A mother sits on a blanket by a rocky creek, hugging her toddler while a smiling blonde boy sits beside them.
Golden retriever dog curled around a sleeping newborn baby dressed in tan outfit on a soft gray blanket.

You Booked Pictures… Now What?


You decided it is finally time to update the pictures. Yay! But before we start making magic, we need an actual plan.

I am always here to help with ideas, locations and outfits—but I cannot read your mind. You have to give me a little something to work with! So let’s talk about how to plan your session without making it stressful or waiting until the night before.

First Things First: Are You Actually Booked?

This one is important, so I am going to say it loud:

If you did not get a confirmation email from me AND pay your booking fee, YOU ARE NOT ON MY CALENDAR.

Messaging me about a date does not hold it. Saying, “That day should work!” does not hold it. Even if we talked about the perfect time and location, the session is not officially booked until you finish the booking process.

I have missed a couple of sessions because things were talked about but never actually finalized—and trust me, nobody wants that awkward moment.

Check your email. Check your spam folder. Make sure the booking fee was paid. If you are not sure, text me and ask! I would much rather double-check than have you getting dressed while I am sitting at home drinking a Coke Zero with no clue we are supposed to be taking pictures.

What Kind of Pictures Do You Want?

Now for the fun part. What is your vibe?

Are you thinking country? City? Flowers? A field? Downtown brick? Your family farm? Clean and simple in the studio? Do you want soft and pretty, fun and colorful, or something with a little more edge?

Do not just tell me, “Whatever you think.” These are your pictures! I want them to look and feel like you—not like a random session I planned for somebody else.

Send me screenshots. Send me a Pinterest board. Send me an outfit you already bought. Tell me you want cows, a truck, wildflowers or a downtown alley. You do not have to know every single detail, but I need a starting point.

Let’s Pick a Location

Once we know the vibe, then we can figure out where we are going.

I think sometimes people assume I plan the whole thing from beginning to end. I will absolutely help, but you have to be part of the plan too. I do not know if you love the city, hate tall grass, want to include Grandpa’s tractor or have a special place that means something to your family unless you tell me.

Give me the vibe and I can help point you in the right direction. We are a team here—you give me the vision, and I will help make the magic.

And please make sure we are actually allowed to take pictures at the location. Some places require permission or charge a fee, and that is something we need to know before we arrive.

Do Not Wait Until the Night Before for Outfits

Please. I am begging you.

Waiting until the night before is how we end up panic-shopping, somebody hates their pants and Mom is ready to cancel the entire thing.

Start with one outfit you love and build everyone else around it. You want to coordinate—not have everyone wearing the exact same shirt like we are headed to a family reunion in 2003.

Think about where we are shooting, what the weather will be and whether you can actually move in what you picked. If you are constantly pulling at it, fixing it or uncomfortable, it will show.

And if you need help, send me pictures of your options! I am happy to tell you what will photograph best.

Tell Me the Important Stuff

Are we bringing a dog? A cow? A truck? Grandma? Is somebody nervous in front of the camera? Does one of the kids need a little extra time to warm up? Tell me!

The more I know before the session, the better I can plan for it.

A few quick reminders:

  • Empty your pockets.
  • Take the hair ties off your wrists.
  • Bring walking shoes if your cute shoes are not made for hiking through a field.
  • Pack snacks and water for the kids—but maybe skip the bright orange cheese dust.
  • Plan your drive and arrive ready to start at your session time.

And parents, you do not have to yell, “Smile!” fifty times. Let me be ridiculous and get their attention. Real laughs beat forced smiles every single time.

Watch Your Messages

Weather changes. Kids get sick. Locations change. Sunflower fields randomly decide to die. Life happens.

Please keep an eye on your email and texts before the session. That is where I will send reminders, directions and any last-minute updates. And if something changes for you, let me know as soon as you can.

Then Show Up and Trust Me

Once we have the plan, the hard part is over.

Show up, relax and let’s have fun. Your kids do not have to behave like tiny perfect robots. Your family does not need to know how to pose. You do not need to practice your smile in the mirror.

I want the laughs, the chaos and the real personalities. That is the good stuff.

So make sure you are officially booked. Decide what kind of session feels like you. Help me choose the location. Plan the outfits before the last minute. Then show up ready to make some magic.

Now go book the dang session.