helping you make decisions to match your vibe
Family Session Guide
How we will approach your family session
Thank you for choosing me to document your family.
My goal isn't simply to create beautiful photographs—it's to preserve the connection, personality, and little moments that make your family uniquely yours. The way your child reaches for your hand, the laughter that erupts from an inside joke, the cuddles, the chaos, and everything in between.
These are the moments that become treasured memories years from now.
This guide will help you prepare for a relaxed, meaningful experience.
oakfield provincial park
What to expect..
Session length: Up to 60 minutes
Family sessions are designed to be playful, interactive, and stress-free.
Rather than asking everyone to stand perfectly still and smile at the camera, I'll guide your family through activities, movement, and connection-focused prompts that allow genuine moments to unfold naturally. Asking little ones to stand and smile at the camera rarely capture the moments you will cherish the most.
Some children warm up immediately.
Some take a little time.
Some want to run, explore, and lead the adventure.
All of that is welcome!
Your job is simply to be present with your family. My job is to create beautiful images from those moments.
in home session
Choosing the right location
The location helps shape the feeling behind your photos, choosing something that feels like the right place to tell your story
Whether it's grabbing ice cream, exploring a favourite trail, or sharing a quiet picnic, incorporating meaningful experiences can help your session feel natural and uniquely you
Important note: Some locations have fees associated with them that are not included in your session. If you have a location in mind we can discuss what those fees may look like. If additional fees are off the table let me know in your questionnaire and I'll be sure to suggest locations that fit your needs.
Crystal Crescent Beach
Because our weather is predictably unpredictable - we could get absolutely anything when we get to the beach. Fog banks can be common and typically they last a few evenings/mornings in a row before they move off shore.
Below is examples of different lighting scenarios at the same beach.
golden hour
mid morning , bright sun
blue hour
foggy morning
the possibilities are endless
Dress up session in Mom's dress
Brewery Park hotel, Halifax
If you’re unsure of a specific location, don’t worry—that’s what I’m here for. Based on your questionnaire, I’ll guide you toward a location that photographs beautifully and feels right.
choosing the vibes to match your energy
Nature – soft, romantic, a little adventurous
Beaches, fields, cliffs, forests—perfect for movement and quiet moments
Urban – modern, stylish, a little playful
Downtown streets, architecture, cozy corners
In-Home – intimate, personal, relaxed
Slow mornings, coffee, music, your real-life space
how to create those timeless photographs you want
timing & lighting
Golden Hour
Just before sunset, or just after sunrise -when the light turns warm and golden, wrapping everything in a soft glow. It’s the kind of light that feels effortless and romantic—like the world slows down a little and everything looks its best.
Lasts about 1.5 hours before sunset or after sunrise.
Blue Hour
That dreamy moment right after the sun dips below the horizon, when the sky shifts into deep, soft blues. If we're lucky, we will get my absolute favourite - the cotton candy sky. The light becomes subtle and cinematic—less glow, more mood. It feels quiet, intimate, and a little bit magical, like the world has slowed down just for a moment.
30 minutes after sunset max.
Filtered Sun
Creating that feeling like little pockets of glow dancing through the trees. It creates a mix of soft light and gentle shadows that adds depth, warmth, and a slightly magical, almost storybook feel to your photos. Think parks with tree covered paths or areas, willow trees, greenhouses.
Great for sessions that need to be anytime outside of golden hours!
Want your photos indoors?
Absolutely no problem! I have the equipment to make any other lighting scenario create the perfect moments for you.
In home cozy sessions are cuddly and special - I love an in home session! You will need to tidy a couple areas in your home so we can use those spaces for your session. We might move some furniture around if needed however it's often not necessary.
Acadia University
Styling your session
Important information on styling your outfits
Aim to coordinate, rather then trying to match, you will notice when the colors don't match in your photos
Think a mixture of soft, neutral, or earthy tones
Choose pieces that move (flowy dresses, layers, textures)
When in doubt, go for simple, well fitting options
Ask me questions in advance!
