You've booked your session...
NOW WHAT?
I’ve created this Welcome Guide to help you feel prepared, confident, and excited for your upcoming session. It includes helpful information, tips, and answers to some of the most common questions to help everything run smoothly.
My hope is that it takes some of the guesswork out of preparing and helps us create a relaxed, beautiful, and successful photoshoot together.
If you have any questions after looking through the guide or if there’s anything else I can help you with, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to help!
WELCOME GUIDE
I KNOW HOW MUCH THIS MATTERS
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I am so excited for your upcoming session!
It is such an honor to be trusted to capture these moments for you, and I’ve created this guide to help you feel fully prepared and make the most of your experience.
By the time you finish reading, I hope you feel confident, comfortable, and excited for your time in front of the camera. My goal is to take away the stress and uncertainty so you can simply enjoy the people you love most.
And your only job? BE YOURSELVES! Laugh a lot. Smile often. Love on each other. Hold your babies close. Let the little moments happen naturally, and don’t worry about being “perfect.” I’ll take care of the rest.
You bring the love, the connection, and the personalities.
I’ll turn those moments into beautiful photographs you’ll treasure for years to come.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT, DATE, TIME AND LOCATION
I’m a natural-light photographer because I believe there’s something truly special about the way natural light brings a photograph to life.
The warmth of the sun, the softness of the shadows, and the way light naturally reflects around you create images that feel authentic, timeless, and full of emotion.
I love capturing moments as they naturally unfold rather than forcing them into perfect poses and when that beautiful golden light makes an appearance? That’s when the magic really happens.
SETTING THE
DATE
Most of my clients schedule their sessions on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, which means my weekends tend to fill up several weeks in advance especially during the busier seasons of the year.
If your schedule allows, weekdays offer much more flexibility and are typically the easiest way to find an available date. I always encourage clients to consider a weekday session when possible, especially if you’re hoping for a specific date or time.
Either way, I’ll always do my best to find a time that works beautifully for you!
LET'S TALK ABOUT LIGHT!
The best light for your photos happens during golden hour—the hour just after sunrise or before sunset when the sun is low in the sky and creates that soft, warm, beautiful glow we all love.
Even after the sun dips below the horizon, we still have about 20 minutes of soft twilight that can create gorgeous images.
For evening sessions, a good rule of thumb is to start about one hour before sunset. Since sunset changes throughout the year, keep in mind that summer evenings are much later while winter sunsets happen much earlier when choosing your session date.
And did you know there’s a golden hour in the morning, too? ☀️
If you’re a morning person like me, I would love to plan a sunrise session with you! Sunrise sessions are peaceful, beautiful, and often give us the whole location to ourselves. They’re also typically easier to schedule since my mornings don’t book up nearly as quickly as weekend evenings.
Whether you’re a sunrise or sunset person, the light is worth it.
CHOOSING YOUR LOCATION
Your session location is completely up to you! I want to choose a place that feels like you, rather than simply picking a pretty backdrop.
Start by thinking about the overall feel you want. Are you city people who love architecture, culture, and a little urban energy? Let’s explore downtown Columbia. Prefer trees, open spaces, and a more natural setting? I have plenty of beautiful parks and outdoor locations to choose from.
But we don’t have to stop there. Want something completely unique? I’m all for it! We could take photos at your favorite restaurant, the place you had your first date, an ice cream shop, a rooftop, a roller-skating rink, your favorite store, or anywhere else that holds meaning for you.
Tell me about your family, your relationship, your favorite places, and the memories that matter most. If there’s a special spot filled with memories, let’s make some new ones there.
There really are no limits—the best location is one that tells your story.
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
WHAT TO WEAR
The goal is simple: coordinate, don’t match. You don’t need everyone wearing the same colors or outfit. Instead, choose colors and textures that work well together so everyone looks great individually and as a group.
Start with 3 colors. Choose a simple palette of neutrals and soft, earthy tones—think cream, beige, tan, brown, soft blue, sage, or muted pink. From there, mix different shades and textures to keep everything interesting.
Skip head-to-toe black. Black can photograph very flat and lose detail, especially in low light. If you love black, absolutely include it, just keep it minimal and consider wearing it on the bottom half of the outfit.
