how to prepare for your summer family photo session

I get it…preparing for family photos isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It can feel like a lot. My goal for every single session is to have this space for you and your family to love each other big. How we prepare for the session can make that so much easier…or harder. I want you to find your breath and flow and not be weighed down by what it took to get there.

So…here are three of my tips for preparing for the best summer family photo session. Be sure to read all the way to the end to find out how you can download my “how to prepare…your session prep list” that I send to each and every one of my families as soon as they book their session.

1. Lay out all your clothes no later than the night before.

Make sure you have everything you are going to need including hair accessories, jewelry, shoes, socks, and anything else. Even if you’re letting everyone pick their own clothes, it’s still best to have them prepared the day before so the day of can be as easy as possible.

2. Make sure everyone has a full belly and is as well-rested as is in your control.

I know how tempting it can be to wait until after the session to eat, but we all know how different our littles can be when they’re hangry…well, I mean…I’m not my best self when I’m hangry. The same goes for tired littles. My child has always been super sensitive to how much rest he’s had. He’s a totally different kiddo if he hasn’t had enough sleep. Sometimes, when we have a really busy day before the session, naps can get missed…I swear they feed off of our energy and know something is going on. If at all possible, make sure they get their nap. For later sessions in the summer, maybe trying for a late nap is the best solution so we get happy littles and beautiful light. For older kiddos who don’t nap, try to make the day as easy-going as possible.

3. Bring along water and snacks.

Make sure the snacks aren’t too messy and do not forget the water. Sometimes in the middle of a session, we just need a little snack and water break to refresh. I mean…as parents we all know how much of a difference snacks can make, right?

Bonus tip for summer family sessions…

Plan something refreshing for the end of the session. Sprinklers, water balloons, water guns, watermelon, popsicles, or ice cream are just a few ideas. Have a pool? We can definitely do a session with the pool included. All of this makes for such fun images!

Want more help? For the first time ever, you can now download the exact checklist I include in my lifestyle session guide that goes out to every single family before their session. I truly want this to be as easy as possible for you so you can love your babies extra big in front of my camera and they feel like loving and having fun too!

So much love,

Cilla

P.S. Have you booked your family’s love-filled photo session yet? There’s a handful of sessions still available this summer! You can reserve your session HERE.