Your Pre-Session Checklist: Everything You Need Before We Shoot

You’ve chosen your location, finalized the date, and booked your family session—congratulations! The hardest part is officially behind you. Now, it’s time to focus on preparation so that the day of our shoot feels less like a chore and more like a fun, memorable family experience.

As a family photographer capturing stories across the greater Pittsburgh area, I know firsthand that a little preparation goes a long way toward creating those relaxed, authentic images you love.

To help you get ready for our time together, I’ve put together the ultimate pre-session checklist.

1. Wardrobe Prep: Textures, Steam, and Comfort

Your outfits play a huge role in how your final images feel, especially when aiming for a warm, film-inspired aesthetic.

• Embrace Textures: Layers like knits, denims, and linens catch the light beautifully and add a rich, tactile depth to your photos.

• The Wrinkle Check: Give your outfits a thorough look a few days before the session. If an item needs to be ironed or steamed, do it ahead of time and hang it up. Wrinkles love to show up in images, and taking care of this beforehand saves a lot of stress on picture day.

• Prioritize Comfort: Make sure everyone can move freely. If a toddler’s dress is itchy or a dad’s collar is too tight, it will show in their expressions.

2. Prepare the Kids: "Talk Up" the Session & Prevent Hunger

Children pick up on parental energy. If you are stressed about the session, they will feel it, too. Instead of treating the shoot like a strict appointment where they must behave, frame it as a fun family outing.

• Talk it Up: A few days beforehand, start talking up the session to your kids. Tell them: "We are going to the park to hang out with our friend Jana, play some games, and take some fun pictures together!"

• Avoid the "Hangry" Window: Make sure the kids eat a good meal before getting dressed, or give them a clean, high-protein snack in the car on the drive over. A full belly equals a happy kid who has the energy to run around and play!

3. The Secret Weapon: Strategic Bribery

Let’s be completely honest—sometimes a little extra motivation goes a long way with toddlers and young kids. There is absolutely no judgment here!

• If you need a backup plan, bring along clean, non-messy bribes. Mini marshmallows are my absolute favorite secret weapon. They are small, quick to eat, won't stain clothes, and don't leave brightly colored dye on little tongues or lips like lollipops or chocolate can!

• Keep the treats hidden in your bag, and we will pull them out strategically if we hit a wall.

• For older kids, sometimes the promise of ice cream (or another favorite treat) after the shoot is a nice incentive for cooperation.

4. Watch Out for the Small Details (That Make a Big Difference)

Before you step out of the car and meet me at our location, take sixty seconds to check for these easy-to-miss details that can instantly distract from a beautiful portrait:

• The "Empty Pockets" Rule: Dads and moms, please leave cell phones, smartwatches, and heavy key rings in the car, or stash them away in a diaper bag we can set out of the frame. A massive rectangular phone bulge in a front jeans pocket can completely disrupt the clean lines of your silhouette.

• Hair Ties on Wrists: Remember to take those neon elastic hair ties off your wrists about 30 minutes before the session so those little red skin indentations have time to fade.

• Glasses Check: If anyone in the family wears glasses, check to see if they have "transition" lenses that automatically turn into dark sunglasses when exposed to the Pittsburgh sun. If they do, see if they can bring a non-transition backup pair so we can always see their beautiful eyes in the photos!

5. Mental Prep: Take a Deep Breath

The most important thing you can bring to your session is a relaxed mindset. If a toddler has a meltdown or a baby needs a quick cuddle break, it is completely okay.

My photography style blends classic posed portraits with authentic lifestyle shots. I love capturing the honest, beautiful bonds between you and your children, which means you do not have to look at the camera the whole time.

In fact, the most magical images usually happen when you are looking at each other—laughing, tickling, whispering secrets, or just walking hand-in-hand through a park in the South Hills or along the North Shore. Trust the process, let go of perfection, and let me capture the beautiful reality of your family's current season.

Final Quick Checklist for the Day Of:

• [ ] Outfits ironed, steamed, and hung up.

• [ ] Cell phones, keys, and smartwatches out of pockets.

• [ ] Hair ties off wrists and transition lenses swapped (if applicable).

• [ ] Kids fed and happy before arrival.

• [ ] Extra snacks and water (and those trusty mini marshmallows!).

• [ ] Baby wipes or tissues for quick face/nose cleanups.

• [ ] A relaxed, ready-to-have-fun attitude!

  
  

Ready to Capture Your Story in Allegheny County?

If you haven't booked your session yet but are ready to create a stress-free, warm, and soulful portrait experience for your family, I would love to chat. Let's find a beautiful local backdrop and tell your unique story.

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