Most of my clients think their session starts when they show up.
But it actually starts when your feet hit the floor in the morning….
How you feel walking into your session shows up in the photos!
We all know the saying, if mama ain’t happy then no one is happy.
Good news is, you can create that feeling on purpose.
And it’s way easier than you think.
After 15 years of photographing mamas and their babies, I’ve learned when the morning runs smoothly, the whole session feels more like fun (and the photos turn out better)
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about preparing just enough so you walk in feeling relaxed and ready to love on your people.
Let’s walk through how to make that happen. 👇
Do These Things The Night Before Your Session
Let me tell you, a smooth photo session starts the night before!
Lay out every single outfit: yours, your partner’s, and the kids’. And don’t just stop at shirts and pants. We’re talking socks, shoes, hair bows, backup outfits (just in case), and even any accessories like hats or blankets.
Doing this ahead of time means you’re not tearing apart drawers looking for that one sock five minutes before you’re supposed to leave (been there)!
Getting a family out the door takes longer than we think. Add in diaper changes, outfit swaps, hair fixes, and snack requests…and yeah, you’re gonna want to pad in at least 30 extra minutes. The less rushed you feel, the more relaxed you’ll be when you arrive.
HEADS UP: If there’s ever a time to let someone else do your hair and makeup, this is it!
Whether I’ve got a trusted stylist for you or you want to DIY with a little more time, you deserve to feel your best in these photos!
Your “Morning-of-the-session” Game Plan
The diaper bag is your best friend today. Before you leave, double-check that it has all the basics: diapers, wipes, a change of clothes for baby (and maybe for you too), a small towel or burp cloth, a pacifier if your baby takes one, and easy snacks for older siblings. Nothing fancy, just enough to avoid hangry meltdowns. (Puffs and cheese sticks for the win.)
And speaking of snacks… don’t skip breakfast!
It’s easy to forget when you’re rushing around, but a quick bite for everyone makes a huge difference in moods (especially for littles who don’t understand why mom keeps asking them to smile).
We’ve all been hangry and know it’s no condition to be in for photos!
Another tip: Right before you leave, try this: a simple pep talk in the car.
Let the kids know they’re going to have fun, they don’t have to “be perfect,” and they’ll get to play, snuggle, and maybe even go for a treat afterward.
Those words are powerful! Starting the day calm and connected makes the whole session feel like a family adventure instead of something to stress over.
Even with all the prep in the world, things happen. A shoe goes missing. A baby has a blowout. A toddler is just… over it.
That’s why I always keep a mini emergency stash with me such as extra wipes, safety pins, stain remover, hair ties, and even a blanket or two for cozy cuddles or quick outfit changes.
If something doesn’t go as planned, you’re not scrambling, I’ve got you!
But above all, don’t overthink it. I’ve seen families show up flustered, only to totally settle in and shine once we start shooting.
One final tip: plan something fun after your session!
Ice cream, a park stop, pancakes… whatever fits your family. Not only does it give the kids something to look forward to, but it turns the whole day into a sweet little memory. And isn’t that kind of the whole point?
When you’re calm, confident, and even excited, your kids will feel that too!
And listen, you don’t have to do it perfectly. You don’t have to check every box. I’ll meet you exactly where you are, with extra wipes in one hand and encouragement in the other!
Your session is going to be beautiful.
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