Finding Your Setting

Where will we take your photos?

Outdoor sessions thrive in locations that feel meaningful — or simply beautiful. The goal isn't a generic park backdrop; it's a setting that becomes part of your family's story.

Your own backyard or property is always worth considering first. The tire swing your kids actually use, the field behind your house, the old barn on your family's land — these places carry a weight that no public park can replicate. If you have outdoor space you love, let's use it.

Local parks, trails, and open fields offer gorgeous natural light and variety. I have several favorite spots around the area that photograph beautifully across seasons, and I'm always happy to scout a new location if you have somewhere special in mind.

What makes a great location:

• Open shade or soft, indirect light (under a tree canopy, near a treeline, or in an open field in the hour before sunset)
• Room to move — kids need space to run, wander, and be themselves
• A mix of backdrops — open field, wooded edge, tall grass — so we can shift the feel within a single session
• Somewhere you genuinely like being, so the comfort shows in your photos

Dressed for the Moment

What Should We Wear?

Outdoor sessions call for layers, texture, and pieces that move well — because your family will be moving. The goal is to look like yourselves, just the most pulled-together version. Think cozy, earthy, and real.

For Mom

Choose something you feel genuinely beautiful in — not just "fine." You'll be sitting in grass, crouching down for hugs, and potentially chasing little ones, so movement matters just as much as looks.

• Flowy dresses, wrap styles, or relaxed separates that move naturally with you
• Layered looks — a cardigan, light jacket, or soft scarf — add visual warmth and dimension to photos
• Earthy, muted tones photograph best outdoors: rust, cream, olive, camel, burgundy, warm blush
• Flat or low-heeled footwear works best on uneven outdoor terrain — think sandals, ankle boots, or simple sneakers
• Avoid anything too stiff or structured; you want to feel as relaxed as you look

For Dad

Simple, relaxed, and intentional. He doesn't need to try hard — just try a little.

• Solid Henley, casual button-down (untucked), or a well-fitted crewneck are all excellent choices
• Neutral tones that coordinate without matching: tan, navy, gray, olive, white
• Dark jeans, chinos, or relaxed trousers keep the look polished without feeling overdressed
• Clean boots or casual leather shoes translate well to outdoor settings
• Avoid graphic tees, athletic wear, or anything he'd wear to mow the lawn

For the Kids

Comfort is non-negotiable. If they're tugging at a color or tripping over shoes, it will show.

• Neutral and earthy tones photograph best outdoors — avoid bold patterns or busy prints that compete with the natural setting
• Coordinate without matching — a little variation between siblings looks far more natural and interesting than identical outfits
• Bare feet photograph sweetly in the right setting, but make sure whatever shoes they bring are simple and low-key
• Avoid overly formal or restrictive pieces — freedom of movement is everything for an outdoor session with kids

For Girls

• Simple dresses, soft tops with leggings, or classic separates all work beautifully
• Skip anything with heavy embellishment, oversized ruffles, or fussy details that can look distracting in photos
• Flowy or relaxed silhouettes move better and photograph more naturally than stiff or structured pieces
• Avoid anything she'll need to constantly adjust — if it requires fussing indoors, it'll require twice as much fussing outside

For Boys

• Simple tops, soft flannels, casual button-downs, or cozy sweaters are all great choices
• Well-fitted pants or shorts in neutral or earthy tones keep the look clean and effortless
• When in doubt, a well-fitted solid tee and dark jeans is a combination that almost never fails
• Avoid bold logos, graphic tees, or anything he'll spend the whole session complaining about

Coordinating Without Matching

You don't need to be matchy-matchy — in fact, a little variation looks far more natural and interesting in photos. Choose a loose color palette of two or three complementary tones and let each person interpret it in their own way. Mixing textures — linen, denim, knit, cotton — adds depth without effort. If you'd like a second set of eyes before session day, I'm always happy to take a look at your outfit picks and help you pull it all together.

What We'll Capture

what kind of photos can you expect?

Every family session finds its own rhythm, and I love following your lead. But here's a sense of what we typically create together — always naturally, never forced.

Before We Begin: Your Pre-Session Questionnaire When you book your session, you'll receive a short questionnaire — and filling it out is one of the most valuable things you can do to make your session everything you're hoping for. Every family session follows a standard flow that covers all the bases, but your questionnaire is where you tell me what matters most to you. Is there a particular grouping you're prioritizing? A special moment you're hoping to capture? A child who needs a little extra patience and warmth? The more I know going in, the better I can make sure we get to your must-haves early — before anyone gets tired, distracted, or suddenly very interested in a bug they found on the ground. The standard shots will happen; the questionnaire makes sure your shots happen too.

Movement Over Posing You won't hear me say "okay, everyone smile!" very often. Instead, I rely heavily on movement prompts — walking together, spinning kids around, sneaking in a tickle, racing to the treeline — because genuine laughter and real connection can't be manufactured by standing still and saying cheese. When families are in motion, guards come down, kids forget they're being photographed, and the magic just happens. The smiles you'll see in your gallery aren't performed — they're real, and that's exactly the point.

Candid & In-Between Some of the best photos happen when nobody's looking at the camera — a laugh that snuck out, a toddler wandering off, a kid doing exactly what you told them not to do. I'm always watching for these.

The One Who Doesn't Want to Be Here

Tips For the reluctant Participants (You know who they are)

Let's be honest — not everyone in your family woke up this morning thrilled about family photos. Whether it's a teenager who'd rather be anywhere else, a toddler who's decided today is a no day, or a husband who's been sighing since you mentioned it two weeks ago — this is completely normal, and we're going to be just fine.

For reluctant kids: Bribery is a completely valid parenting tool and I fully support it. A favorite snack, a promised stop for ice cream after, or simply letting them bring something they love to the session (a stuffed animal, a stick they found — truly anything) can make all the difference. I don't rush kids. We let them warm up at their own pace, and I've found that most little ones come around once they realize we're basically just playing outside.

For reluctant teens: I see you, and I won't make it weird. We keep it low-key, skip the stiff poses, and I'll often let them opt out of a few frames just so they feel like they have some control. When they do show up — even halfway — the photos are always worth it.

For reluctant partners: This one comes up more than you'd think, and here's what I tell every family: by the end of the session, they're almost always glad they came. I make it easy, keep the posing natural, and never put anyone on the spot. And when they see the photos? That's usually the moment it clicks.

The truth is, a little resistance is real life — and real life makes for real photos. We work with what we've got, and what we've got is your actual family. That's always enough.

How to Schedule a Session?

Securing your family session is easy, and I'm here to make the whole process feel simple and personal.

Choose Your Season: Reach out when you have a season in mind — even a loose one. Fall books the fastest, so if that's your dream, don't wait until August.

We'll Pick Your Location Together: Once we've confirmed your date, we'll talk through location options based on the season, your family's vibe, and anywhere special you have in mind.

Flexibility Always: Life with kids is unpredictable. If something comes up — a sick kid, a Michigan weather surprise — we'll find a solution. I'd rather reschedule than have you show up stressed.

Stay in Touch: I'm here before, during, and after booking. Questions about outfits? Wondering if a certain spot will work? Just reach out. That's what I'm here for.