you booked a family session! here's what to expect:


Family portraiture is focused on capturing connection and genuine emotion rather than on utilizing props and photoshop for a constructed scene. Family sessions take place at an outdoor location from the location selection guide or at my shared studio in Spring, TX.


I will have a posing workflow prepared. That said, when children are involved, I will often pivot to meet their needs and employ child-led posing to capture my littlest clients in their element. (Why yes, sometimes I even do a little yoga to get the shot.) If young ones are prone to *ahem* carseat-induced blowouts, (#iykyk) plan to change them into their outfits upon arrival.


I recommend ensuring everyone in the family has recently had a meal or snack. Most of the year, the best light usually coincides with "prime time" for breakfast or dinner. Trust me and don't skip food... nobody doles out their best smiles on an empty stomach 😉


For studio sessions, we will meet at the studio at your session start time. Because studio sessions have a structured beginning and ending time, be sure everyone is ready at that time. All studios have restrooms available onsite.


For outdoor sessions, we will meet in the parking lot or at a specific spot I will share with you. Some but not all outdoor locations have a restroom onsite. Be sure to ask in advance if this will need to be a consideration. If you are bringing props, you will want to pack them in a water-resistant bag or box in case the ground is dirty or damp. Houston is mosquito-central basically year round so you may want to pack some bug spray as well! If it is warm, consider bringing a battery-powered fan.


For extended family sessions, it can sometimes be a good idea to pack a folding chair for older adults to utilize between shots. If anyone in your group has mobility limitations, be sure to let me know in advance so I can plan accordingly.


A tender parenting moment captured in a bright room with floral decorations.
A sweet family moment captured in a bright interior setting with white walls and plants.
A family sits together on white furniture wearing coordinated neutral-toned outfits.

three reminders for a successful session


  1. Mama, plan your outfit first! Next, plan 2-3 outfits for baby in case of an unexpected mess. Bring 2 swaddle blankets that match everyone’s outfits. Remember to avoid small patterns.
  2. For at-home sessions, make sure everyone has a snack (including siblings) before I arrive. You can get everyone dressed while I evaluate lighting needs.
  3. For studio sessions, which are only 45-90 minutes, arrive early so baby can have one more feed in the car before your appointment. The studio has a changing table inside but we will not be able to enter the studio until your session time begins.


If you haven't done so already, be sure to read the portrait session prep guide before your session and browse through the color palette inspo in this blog if you need some wardrobe ideas.

A family sharing an intimate moment together on a plush gray upholstered bed.
A newborn baby wearing a white bow headband rests peacefully on light bedding.
A family relaxes together on an ornate upholstered headboard bed in a neutral-toned bedroom.