You can always have an outfit change during your session, bring options
Plan your outfits in advance, don't wait to fit the right piece to wear
Aim to have your outfits picked out at least two weeks before your engagement session so there is no last minute rushing causing you extra stress
Try them on and take photos of yourself standing, sitting, from the side and back - we will be moving around a lot
Styling tips for Mom
Dresses or outfits that flow and move photograph beautifully.
Textured fabrics and longer lengths add a romantic feel.
This may sound old fashioned, but it really helps - a slip under your dress can sometimes help smooth and help you feel more comfortable in your photos. That tin added layer of fabric can make a big difference and the goal is for you to be comfortable and confident!
Bring two options, and think layers you can add or take away
Hair & makeup: whatever makes you feel your best - a little extra can go a long way on camera if that feels right for you
Tidy up your nails. You don't need a full manicure if that's not your style
Styling tips for Dad
Well fitting clothing makes a big difference
Layers (jackets, overshirts) add depth
Neutral tones that complement—not compete or try to match
Again, generally think neutral colors and earthy tones. Browns, greens, linen, dusty blue, denim, white
Don't forget to think about your shoes, we will see them so no scuffed up old Air Force ones please
Clean and tidy up your hands and nails. Wash off the dirt from work - we will be getting up close for some shots!
A fresh haircut goes a long way, and a little styling gel if you're into that - ask your barber for some tips for your style
Styling tips for your little ones
Comfortable clothing and footwear is a must
Bring layers incase they get cold, especially in shoulder season months outside of Late June to Mid September.
Bring a change of clothing that goes with your aesthetic incase there are any accidents
Bring a toy that matches your vibes - it's a part of the story I think that's important to tell - most times I won't be able to edit it out naturally so make sure it blends in well!
Clean fingers are important as they're difficult to fix later
Coordinate outfits to go within the color scheme for the family
What to avoid
Stretch jersey knit fabrics are not recommended as they can appear unflattering in photos. Fabrics with more structure or texture like cotton, knits, linen, denim, lace, or heavy satins with a lining are very flattering.
Large logos or graphics
Neon or overly bright colors, this can cause color casting and be difficult to correct
Anything you feel uncomfortable in or doesn't fit you well
Anything that doesn't feel like you!
If still feeling unsure, reach out and let's help you find a style that will work for your date - I mean session - but it's really going to feel like a date!
How to prep
A few simple things that make a big difference:
- Let your little ones know ahead of time, and remind them so they remember.
- Tell them my name, show them some pictures so they learn a little about what we are doing.
- Ensure everyone is well-rested and that we choose a time that works with sleep schedules!
- Bring water and simple snacks that won't get little ones too messy
- Pack comfort items
- Bring toys that will blend in with your vibe - I can't always easily remove a stuffy from a little ones arms and make it look natural
- Don't stress about perfection
And most importantly—come ready to enjoy this time together with your family.
During your session
This is where you can let go.
You don’t need to perform or “get it right.”
I’ll guide you through everything—where to stand, what to do, how to move.
- Avoid putting pressure on them to perform for the camera.
- Children respond best when they feel free to be themselves.
- Have one parent at a time speaking to the little one, if many adults are saying their name it can be overwhelming and we may not be able to finish
- I will let you know if we need to move onto another activity otherwise just smile, laugh, play be silly and bring on the love and laughter.
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It’s less about posing and more about being.
And yes—there will probably be a few laughs about feeling awkward at the start. That’s part of it, and it fades quickly.
Unexpected events
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll make a thoughtful decision together.
Is someone sick or injured? No problem.
Cloudy skies? Often ideal.
Light drizzle? Sometimes workable (and even a little magical but it will be your call).
Heavy rain or unsafe conditions? We’ll reschedule. We can reschedule a session once before additional session change fees apply.
You won’t be left guessing—I’ll guide you through it.
We will connect about 2-3 days before your session to start looking at the weather and finalizing plans.
Post Production Phase
After Your Session
I’ll carefully go through and edit your images to reflect the feeling and connection we captured.
Your images will be delivered in a beautiful online gallery where you can download, share, and print.
Full gallery: Delivered within 2-3 weeks

one final note
This experience is meant to feel easy, meaningful, and a little bit fun. It’s a chance to pause, be together, and capture what your connection looks like right now for your family.
I’ve got you every step of the way.
I can’t wait to document this for you
-m
