Mini + Lifestyle Session Preparation

Before the session…

Set the stage with your family that you are going to explore a new place and meet a new friend named Elizabeth, who will take some pictures while we’re there. Chances are, if you’re excited about our session, your family will be also. If your session is at home, I love to begin by letting your child(ren) give me a tour.
If your session is on location, please plan to leave any treats/ snacks in the car until afterwards. It’s hard to take full advantage of our time together if we’re working around bites of food ;)
I love including furry family members in pictures, but please give me a heads up so I can have a plan in place. I also recommend having the ability to leave your pet out of part of the session so we can concentrate fully on the humans for a bit (this could mean bringing an extra person to take the dog on a walk or having a crate in the car).
If your session is at home, you’re welcome to straighten up as if you are having friends come visit, but don’t go overboard. The beautiful advantage of having a session at home is feeling in your comfort zone, treasure the authenticity, even if there are some extra toys laying around. After this season has passed, I’m sure there will be days you’ll long for the little feet that push those primary-colored, loud toys, and my hope is the pictures we snap during your session will remind you of the joy and fullness that came of this season.

Of course, please reach out with any specific questions.

Coordinate, don’t match. Pinterest has amazing suggestions for complementary color palettes.
Clueless? Pick an INSPIRATION PIECE that you love and plan everything and everyone else around that one piece.
If you know you want to hang a family portrait in one room in your home, think about what colors + textures you would love to see in that room every day.
Steer away from logos + cartoon characters.
BE COMFORTABLE. This one is in caps for a reason, if you or your kids (or your spouse!) are uncomfortable, your pictures will reflect it.
Old Navy, H&M, Gap Kids, Target, and Zara Kids are my go-to suggestions at a variety of price points.
Texture and layers are always underrated in my book. Fabric texture and things like scarves, bows, hats, vests, earrings can add subtle interest without detracting from what the pictures are really about- you and your people!

I will email you the week prior to your session with specific meetup instructions, follow those.
Pack bribes in the car if that’s your thing.
Don’t ask anyone to say cheese unless it legit makes them laugh. Let me tell you corny jokes and when I cue you, tickle those kids… the natural giggles that happen are perfect.
Expect me to make small talk. My goal is to help put you at ease so your photos reflect sincere connection.
I will guide posing if needed but also trust what comes naturally to your family (shoulder rides, holding hands and jumping, playing Eye Spy, singing songs, etc).

GET EXCITED!!!
Two weeks after your session you will receive an emailed link to your online gallery with instructions on how to choose and download your included digital files and use your gallery credit on a la carte products.
Click on the below image to view a sample gallery and check out product pricing in the shopping cart (go ahead and pick out the perfect frame to add to your living room!)
After receiving your gallery link, you will have two weeks to choose your downloads and use your credit.