5 things your family photographer wants you to know!

So here's the thing, Ive photographed well over 200 families in the last 5 years.... along the way there's been things I wish you (my client) would know. So there's no better way to let all of you in on this then to make one blog post about it !

So here they are....

#1. IT WONT BE SMOOTH SAILING, and that's totally okay!

You probably shopped for a couple weeks leading up to your session to make sure you have the perfect outfits that all co-ordinate together, you have brush and flossed your teeth, and your kiddos teeth to perfection. You have smoothed down all the fly away hairs and your probably marvelling at the little master piece of a family you have just created for this magical little photo session. You probably really haven't given much thought to the "what if's" and Im SUPER glad you haven't, because its my job as your photographer to help you feel confident that you have hired the right person and that I know what I am doing.

BUT..... it wont be smooth sailing. Kids are kids, and sometimes they just REALLY don't want to participate or have their picture taken. And that's TOTALLY fine. Please, if this happens at your session don't get upset. As someone who takes a lot of images of not just my clients children, but my own daughter I completely understand that some days, kids will be .... well kids! So I plan ahead for this, and 90% of my "posing" comes from an action I ask either your whole family to do or just your child. An example of that would be asking Mom and Dad to stand facing each other and then I will say to the kids " okay game time kiddos !!! I want you guys to race in a circle around mom and dad BUT the trick is to try and stay as CLOSE as you can to them!!! Who do you think is going to win ". This is usually one of the kids FAVOURITES!

Theres lots of things I can do to help get your kiddo involved and making memories! Remember the more easy going and relaxed you are, the more you'r relaxed your kiddos will be!

#2. Please don't dress all your kiddos the same

I know, I know. Its tradition that everyone is perfectly matching with your blue jeans and white tee's, or all the same plaid. But its not what you want long term. You end up all kinds of blending together, rather than each personality standing out.

" But Mariah, you tell us to colour coordinate "

You'r 100% right I do, BUT what I mean is pick colours that compliment each other, generally in the neutral colour scheme ( beige, brown, forest green, navy blue, cream etc.) Each child specifically should dress in a way that actually represents them and makes them feel comfortable and confident! If you need any help at all picking out what to wear let me know and I can help!

#3. Don't be afraid to be goofy!

If you haven't already had a session with me, then you will know within the first 10 minutes that I am not a serious person. I loveee being silly, I love playing games and I most of all LOVE to laugh. Although I take your photos super serious, and I want them to be perfect. BUT, in order for that to happen we all have to let our hair down a little and just be a bit goofy. Play with your kids, tickle your kids, tackle your husband. If I have my camera in hand you better believe I will be happily clicking my shutter button and laughing the whole time !

#4. Bring something personal to the session

Maybe you have a book your family loves to read together, or a blanket that's everyones favourite. BRING IT. I love when my clients have something meaningful to them and bring it along to their session, it makes their (YOUR) images tie in beautifully with your home and carry an even more meaningful purpose to the image.


#5. This is the most important one.... dont be afraid to get dirty!!!

I pinky promise I will keep the "most likely to get dirty" shots to the end of the session, but when the time comes to tackle hug, or jump in a muddy puddle.... don't be afraid. This is the part of the session when we all get to have even more fun, the kids will be roaring with laughter and you may have some muddy boots or some grass stained jeans but this is where the memories are made.

When you look back on these photos in years to come, these photos of being silly and getting a little dirty will be the ones to make you smile and feel nostalgic for yours kids laughter filling your soul with pure happiness.