How Do I Prepare for my Family Photo Session

You’ve booked your family photography session but now you’re wondering what you can do to prepare for the big day. Whether you’re having your family photo session outdoors at one of the beautiful locations Seattle has to offer, or in the comfort of your own home, here are my top tips to make sure your photo day goes as smoothly as possible.

Make sure the kids are well rested

Your family photo session should be the big activity for your family that day. Try to make sure there aren’t any other big events such as birthday parties or zoo visits. You’ll want your kids to be happy and exhausted kids often mean cranky kids.

Have your wardrobe finalized about a week before

There’s nothing worse than trying on your outfit right before your session starts and realizing that something doesn’t fit. Aim to have everything finalized at least a week before your session. That way, if something doesn’t fit, you’ll have time to find a replacement.

Check for chipped nail polish

Trust me, it shows in pictures!

Don’t forget to eat before your session

Nothing makes kids (and adults) melt down quicker than a growling stomach. Have a light meal before your photo session, right before you get changed for it. This will keep the whole family happy.

Bring snacks

If you want to keep your kids going throughout the session, many parents like to have some snacks on hand. I recommend non-messy snacks such as gummies so they don’t stain the clothes.

Good things to have on hand

It’s great to have things like a hairbrush and baby wipes handy.

Relax!

If you’ve been following my work at all, you know I’m not going to ask you to stand, smile and look awkward in front of the camera. Just love on your babies, play with them, snuggle with your partner, then let me handle the rest. All you need to do is show up as YOU!

If you’d like to know more about my sessions, take a look at my information page.

When should I have my family photos taken?

If you’re thinking about having a family photography session, you may be wondering when the best time to have one is. The answers will depend on where you live. This blog is going to be about when to have family photos taken in the greater Seattle area. This will also apply to the majority of towns in western Washington. I believe that there is no wrong time for family photos so I’m not going to say I prefer one time of year over another, but hopefully this will help you decide what works best for your family.

What time of year should I have my family photos done in Seattle?

We all know that Seattle weather can be cold, rainy and gray. If you want your family session done at your house, then we never have to worry about rainy days. Winter is the perfect time for a cozy, snuggly in-home photography session. However, if you want your session outdoors, it’s probably best to avoid having family photos done in November through March. Spring is a great time for family photos as the weather has normally started to improve, and sunset (the best time for family photos) isn’t too late. In summer, we’re most likely to get that beautiful golden hour light, however, in Seattle sunset in the summer is pretty late. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it, just that you may want to make plans to make it easier if you have little kids. Take a look at some tips on late sessions with young children. Everyone loves Fall images! It’s the busiest time of year for most photographers. Sunset isn’t too late, autumn light is beautiful and flattering and the leaves are such beautiful colors. Fall does fill up quickly so if you want a fall family session, you’ll want to schedule it early.

What time of day should I have my family photo session?

This will depend on whether your family photos are scheduled to take place at home or outdoors. If your session will be at home, I recommend starting at 10am. By this time, the sun won’t be directly above the house so you’ll be getting light coming in through the windows. If you have little kids, they’re normally happiest at well rested by mid-morning. If your family photo session is taking place outdoors, the best light is in the hour before sunset, commonly known as “the golden hour”. This is the prettiest and most flattering light. Obviously, the actual time will depend on the time of year. As mentioned above, it can be difficult for young children but it’s certainly doable.

Once you’ve decided what time of year you’d like your family photos, let’s get you officially scheduled. I can’t wait to meet you!

A Beautiful New Family of Three {Edmonds Newborn Photographer}

I am so, so happy we were able to make this session happen at the last minute. This sweet first time mama, contacted me on a Thursday. Baby Luca had already arrived and she wanted a session as soon as possible so that she could have him photographed while he was still tiny and squishy. It’s always a good idea to book your session while you’re still pregnant so that I can guarantee you a spot, but if baby has already arrived, I will try my best to squeeze you in. I missed out on newborn photos with my oldest and I know how devastating that can be. I’d hate for anyone to miss out on the opportunity to capture this special time. Anyway, like I was saying, she reached out to me on the Thursday and thankfully, I had Saturday afternoon open. I’m so pleased it worked out. Little Luca is adorable and he’s surrounded by so much love. Thank you guys for allowing me to photograph your very beautiful love story.

Welcoming a New Baby Boy {Edmonds Newborn Photographer}

Introducing Baby Session Packages {Seattle Newborn Photographer}

That first year in your baby’s life goes by so fast. Your baby is going to change so much and you’re never going to want to forget how they were when they were little. Because of this, I have decided to start offering a baby milestone package. This package includes:

• an in home lifestyle newborn session including the whole family

• a 6 month mini session featuring just the baby

• an in home or outdoor family session around baby’s first birthday.

