WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?

Coordinating is better than matching! Stay away from bright primary colours, especially red. Pattern is great but only on one or two people at most and no large logos or characters on your tops. Family sessions are usually very active. Keep in mind you'll be sitting, standing, squatting, picking your kids up and probably chasing after them! Overly formal clothing won't go with the vibe and will limit the fun so keep it on the casual side. Feel free to send me photos for a second opinion or bring a few options to the session as well!

DO WE NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?

Just your willingness to have fun! But feel free to bring anything you might want to incoporate. I love to involve an activity in your session, it creates natural and fun interactions. If there's anything you love to do together let me know! I'll bring my current favourite blanket and any other props that might be needed. Snacks are always good to keep the kids going, small snacks that can be eaten fast are best.

And yes, bring your pet! They're part of the family too:) and always fun to have around.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY FOR OUR SHOOT?

The light leading up to sunset is my favourite. When the sun is low in the sky. My preference is to schedule the shoot for the 2 hours leading up to sunset. Of course this changes drastically throughout the year. If your vision is that dreamy sunset look and you have very young childeren than consider having your session in the early spring or fall when the sun sets earlier in the day. This way it won't interfere with kids bedtimes like it might in the summer. We'll always try and avoid mid-day sun as it tends to be unflattering for portraits.

Having said that I know kid's routines are super important and I'll do my best to work around nap and bed times:)

HOW WILL YOU CHOOSE THE LOCATION?

The location is almost always outside and most of the time based on where you live, in your own community. I live in Vancouver but am more then happy to travel all over the lower mainland.

If you have any thoughts on this feel free to let me know! Is there a place that's special to your family? Are you picturing a forest, a field, the beach? Suggestions are always welcome! But no pressure, I know lots of great spots in the lower mainland and the valley.

WHAT IF IT RAINS?
If the forecast is calling for lots of rain on the day of the shoot, we'll reschedule. I want this to be a great experience and the rain tends to put a damper on the mood (literally!) so I'm happy to move it to another day. Shooting under a covered area or moving it inside isn't generally an option. But hey, if you love rain (like me!) we can always go for it......strap on the gumboots and have fun with it, totally up to you!

WILL YOU GET A PICTURE OF EVERYONE LOOKING AT THE CAMERA?

For sure! I always try and get at least a few classic images where the whole family is looking at the camera. I feel like real personalities come out when you're interacting though. Be prepared for piggy backs, tossing  kids in the air, getting lots of hug and kisses, giving tickles...then more tickles. I like to make sessions as fun as possible.

MY CHILD IS SHY. WILL THEY HAVE TIME TO WARM UP?

This is why I prefer not to have strict time limits on family shoots. Some kids jump out of the car ready to go, some kids take awhile to warm up, and most kids fall somewhere in the middle.

I'll always do my best to get the kids to crack up and be my friend but I love to capture them for who they are at the time too. If they're wild and energetic awesome, if they're shy and don't want to smile then that's ok too!  Let's be ok with them holding their favourite stuffed animal or wearing their favourite boots if it makes them happy.

Once your session is booked I'll send you a link to my Family Session Guide with more tips and tricks for a successful family shoot!