Preparing for your mommy & me session in 3 quick steps:

Yay! You've booked your mommy and me photo session. This is something I try to do with my own kids once a year, especially since they are still little, and now it's something we all look forward to. That said, it's not lost on me that getting yourself out the door and to the shoot can feel like a production of its own. Don't worry, I've got you! Here are my top tips.

A family in neutral colored clothing sits together against a white wall in a natural light studio setting.

Number One: Pick those outfits

I recently posted on instagram some outfit ideas for inspiration. You can select one of these color palates to use, or search for your own on Pinterest. Next, decide if you want to go for a more formal look, or relaxed casual vibe. I was talking to a client about this, and to help her decide I asked her "what do you plan to do with these photos." If they are for display in your house you may lean a little toward more formal, but if you want to lean into the *play* vibes and have the photos feel a little more like your every day life, maybe the denim look is more for you! Once your outfits are picked, have everything (including everyone's shoes, your jewelry) ready the night before. I always have myself ready & keep kids in comfty clothes in the car then dress my kids once we arrive at photos - but that's up to you!

Spring fashion style guide featuring blue floral maxi dress, white linen pieces, neutral footwear and hair accessories.
A spring fashion mood board featuring neutral-toned clothing items like dresses, pants, and tops in earth colors and soft pastels.
Spring style guide featuring floral dresses, pastel colors, linen pants, gingham shirts, and tulle skirts in soft pink and beige tones.
Spring style guide featuring denim overalls, jeans, white shirts and chambray pieces in a casual blue and white palette.
Spring fashion mood board featuring neutral maxi dress, floral toddler dress, blue color swatches and striped baby romper.
Spring style guide with neutral beige and blush tones showing a maxi dress, shorts, and linen separates.

Step Two:

Tell your kids what to expect. Depending on how old they are, explain to them you're going to have a fun photo session in a big, exciting room. Explain all they have to do is play with mommy and emphasize how much fun it's going to be. I even tell my kids the photographers name and that she is going to take pictures of us on her camera ( I really hype this up the week of so it's fresh). If you want, you can even practice some sweet poses together. Some favorites are "see how long you and mom and touch foreheads" or "rub noses together." As for you I don't want you to be nervous at all. I'm going to walk you through a series of prompts to keep you and your kiddos engaged, all you have to do it focus on having fun and loving your kids.

Baby wearing knit cream sweater and blue bow sits on tan leather couch in soft natural lighting.
Mother in cream maxi dress holds baby wearing blue headband and crochet top against white backdrop.
Family wearing cream and brown dresses poses together against white backdrop in casual studio portrait session.
Two young children sit together in a white armchair wearing coordinated blue and brown casual outfits.

Step Three: Bring some reinforcements

Kids will be kids. If your little one is super slow to warm up or having an off day, try to remain calm. We have plenty of time to capture the photos, and I am there to keep things light and fun - we'll have music playing and as a mom of three kids under 4 I know some easy ways to ease them in. Here are some items you can bring if you think it would be helpful. SNACKS! Here, size matters. Try to bring small snacks (goldfish, fruit snacks, Nerds candies) that can easily fit in their hands and not take much time to eat. Another option is your favorite book right now, or a favorite toy or teddy bear. Something that you wouldn't mind in a few photos, and will make you smile when you look back on these photos.

I can't wait to see you at your Mommy & Me Session!

For more information on Boston Family Mini Sessions, or Boston Family photos, check out my website below, where you can subscribe to my monthly newsletter so you're up to date on all my offerings.