Tips for Parents
One of the questions I get asked a lot is, "do you have any tips for bringing my children?" First and foremost, know that when you book a family session with me, I'm so excited! I LOVE kids (fun fact, my first job was working as a pediatric physical therapist). It's very obvious at the start of sessions that parents can be stressed or nervous about how their children are going to act during the shoot. I'm here to promise you, there is no reason to be stressed! It's probably going to be chaotic, silly, and maybe even a little bit messy, so come knowing that I already expect all of that! To help ease the minds of parents when booking sessions, I created this page to help you feel more prepared.
FAQ
#1. What should they wear?
You always can wear whatever you want; but I recommend neutral-colored, simple clothing. What's most important is for your kids (especially in the colder months) to be warm enough and comfortable. The quickest way to make them upset is for them to be cold.
#2. What if I want them to wear cute outfits, but it's too cold?
If they get cold right off the bat, it's game over. Bring them in something warm for the first half, let them get used to me taking their photos, and then at the end of the session you can put them in their 'cute clothes'. I promise you will get better results if you can keep them comfortable for at least the first half.
#3. Try not to stress too much.
I need you to keep them safe, correct them if they're misbehaving, and provide them lots of encouragement, love, and fun! You don't have to stress about getting them to do what you think looks best for the photo - that's my job!
#4. Smile through the chaos!
If we can keep the kiddos happy, your photos will be amazing! I know it can be hard, but try to smile through the chaos. It can feel odd to correct behavior while smiling, but if you can do it for this small part of the day, you'll have a lot more photos!
#5. But I want the perfectly posed picture for the wall?
I always try to get as many "money shots" as I can (perfectly posed photos), especially at the beginning of the session. It's not realistic for children to do that the entire time, so we will allow lots of time for you to play and love on each other too, get some great candids, and sprinkle money shots where we can!
#6. My child hates to smile at the camera.
Totally okay! I bet they DON'T hate smiling when they're playing with you, though. You know what they like, what makes them feel safe, happy, etc (tickles, being picked up, chased, all the good stuff!) So do that! We will always try to get you some good money shots, but the ones you'll smile at the most looking back are the ones where your kiddo was smiling while playing with you.
#7. Are breaks okay?
Yes! Sometimes they might just need a minute alone with you for a hug, a pep talk, or reassurance. I never schedule back to back sessions if there are kids, because I want you to have the flexibility for this.
#8. Is bribery okay?
Haha, yes! Whatever you're okay with as a parent, I'm okay with. Some kids will smile just for a fruit snack. Some drive a harder bargain and need promised ice cream or a later bedtime afterwards. Whatever it is, I'm all about you rewarding them (plus, then they know a photoshoot with Miss Brooke means ice cream!)
#9. So what do I need to bring?
A fun attitude, warm enough clothes, "cute" clothes if you want a second outfit, snacks, water, and some of their favorite toys. Even if you don't want the toys in the photos, it can provide a nice mental break for them or something I can hold to get their attention looking at the camera!