I am so thankful for all of the families who have hired me to photograph them this holiday season. I am looking forward to meeting all of you.  

I would like to take a moment to offer some tips that can help to make our mini session run smoothly. 

1. If you have small children, make sure they’ve napped and are well fed. I know this seems like common sense, but it is the most important tip I can offer. Hopefully, you selected a time for your mini session that coordinates with your child's nap schedule. Try to feed your child a meal or a hearty snack right before the session. They will be more likely to cooperate if their bellies are full and they are well rested. 

2. Hype up the shoot to your children. The days prior to the shoot start gushing about the photo session and how much fun they are going to have. Tell them they are going to be models, make them feel important. This approach tends to work better then threatening them to behave, as this tends to make the photoshoot seem more like work as opposed to fun. 

3. A little bribery never hurts. Yes, I know...according to parenting books, bribery is a sin; but, if a piece of candy or chocolate is going to get your little one to smile for the camera, what is the harm? Another option is to promise them a special treat at the end of the session like a visit to an ice cream shop. 

4. Parents, remain calm during the session. Now, this is the hardest tip to follow, I know. I know how badly you want those perfect holiday photos, but kids will respond to that stress. Even if your child is having a tantrum or meltdown, try to remain calm. I promise I will do my best to get your child to cooperate. I am a parent too, so I am no stranger to meltdowns and tantrums, so don't feel embarrassed or like you need to apologize. 

5. Parents, stand behind me during the session. I know you want that perfect shot of your child looking at the camera with a big smile; I do too. I have a few tricks up my sleeve to get your child to focus on the camera. Many times, parents get so caught up in the excitement that they start clapping, call the child’s name, take out the child’s favorite toy, or even a cell phone with the child’s favorite song playing on Youtube. These techniques are wonderful and helpful; however, the child’s focus is no longer on the camera and on you. I encourage you to be patient and let me first try to work with your child. If he/she is not cooperative feel free to jump in and try and get his/her attention by standing right behind me. I also advise that the cell phone be used only as a last ditch effort. It typically causes the child to fixate on the phone inserted of the camera.

6. Candid Photos are the Best Photos. No need to stress that your child is not looking at the camera. I know that the posed photos are necessary sometimes and I always try to get at least one for you, but the candid photos, the ones that capture your child's true persona are the ones that you are more likely to display in your home. So, if your child isn't looking at the camera the whole time, it is totally OK. 

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have regarding our session.  I can't wait to meet you and your little ones!