Session Prep
Your Session is Almost Here!
Session day is coming up, and I am SO excited. If you’re feeling a little nervous, this guide is for you. Take a deep breath. I’ve got you, and I promise we’re going to have fun.
Your only job on session day
Ready for this? Your job is to love on your family. That’s it. That’s the whole list.
I’ll handle the smiles, the directions, and all the guiding. Your family’s only job is to interact with each other and enjoy being together. When you’re relaxed and genuinely enjoying your people, it shows up in every single frame. That’s where the magic lives.
Setting the day up for success
A few things that make a bigger difference than you’d think:
Lay out outfits the night before. Session mornings go so much smoother when everything is already picked out and ready. And don’t forget the little things! Gather up every accessory you want photographed (hats, jewelry, that special blanket) so nothing gets left behind in the morning rush.
Bring water for everyone. We live in a seriously dry climate, and it sneaks up on you whether it’s July or January. Every member of the family should have water on hand. And if your session is outside during the warmer months, make hydrating a priority throughout the whole day, not just at the session. It really does make a difference in how everyone feels (and looks!).
Protect those nice shoes. If your session is outdoors and your good shoes aren’t made for dusty, sandy ground, bring slides or something easy to slip on and off for the walk in. I carry a tote with me just for this! Your nice shoes ride along safely while we make our way to your spot.
Empty those pockets. Cell phones, keys, and wallets have a sneaky way of showing up as bulges and outlines in photos. Before we start shooting, leave them in the car, hand them to me for my backpack, or bring one small bag we can set off to the side.
Keep the day low-key. A marathon of errands or a jam-packed schedule before a session tends to show up as tired, cranky humans of every age. If you can, make session day an easy day.
Bringing the kiddos? Read this part twice.
If there are littles in your crew, this section is for you. And here’s the headline: you do not need to worry about how your kids will do. Truly.
My sessions are child-led. That means instead of forcing little ones to perform on command, I follow their energy, their curiosity, and their pace. Wiggles, silliness, and even the occasional meltdown are all part of the plan. I’ve seen it all, and none of it phases me.
Want to know what child-led actually looks like in action? I wrote a whole blog post about it right here:
Your kids’ only job is to interact with YOU. I’ll ask for smiles when I need them. Otherwise, they just get to be with their favorite people. And here’s the thing I really want you to hear: something will probably go sideways at some point. Someone will trip, someone will get the grumps, someone will decide they simply cannot even. Totally normal. When it happens, just scoop them up, love on them, and we’ll roll right along. Kids are little emotional sponges, and they can feel our stress from a mile away. A relaxed parent is the best session helper there is.
Feed those kiddos before we start. Yes, even if it spoils dinner a little. A slightly-too-full kid is a happy kid. A hungry kid is a whole different story.
Screens stay tucked away. I know, I know. But once a kiddo gets a taste of their favorite show, pulling them back to the session is nearly impossible. Let’s not open that door.
Snacks are for emergencies only. Save the treats for a true rescue mission. Otherwise, little hands tend to want the snack bag in every. single. photo. And future you does not want crackers making a cameo in the family gallery.
About my secret weapon (the marshmallows). I keep mini vegan marshmallows on hand for kiddos who need a little extra motivation. Why marshmallows? Two reasons. They’re allergy-friendly, and they’re white, so they hide in little teeth and never show up in photos. Sneaky, right? I sometimes hand out treats at the end of sessions too. If you’d rather I not offer these to your child for any reason, just tell me. No explanation needed, and I will absolutely respect your call. And please always let me know about any food allergies ahead of time!
Less is more (people, that is). Thinking of bringing grandma or a babysitter along to help? Here’s my honest take: sometimes an extra person helps, and sometimes your kiddo only wants to interact with them instead of connecting with me and with you. If your helper is coming to truly help (carrying bags, shuttling kids between spots, holding the emergency snacks), that’s amazing and I’m here for it. Just have a quick chat with them beforehand: their role is quiet background support. If they’re likely to become the main attraction, it’s honestly better to leave them home.
Questions?
If anything in here sparks a question, or you’re worried about something specific with your crew, reach out! Text or email, anytime. Helping you feel ready is genuinely part of my job, and I’m happy to do it.
I can’t wait to see you soon!
Best,
Danielle
