How to Prep for Your Family Session
First things first: please don't stress about your kids behaving perfectly. I have three kids myself, so I know that the minute someone says, “Okay, everyone smile!” is usually the exact moment a child decides they are absolutely NOT smiling. 😂
My sessions are relaxed, playful and very much about letting your family be yourselves. Some of my favourite images happen in the moments you weren't even thinking about the camera.
What Should We Wear?
The goal is to coordinate, not match.
You don't all need to show up in white shirts and jeans (unless that's your thing!). I love when families choose colours and textures that complement each other while still letting everyone's personality come through.
A few easy tips:
Start with one outfit you absolutely love, then build around it. Or start with one colour, and everyone can wear a bit of that colour in their outfit.
Neutral, earthy and softer tones photograph beautifully.
Dresses, linen, denim, knits and layers add gorgeous texture to photographs.
- Try to avoid large logos, characters or really busy patterns.
- Most importantly, make sure everyone is comfortable. A beautiful outfit isn't worth a meltdown five minutes into the session!
And if your toddler insists on wearing their favourite sparkly shoes with an otherwise perfectly coordinated outfit? Let them. You'll probably love that photo years from now. ❤️
What If My Kids Won't Cooperate?
They probably won't at some point. And that's okay. 😉
You don't need to bribe them with a promise of ice cream or spend the entire drive over saying, “You better smile for the photographer!”
I actually don't want forced smiles.
I'll play with them, talk to them, give them little prompts and let them move around. We'll get the posed family photos, but we'll also capture the running, cuddling, laughing, exploring and all the little personalities that make your family yours.
If someone needs a snack, a cuddle, a bathroom break or just a minute to reset — we take it.
There is no stopwatch running.
Where Should We Go?
I love locations where we can get lots of variety without making you feel like you've just completed a family hike.
Since I live in Mimico/Etobicoke, one of my favourite spots for family sessions is Marie Curtis Park.
It's honestly such a hidden gem for family photos. You get the beach, beautiful walking paths, greenery, trees and the bridge — all in one location.
And for families with little ones, I love that it's not a huge park. We can move around and get lots of different looks without spending half the session walking to the next location.
Even better: free parking and no photography permit required. 🙌
If there's somewhere else that has meaning to your family — your backyard, a favourite park, your cottage or somewhere you visit often together — I'm always happy to chat about it.
What Should We Bring?
Keep it simple! A small bag with:
- Water and snacks (non-messy ones are best!)
- Wipes
- A change of clothes for the little ones
- A favourite toy or comfort item
- A hairbrush
- Any sentimental item you'd love to include
And don't worry about bringing a giant bag of toys to keep them entertained. We're going to use the environment around us.
And Finally... Don't Overthink It.
You don't need the perfect family.
You don't need perfectly behaved children.
You don't need everyone looking at the camera in every photograph.
You just need to show up, love on your people and let me do what I do best.
I'll take care of the rest.
Because years from now, you're not going to care that your toddler wouldn't sit still.
You're going to care that you have that photograph of the way they wrapped their little arms around you. ❤️