So, you’ve booked a session (or are thinking about it), and maybe you’re wondering… “What actually happens during a family photo session?” Don’t worry... I’ve got you. I’m giving you a little insight at how we roll, what shots we typically try to take, and why no two sessions are ever the same.

Two young children sit close together on a sandy beach in black and white photography.
Two small children in casual beachwear sitting together on sandy beach at sunset with ocean in background.
Black and white photo series showing intimate moments between parent and child playing on a beach at sunset.
Family enjoying sunset moments together while sitting on a sandy beach.
Family dressed in blue and beige outfits relaxing on beach sand during golden hour.
A tender moment captured at sunset by the ocean as a woman in a blue dress holds a smiling child.
A family plays together in the ocean waves at sunset, splashing and laughing along the shoreline.
A couple in casual attire explores a sandy beach at sunset while waves gently roll in from the ocean.
A young girl in a blue embroidered dress plays and runs along a sandy beach at sunset.
A child in a blue embroidered dress plays joyfully on a sandy beach at sunset.
A couple holds their baby while standing on a beach at sunset in matching neutral colored outfits.
A couple shares a tender moment on the beach at sunset in black and white photography.
A couple embraces on the beach during sunset wearing casual attire in warm lighting.
A sequence of black and white photos showing a baby crawling and playing on sandy beach.

Flowing Through a Session (Without Feeling Rushed)

Every family is unique — personalities, ages, moods, energy levels — so no two sessions look exactly the same. I do have a workflow in mind to make sure we get all the important shots, but I always adapt to your family in real time.

Here’s what that might look like:

  • Session Warm-Up: Sometimes we start with the full family group. Sometimes we let the littles explore a bit while we capture candid moments. The goal is always to help your kids (and everyone) feel comfortable in front of the camera.
  • Individual Shots: Depending on your session tier, we’ll grab solo portraits of each child. Don’t worry — I know the tricks to get those sweet smiles (or hilarious expressions!) without anyone feeling stressed.
  • Parent & Couple Shots: I’ll guide you through a few simple, natural poses for the adults — and yes, sometimes this happens in the middle of chasing the kids around!
  • Kids Only / Candid Fun: This is where the magic happens. Whether it’s exploring, chasing bubbles, jumping in the leaves, or a little cake smash for the birthday season, I capture the real personalities — the laughs, the silly faces, the little moments that make your family yours.
  • Family Breakdowns: If we didn't knock these out in the beginning while your littles were warming up to me, we will wrap up with the group shots — siblings, the whole crew, mom with kids, dad with kids, and any combinations you want. This ensures everyone gets a moment in the spotlight.


Family enjoying quality time together outdoors on a sunny day in a grassy field.
A sequence of outdoor portraits showing a child in a light blue t-shirt with changing expressions in natural lighting.
Family enjoying a warm sunset together in a grassy field wearing casual white shirts and jeans.
A couple embraces in a sunlit meadow with trees in the background during golden hour.
Black and white collage of tender family moments showing parents playing and bonding with children outdoors.
Two children in casual t-shirts and jeans stand together in a sunny field during golden hour.
Child wearing white t-shirt and jeans stands outdoors in natural lighting with trees and foliage in background.
Couple sharing intimate moments in black and white photography outdoors during golden hour.
A heartwarming series of candid family moments captured in an outdoor setting during golden hour.
Two people share a playful and affectionate moment together outdoors in a black and white photograph.
Family shares playful moment together in a sunlit field during golden hour photo session.
A collection of black and white family portraits showing tender moments between loved ones in a natural setting.
A family poses together in a sunlit outdoor setting wearing casual blue jeans and light colored shirts.
Black and white photos of playful parent-child moments outdoors with natural expressions and embraces.

No Two Sessions Are Ever the Same


One session might start with a calm, posed family shot so everyone eases into the experience. Another session might start with a 3-year-old sprinting around like a tornado, which becomes the entire first half of our session (and trust me, I love it!). Either way, by the end, we’ll have captured:

  • Full family portraits
  • Parents-only shots
  • Sibling or kids-only shots
  • Candid, in-between moments that show your family’s personality

The exact order changes every time because I want your session to feel relaxed, fun, and totally natural, not like a checklist or a forced routine.

A family in coordinated red and khaki outfits poses together in a grassy field during golden hour.
Young child in casual clothes leaning on wooden bridge railing during autumn.
Two children playing and interacting on wooden bridge walkway in fall season.
Two children sit together on a blanket on a wooden bridge with rustic metal railings on an autumn day.
Black and white artistic photo showing legs and feet jumping in sequence against dark background.
A small child in a navy tulle dress and white bow twirls on a wooden bridge.
A white wooden bridge walkway surrounded by autumn trees and fallen leaves.
Autumn outdoor portrait session featuring red sweater and navy blue clothing in warm sunlight.
A family shares tender moments and embraces while wearing coordinated outfits outdoors.
A series of candid outdoor family photos showing tender moments between a mother and child on a fall day.
A tender moment captured outdoors as a parent lifts a small child wearing navy blue against an autumn backdrop.
Two children playing and laughing together on a paved path during golden hour.
A candid moment between parent and child playing together on an autumn path.
A family shares a warm embrace while standing on a wooden bridge during autumn.
A cozy autumn scene on a wooden bridge with pine cones scattered around.
Family portrait on wooden bridge during autumn with fall foliage in background.
Baby in navy dress and white bow sitting on wooden bridge surface.
A young child stands alone on a wooden bridge wearing a white shirt and brown pants.
Family members' feet walking together on wooden boardwalk showing coordinated casual footwear.
Family walking together on wooden bridge path during golden autumn afternoon.

Why This Works...

I’ve found that families who let their sessions flow like this:

  • Relax faster
  • Laugh more
  • Actually enjoy the experience

…while still leaving with a variety of images that tell their story beautifully.

Think of me as the memory-chaser, smile-catcher, and chaos-manager, AND don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of tricks up my sleeve to make it all happen smoothly.

Final Thoughts...

Every session is different because every family is different! That’s exactly why I love what I do. Meeting so many different families... telling all of their stories.... gosh, it's so much fun and so very special to me.


Whether you book a Keepsake, Story, or Legacy session, my goal is always the same: to capture your family exactly as you are - sweet, silly, messy, connected, and absolutely real.

No matter the chaos, the little meltdowns, the snack-bribes, or the extra wiggles, I promise: your photos will be timeless, beautiful, and 100% you.

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As my kids continue to grow, I’m reminded that yours are growing too — and I hope with my whole heart that I’ll still get to be the one who captures those beautiful changes for you in 2026.

Mother's Day is just around the corner...


This year for my mama's, instead of offering a day of Motherhood Mini's, I'm offering Keepsake Milestone sessions for your littles including all the mommy & me shots - with no additional fee! Because mom's need to be in the photos too! This promo is only good for Keepsake Milestone Sessions booked for May and June 2026.