As a family photographer in Northern NJ, I love helping my clients prepare for their family sessions throughout the year. A little bit of preparation goes a long way!

I’m participating in a blog circle this week and am sharing a link to a wonderful photographer in DC! Make sure to check out her link at the end of this post.

Here are my top tips to make the most of your family session this year:

1. Chose your wardrobe a few weeks in advance. This will relieve so much stress the week of your session! I always tell moms to chose their dress first, and go from there. Simple clothing in neutral colors photographs best. Avoid dark colors, neons, and busy patterns, as they reflect unflattering colors into your faces; and no one wants that! If you’re having a hard time finding neutral clothing for your next session, try Zara or H&M. They have a great selection of neutral pieces for kids!

2. Make sure everyone is well fed. Depending on the time of year, family sessions take place in the late afternoon or evening, which can be witching hour for babies and toddlers! Giving everyone (that includes you, parents!) a big meal before we start can lead to happier smiles and a better experience.

3. Bring treats for the littles. I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve, but it is always good to have something in your back pocket, just in case we need it. Special snacks that don’t stain faces (think, mini marshmallows!) work great. I recommend that parents leave any special treats hidden in the diaper bag or in the car, and only pull them out if we absolutely need it!

4. Relax and have fun. Family sessions should be fun! I want to capture your family exactly as you are, chaos and all. When parents relax and focus on connecting with their kids, it leads to the natural & authentic images that you’ve been wanting.

Here are some images from a recent outdoor family session. This family implemented the above tips perfectly, and we had so much fun together!

If you are looking for a family photographer in Northern NJ, head over to my website for more information: Christina Claire Photography.

And don’t forget to check out this post about the sweetest 1 year milestone session by DC Baby Photographer, Jessica Hendricks!