Welcome to Your Session Guide!

Hi! I’m so glad you’re here. This little guide has everything you need to know—what to wear, how to prep, what to expect, and how to embrace the beautiful chaos that inspires many great photos. Read it once now, and again before your shoot. The more relaxed and prepped you are, the more magic we can make!

Location, Location, Location

The best spot is one that feels right for your family.

Here’s what to think about:

Want something wild, outdoors, scenic? Forests, creeks, fields—we can roam.

More cozy vibes? Let’s do an in-home session. Snuggles on the couch and kids in their element.

Still not sure? Tell me the vibe you want (playful, cozy, adventurous, calm, in season) and I’ll help pick the perfect place.

What to Wear

Feel Good > Look Good

Forget perfect. Let’s aim for you. The version of you that feels confident, relaxed, and most like… you. That goes for kids too. If a certain dress makes you feel amazing, wear it. If your kid has sensory preferences, let’s work with those. There’s no need to go too far out of what your comfort zone or drift from your personal style.

A Few Tips

Styling Hack: Start with one outfit. Build everyone else's around that. Need a second opinion? Text me your outfit picks! I love this stuff.

Start with neutrals. Creams, tans, olives, rusts, soft blues. Build on that with textures and pops of subtle color. Think of where you want to display your photos and consider the aesthetic.

Avoid loud prints and logos. They can distract from your beautiful faces and the story you’d like like to tell. If you do go with a print, make sure it’s not too loud. If you are a bold person, opt for a super fun pair of shoes or showcase it with your accessories, rather than a bold print!

Dress for movement. We’re going to run, dance, cuddle, and maybe splash. Make sure you can move freely.

Coordinated ≠ Matching. Think “same vibe,” not “same shirt.” You’re a family, not a uniformed group. Mix and match the base neutrals that you picked out. Try to coordinate with the setting; you don’t want to clash with the trees or even with your own home decor.

Layer it up. Consider the weather! Make sure you’re prepared with cute coats if it’s rainy or snowy! Jackets, scarves, cardigans—layers add visual interest and help with temperature changes.

Prepping for Your Session

Let’s keep it stress-free.

Snack smart. Avoid foods the day before your shoot that make you feel bloated (fast food, foods that are high in salt or fat or sugar). Trust me, this will help you feel better the day of the shoot! If the kiddos need a snack, bring non-messy snacks (mini marshmallows, string cheese, dry cereal) and water. Crumb and stain free is key!

Prep the day before. Lay out outfits, try them on once more to make sure you still feel comfortable, and don’t leave anything to the last minute.

Rest is magic. Make sure your kids (and you!) are well rested to ensure a more seamless shoot.

Talk to your kids. Tell them a friend is coming to take pictures. Show them my photo! Let them know this will be FUN.

No last-minute haircuts. Don’t get your hair cut/colored right before the shoot. The best time for a new look is about one to two weeks prior to your session.

Accessories. Consider tan lines when choosing your accessories. Also, remove any hair ties, smart watches, or distracting jewelry you do not want in your images.

Prepping Location.

Shooting at home:

• Let natural light in—open blinds, pull back curtains.

• A tidy-ish space helps, but lived-in is beautiful too. Let your lifestyle help tell the story.

• Let your kids show me around. They’ll feel more in control and comfortable.

Shooting outdoors:

• It is ideal to schedule a secondary date for rain, heat, cold or wind.

• Consider elements and plan accordingly (see tips on what to bring).

What to Bring

Here’s what you might consider packing:

• Water

• A brush/hair gel/hairspray

• Touch-up makeup and/or tissues for dewy faces

• Extra clothes (for outfit changes or muddy adventures)

• Comfy shoes for walking

• A light blanket (great for sitting shots or wrapping cold kiddos)

• Umbrellas in case of rain

• Bug spray

• And please—no gum. Breath mints are a good option.

• Your actual children (if family session applies) 😉

What to Expect During Your Shoot

This isn’t a “say cheese” kind of thing.

Real vs Perfect. I’ll meet you where you are. We’ll play, explore, and I’ll shoot through it all. If you’re uncomfortable at any time, we’ll stop and adjust. I’ll work to help you enjoy the process while I take a number of shots. Together we’ll capture images that illustrate your authentic self, the most natural and beautiful version of you!

Movement is everything. Keep moving, even in little ways—hug, twirl, walk, lean in, sway. The more movement, the more story we’ll capture.

Gentle guidance.  I may ask you to do minimal posing, but most of the time I’ll give you gentle prompts (“walk toward me holding hands” or “give her a twirl” etc.), but you make the session your own. Parents, please don’t stress if things don’t go as planned. If your toddler decides to sprint the entire time or your teenager is feeling extra teen, that’s okay! I’ll meet your kids where they are, and move along side and with them to catch perfect candid moments. The energy you bring is part of your story.

Music is welcome! Music during a photo shoot helps loosen up everyone and connects us to our life stories. If you’d like, I’ll bring my go-to playlist, or you can request your family faves or a genre that’s comfortable.

The Big Picture

At the end of the day, this is about capturing life’s in-between moments. Your photos will capture you exactly as you are—beautiful, wild, chaotic, and full of love! Whether you’ve got a tiny babe, a pack of teenagers, or anything in-between. This isn’t just a photo session, it’s a small slice of your wild, wonderful life. I’m honored to be part of it.

Questions? Ideas? Outfit panic?

Text me, call me, send smoke signals—I’m here for you every step of the way. I can’t wait to hang out and document who you are.

Let’s create something special,

Britt