed, joyful, & relaxed- we play lots of games, I allow the kids to be kids, and if you come to the session following my tips below, your kids will have a blast during their session.


I am a mom of three with over ten years of experience teaching K-12 special education. I thrive in chaos and can promise you- I have seen it all! There is nothing your kids will do or say that will shock me. Enjoy the moment and stage of life you are in with your kids during the session, and I will document all the love for family has for each other while embracing the beautiful chaos.

Tips to do day before your session:


  • I recommend having outfits planned at least ONE WEEK in advance to make sure you have everything you need. It can be stressful coordinating outfits the night before.
  • The night before, get everything out to make sure all outfits are wrinkle and stain free and you have shoes/socks for the kids.
  • Gather anything you plan to bring to the session. Items I recommend bringing to your session:
  • ultrasound (if maternity/expecting)
  • extra layers you can take on & off (vests and sweaters help add dimension to your photos)
  • any sentimental items or props (or items if you want to capture your family doing a specific activity)
  • bug spray (mosquitos are horrible in the summer- please trust me on this one!)
  • water bottles for the kids (especially if your session is in the summer)
  • diaper bag
  • pack any security items for your kids (special animal, pacifiers). I usually recommend keeping these tucked away in the diaper bag initially- and bring out if needed during the session.

Tips to do day of your session:


  • Prep your kids! Keep it positive. Let them know they are going to get to stay up extra late and explore the outdoors. Emphasize how lucky they are that they get to stay up late & how you are excited to play outside with them. Mention how they will get to meet Sarah- and she is going to take some pictures of your family while you snuggle/play at X location.
  • Be mindful of nap schedule. If your session is in the summer/past bedtime, try to push your kids nap later, or give them an extra nap, so they will be well rested for their session.
  • Always feed prior. Please, please, please make sure they have full bellies before the session! This will make for happier toddlers. If they are used to a bottle during the session, please give a bottle before.
  • Bribes. Don't threaten or have a consequence for them if they "don't behave." Instead, have a positive reward (ice cream, trip to x) for them to do after their session.
  • Stay positive. Your children will pick up on your emotions. Enjoy the moment, smile, laugh, & love on your babies. Don't force smiles or tell them to "look at the camera and smile." The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your kids will be during the session. Moms, if this means have a glass of wine before your session, do it! Don't stress if they meltdown during the session- comfort them, snuggle them, and remember these are the moments you are going to want to document & remember.
  • Most importantly... Let me capture your family in the moment, embrace the beautiful chaos during your session, and I can promise we will create magic!