I love this question! It’s my client’s biggest concern. My answer is simple. We’re not going to a photoshoot! While I will pose you and find the moments to say “1-2-3 CHEESE”… You’re going to a family hangout at the beach! We will play. The kiddos will run. We will build sandcastles or look for seashells. My documentary approach fosters an environment of comfortability for kiddos. Where they can be themselves.. because that’s what you truly want captured.

I have a Pinterest board full of ideas linked in the main menu. I will gladly assist you in coordinating outfits that will capture the aesthetic you are going for! While I’m not a trained stylist, haha… I have a keen eye for fabrics, colors and styles that photograph well!

Check out my Pinterest board

See all the pictures on this website? I think I’ve heard this comment from just about every one of them, haha. I use scripted prompts to create movement and reactions that solicit real smiles and real emotions. So if you think it’s weird when I tell you to sniff your partners ear, I assure you.. it’s all part of a plan :)

Yes and… no. As a mom who survives off of a consistent bedtime, I get it. So here’s my checklist for these late summer sunset sessions:

1. Late naps - crucial for the littles who are 3 and under.

2. Bribery - yes. Ice cream after, a gift from the gift shop. Something to bargain with.

3. Act unaffected. Easier said than done. They won’t pose? Cool. It’s my job to read the room and pivot to the next best thing. The less people they have telling them what to do, the better.

4. Have fun. This is hard for parents sometimes because just getting to the session feels like fighting a war. Maybe you sing songs on the way. Maybe you play a quick game of tag while we’re walking along the beach to the next spot. 

5. Hype the kiddos up! Tell them how cool it will be to get pictures of them doing jumps in the waves. Or ask them what they want to make sure we capture. Show them my page and have them pick out a favorite picture they want to recreate. When kids feel involved and like their opinions matter, they’re more excited to participate!

Inevitably, someone might cry. Someone might have a breakdown. That’s why I make sure there’s enough time in each session to account for the in between moments so we don’t feel rushed and push for an outcome. Most of my clients express how our session hardly felt like a photoshoot and that’s something I really pride myself on. If you feel strongly that your kiddos just won’t be able to handle it, we have options! Sunrise beach sessions are just as beautiful if your kiddos are early birds.. or we have lots of beautiful greenery and Spanish Moss which can be done earlier in the late afternoon/evening timeframe.

I do not offer mini sessions. I have had a camera in my hand for nearly a decade and it's taken this long to perfect my workflow. The work you see and love on my website was not created in a quick 15 minute session. I have done my fair share of minis and I am not passionate about rushing small children for an outcome. In my experience, it's stressful for all involved and the photos aren't something I'm proud to deliver to clients. I reserve my schedule exclusively for the session times I have published on my booking tab. My only goal is for my clients to love their gallery and for the photos to become part of family history and I cannot promise to maintain my quality of work when forcefully rushed. I appreciate your understanding!