How To Get the MOST of Your Photography Sitting

No matter if you are a High School Senior, an Expecting Parent, a Corporate Executive or the Grandchild of 16, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure your photography sitting not only yields awesome photos, but is FUN!

(1) RELAX & LET'S TALK/PLAY:   You are amazing, your child is amazing, your family is awesome- even if a zit popped up on the tip of your nose this morning, the baby is crying when you arrive or you spilled coffee on your lap on the way over.  (Not a big deal in this age of technology and Photoshop.)  Our goal is to see YOU, the subject, in a photo.  A good photographer can get around just about anything you can throw at them. When you simply "show up" as the relaxed version of yourself, we get to see the light that is you shinning brightly.

(2) LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS:  Ok, not literally.  What I mean by this is that you need to let go of there being a "perfect" photo or a "perfect" sitting for a 14 month old.  The "perfect" photo will happen without you trying to be perfect or scolding your child to smile.  Sometimes it's the sweet closed eyes or an infectious laugh which leap out of the photo and grab our hearts, let those moments be the perfect moment they are.

Seriously, I wish it had occurred to me to have a hidden camera in the studio to video tape parents during their child's session. Parents would be appalled to see themselves sometimes.

(3) BRING A JUST IN CASE BAG:  If it's just you, bring a change out-fit just in case you aren't "feeling it" in what you showed up in and a water or snack.   Sometimes just knowing you have options you like puts you at ease.

If you are bringing children I suggest:
     - FOOD & TREATS: to both ensure they aren't hungry and as bribing tools if necessary.
     - EXTRA CLOTHES:  kids are messy & a clothes changing opportunity often yields adorable images.
     - FAVORITE TOY or DOLL: a good photographer will have the toy or doll help take the photos and keep even the least cooperative kid entertained for a minute or two-  Long enough to capture at least ONE spark of joy.

The key is to just be yourself and think of your mini-session as your opportunity to SHINE. Tell the kids it's their time to be a star or simply play with "Miss Jess" or whomever your photographer is.  If you are enjoying yourself and allowing the children to enjoy themselves,  you will be floored by the phenomenal images that result