When in doubt, keep it simple. Soft, neutral colors, natural textures, and comfortable clothing photograph beautifully and keep the focus where it belongs: on you and the people you love.
Once you have the basics down, have fun with the little things! Add layers and accessories like wraps, sweaters, hats, watches, bow ties, bracelets, hair bows, or jewelry. These small touches can add personality and make your photos feel more complete.
Don’t forget texture! Mixing textures like linen, knits, denim, cotton, suede, or woven fabrics adds depth and interest to your images. The goal is to create outfits that feel simple but intentional, not boring or overly busy.
CHOOSE A COLOR PALETTE TO SET THE TONE FOR YOUR SESSION.
little ones feel ready
helping
1. Practice Smiling
I know it sounds silly, but it really helps! Before your session, practice a few natural smiles in the mirror. For little ones, try fun cues like “Show me your teeth!” or stretching out “Ice creeeeeam!” These little tricks can help smiles feel more natural and less forced when it’s time for photos.
3. Pack a Little Help
Bring a small bag with snacks, water, and a favorite toy or two. These can help keep little ones happy, comfortable, and engaged when we need to grab their attention.
5. And Finally… Bribery. 😏
Okay, you didn’t hear this from me, but sometimes a little incentive goes a long way. Pick a special treat or activity they can look forward to after the session, ice cream, a trip to their favorite store, extra screen time… whatever works!
We’re not above bribery here. We’re above stressing everyone out. 😂
2. Bring the Joy
Little ones can’t fake it—and that’s a good thing! Think about what genuinely makes your child happy. Before your session, practice their favorite songs, silly dances, or funny games. Have a favorite YouTube video or song ready to play if we need a little extra entertainment. Real joy makes the best photographs.
4. Give Them a Pep Talk
If they’re old enough to understand, talk to them about the session beforehand. Let them know why these photos are special to you and what you’re hoping to capture. A little preparation can help them feel excited, involved, and ready to be their best selves in front of the camera!
6. Don’t Stress the Small Stuff
If your little one isn’t cooperating right away, don’t panic! Kids pick up on our energy, and the more pressure they feel, the harder it can be to get those genuine smiles. Let them warm up, take a break, have a little fun, and trust me to work with them. Some of the best photos happen in the moments you thought were going completely off the rails. 😂🤍
“Sometimes the moments that feel the most imperfect end up being the photographs you love the most. Trust me—the silly, intimate, completely unplanned moments are often the ones you’ll treasure forever.”
Your Photo Session Checklist:
Set your Date, Time & Location -
Make sure all the details are confirmed and saved on your calendar.
Review the Style Guide
Take a look through the outfit and styling tips before choosing everyone’s clothing.
Choose Everyone’s Outfits
Coordinate colors, textures, and styles so everyone looks cohesive without matching.
Schedule Hair & Makeup
If you’re planning professional hair or makeup, book your appointments ahead of time.
Pack Comfortable Shoes
Bringing flats or flip-flops is a great idea if we’re walking between locations, especially if you’re wearing heels!
Bring a Touch-Up Kit
Pack makeup, a brush, hair products, and anything else you may need for quick touch-ups.
Bring Towels
Especially helpful for warm-weather sessions when things might get a little sweaty!
Pack Snacks & Water
Keep everyone hydrated and happy, especially the little ones.
Don’t Forget the Treats!
A favorite snack or small reward can be a lifesaver when little ones need a little extra motivation.
I know this may feel like a lot to think about, and that’s exactly why I created this guide, to take some of the guesswork out of preparing for your session and help you feel confident going into it.
But here’s the most important thing I want you to remember: the location you choose, the outfits you wear, and whether every little detail goes perfectly won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make together.
Years from now, you’re not going to look at these photos and think about whether your toddler’s shirt matched perfectly or whether everyone’s hair stayed in place. You’re going to remember how little they were, how they laughed, how your family felt in that season, and what it was like to have everyone together.
That is what matters most to me.
So when you show up for your session, just be yourselves. Love on your people.
Laugh a lot. Let the kids be silly. Snuggle, play, talk, and enjoy being together.
I’ll take care of the rest.