Let’s be real—getting your crew ready for family photos can feel like herding cats in formal wear. But it doesn’t have to be stressful! With just a little prep and the right expectations, you can show up calm, confident, and ready to enjoy the experience (yes, even with toddlers in tow).

Here are a few tips I share with every family before their session—think of this as your pre-photo pep talk:

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1. Let’s Talk Outfits: Keep It Simple + Timeless

📸 The #1 goal? Pick clothes that let you shine—not steal the show.

A few friendly outfit tips:

• Stick to neutrals or soft pastel and earthy tones—they photograph beautifully and don’t distract from the connection.
• Yes, color can be okay too! Just try to avoid neons and bright reds as they leave a color cast on skin and don’t always look flattering.
• Avoid graphic tees, logos, or writing. (If your kid’s shirt says “Little Trouble Maker”… we’re already tempting fate.)
• Mix textures like linen, denim, or knits for depth—but don’t stress about matching perfectly.
• Think in terms of coordinating, not identical. You’re a family, not a choir group.

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2. Bring Clean, No-Mess Snacks (Your Sanity Will Thank You)

A fed kid is a happy kid—and honestly, the same goes for grown-ups.

If you’re bringing snacks (which is 100% encouraged!), stick to:

• Non-staining finger foods like mini rice cakes, puffs, cheese cubes, or apples
• Avoid chocolate, crackers that flake, or anything sticky—save the messy treats for after!
• Water bottles with lids are your best friend. Hydrated kids = fewer meltdowns.

Bonus tip: pack these in a small bag that’s easy to stash nearby, not something you have to dig through like it’s the bottom of Mary Poppins’ purse.

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3. Prep Kids with Fun, Not Pressure

You don’t need to hype this up like Disney World—but a little casual preview goes a long way. Something like:

“Hey, we’re going to meet my friend with a camera. We’ll play, snuggle, and take some pictures!”

No threats, no bribes (okay, maybe one), and no expectations for perfect behavior. I promise—I’ve seen it all, and I’m here for the real moments, not flawless ones.

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4. Leave Extra Time (But Don’t Overthink It)

Try to arrive fed, dressed, and with a little margin. You don’t need to show up 30 minutes early, but leaving the house in a rush is the fastest way to start off frazzled.

Give yourself grace. If someone’s sock goes missing or a shoe gets muddy—breathe. It’s all part of the story.

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5. Most of All? Just Show Up As You Are.

My job isn’t to capture perfection. It’s to capture connection. If your child clings to you the whole time, if someone’s hair does its own thing—that’s okay. Real life is welcome here. Stuffed animals and silly glasses the family loves wearing are fun for one at the end, heck they even may be the bribe we need to get to the end! But lets have fun and let me capture all the love between you!

You don’t have to be a “photo family” to walk away with photos you love. You just have to show up.

🩵 Cheering for you (and your snack stash),

Brielle