You will receive a minimum of forty digital images for both the newborn and one year session, as well as a minimum of 20 images for the mini 6 month session. The price for these three sessions is $1300. I do have payment plans available.

I have a beautiful collection of classic, timeless baby clothes that you are welcome to use for your images. Let me know if that’s something you’d be interested in.

If you are looking to have your baby’s first year documented, please reach out.

At Home With a Family of Five {Seattle Newborn Photographer}

I met this strong mama though a workout program and I felt so honored when she asked me to photograph their latest little addition, Willow. Willow is adored by her big brother and big sister. It’s always so fun to see everyone step into their new roles once the new baby arrives. Little Willow has the most perfect dark brown hair, the opposite of her two big siblings. Despite her looking different, she fits in so well with her family. That third little baby is always such a blessing. They grow up just managing to fit in and they often seem to have such a laid back easy personality. Welcome to the world little Willow. You are so loved.

Welcoming Violet & Carter {Seattle Newborn Photographer}

I can’t imagine what it’s like to go from two to four children overnight, but this family makes it look easy. This was the first twin newborn session I have photographed and it was such an honor to be invited into their space and document their morning as they adjust to being a family of six. It’s amazing to see how different their little personalities are at only a few days old. Their two big sisters are so in love with them and it was so sweet to hear them cooing "Oh baby boy, baby boy. Oh baby girl, baby girl”.

I’m now booking newborns though December so if you’re thinking about a session, get in touch so I can get you on the calendar.

In Search of Newborn Twins {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}

I’m currently searching for a family who have just welcomed, or are about to welcome newborn twins for a complimentary in home lifestyle photography session.

About You:

You are first time parents of newborn twins and you live in a character filled home with lots of natural light. You appreciate art and take pride in your home. You want family pictures that embrace this fleeting time in your life.

What’s in it for you?

You will receive a complimentary in home lifestyle newborn session and approximately thirty digital images for you to print however you wish.

What do I need from you?

I need about an hour to an hour and a half of your time. In exchange for the complimentary photo session, I will need you to sign a model release that will allow me to use these images on social media, on my website and in print and online advertising.

If you feel like your family would be a good fit, please fill in my contact form and I will get back to you. Tell me a little about your family in your message.

Welcoming Baylor {Seattle Newborn Photographer}

It’s no secret that I adore Fresh 48 sessions. That brief hospital stay before they head home and the first milestone is reached. Everything is so new, and life seems to stop still and all that matters is you and that fresh little baby. Fresh 48 sessions require me to be on call, as most mothers only get twenty four hours in the hospital. The time of day and how much notice I’m given will determine what time I will get there. This little boy was less than two hours when I got to meet him. His mama desperately wanted me to film the moments that his three older brothers met him for the first time. It was such an honor to be able to do this for them. His two big brothers were clearly extremely excited to meet him. Their smiles said it all. Number three was still figuring out what was going on, but you know the four of them are going to be best buddies. I’m honored to share these images with you.

When to Schedule Your Lifestyle Newborn Session {Seattle Family Photography}

As a lifestyle newborn photographer, my goal is always to make your newborn photo session go as smoothly as possible. Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions:

How far in advance should I book my newborn session?

It is always best to book your newborn session when you are still pregnant. Knowing that babies are unpredictable and come when they’re ready, I will only book a certain amount of newborn sessions each month. We will pencil in your due date, and once baby arrives, you can let me know and we will narrow down the best date. Most moms book around the 6 month mark, however, if your baby is already here, please still reach out because I may have some availability.

How old should my baby be when we have the session?

The beauty of lifestyle sessions is that your baby doesn’t have to be sleeping for the session like most posed newborn photographers prefer. Posed photographers like to get babies in for the session in the first ten days as babies tend to sleep more in that time. For a lifestyle newborn session, it doesn’t matter if baby is a few days or a month old. I typically do in home newborn sessions in the first 2-3 weeks, but we can do it anytime in that first month. This is great if you’ve had a difficult recovery or if baby had a rough start.

How long does an in home lifestyle session take?

Sessions are relaxed and I never want you to feel rushed. I am typically at your house for about an hour and a half. If baby needs to take a break then we will do so. I don’t like to rush sessions so if we need longer than that, then I will stay longer.

What time of the day should we have our newborn session?

I will talk to you to best determine the time based on your families needs. Most sessions take place around 10am, but I am flexible if that doesn’t work for your family.

If you have any other questions or are ready to book, please get in touch. I can’t wait to chat with you.