You will see that I mention this a few times through-out your guide because I absolutely believe that coordinating outfits is one of the most important (and usually the most stressful) parts of planning your family session! Included in your collection is access to your own personal online stylist that dresses the entire family! It’s an amazing (free to you!) tool that I think every family should take advantage of!

When Dads show up to a photoshoot they almost always look at the camera and smile (and work hard to get the kids to do the same!), so preparing the family for a lifestyle documentary session is very beneficial. Be prepared to adventure around and connect together as a family. This is just a fun family outing, and a photographer (Me!) just happens to be there documenting that. Prep the kids days in advance and let them know the games we will play and adventures that we will go on!

Let’s let them be little! I want you to remember this carefree time in your children’s life and I want to capture them for who they are in this exact moment. I want them running in tall grass with sticks, throwing rocks in the water, playing barefoot in the mud, getting dirty, blowing dandelions, and most of all just being kids! That’s what this session is all about and probably a big part of why you chose me as your photographer. Micromanaging little ones (especially toddlers) can be detrimental to your session. If they cry and need snuggles, let’s take advantage of that and soak up those sweet moments.

Understand that we are not just stopping in a location for a quick pose, and onto the next. We will roam, adventure, and be in the moment. We are in no hurry to go anywhere, and the best images come from the quiet intimate moments that can only happen when we allow ourselves to slow down and be vulnerable. Think as if you are cuddling on the couch...breathe your children in, touch their hair, and fall into this moment with them. Engage your little ones by playing, twirling, running circles, dancing, asking questions, telling jokes, and the list goes on.

All of my Canmore, Kananaskis, and Drumheller sessions take place 1.5-2 hours before sunset, while Vancouver sessions have a bit more flexibility due to shaded areas along the coast. I understand that late nights with toddlers can be scary (I have 3), but I promise you that we will have an incredible time! I find that a later than normal nap in the day can make a big difference for the littlest ones. Playing outdoors, eating snacks, and not micromanaging the session also helps them enjoy their time, even if its past bedtime! If it happens to be overcast on the day of your session, we can absolutely start earlier! Not convinced? Check out my galleries in the menu above, you would never know that all these toddler sessions started after 8pm!