PHOTOGRAPHING BABY/CHILD

• Children are easier to photograph when they are healthy, well rested, and well fed:).
• Please bring your child’s favorite toys and be prepared with your go-to noise, face, song, etc. that gets them to smile. (I apologize in advance for my singing voice because you will most likely be subjected to it:).) When helping with smiles, you'll want to stand right behind me with your face or toy just above my head.
• Keep their nose clean:). Being a mother of two little ones, I know how easy and quickly their noses get “dirty.” Please check little noses before the session. Because their noses are so small and detailed, it is sometimes difficult to correct all “unpleasantries” during post processing. Don’t worry about scratches, blemishes, etc. on the face or body as those are no problem for me to correct for you.
• If you need to moisturize your little one's skin, aquaphor is a great option and will appear less shiny in the images.
• I find it best to pick outfits that are classic or vintage-like in style. (Hair accessories also.) Avoid large characters or logos. You want your images to be timeless! You are welcome to text images of your ideas to me and I will be happy to help narrow down. (Ask about options available in the studio closet for sizes 12 months and under.)
• Make sure clothes fit perfectly... not too big or bulky! We often buy the next size up because children grow so quickly but you'll want to avoid those outfits for your session. Be sure to try things on and iron them (if necessary) in advance.
• Like clothes, your child's shoes should be timeless. Avoid large sneakers and whenever possible, I recommend going without shoes for small children. After all, is there anything cuter than baby toes!?!
• Week old haircuts are the best. So, be sure to schedule haircuts one week before the session. Well-groomed hair will help make your photos perfect. Ideally, we want to keep children’s hair out of their eyes.
• I’m not able to edit fingernails so be sure to check little fingers for any chipped nail polished.
• I recommend having a little snack on hand just in case... puffs or cereal for little ones, dried apples or bananas, fruit snacks or even smarties as they get older. Think of things they consider a treat but won’t leave them with colored teeth or brown drool:).
• Plan for about an hour with a little more time if your little one is loving the camera and a little less if they are getting tired. I watch/listen for queues from them. (Please be prompt for outdoor sessions. The sun will not wait for us!)

ADDING IN FAMILY

• You will want to coordinate your outfits but not have everyone matching (i.e. I don't recommend having everyone in jeans and a white shirt.). Don’t be afraid of color but it is best to avoid patterns that are too busy and avoid too many people in clashing patterns. Start by picking your favorite outfit for one person in the photo (I love starting with Mom) and then coordinate everyone else with it. Lay your outfits out on the bed to ensure they all look good sitting next to each other. Oh, and I love layers... ties, beads, sweaters, vests, blazers, hats, etc.
• You'll want to dress up a little. Jeans are perfectly fine but I recommend they be dark in color. For Dad... I love the look of a button down rolled to just below the elbow and when in doubt, I like to error on the side of an undershirt especially when wearing a button down.
• Be sure to iron outfits the day before so that you are not rushed the day of.
• Like with children, I recommend week old hair cuts for everyone. Don’t forget to groom all hair... beards, mustache, eyebrows and nose.
• You'll want freshly groomed nails. Dad too for that matter:). I do not recommend bright/loud nail polish and I do not recommend large watches for Mom or Dad.
• I do not recommend large white sneakers. Even for Dad:).
• On the day of, be sure to empty out all pockets (cell phones make big embossed rectangles in pants)! My focus will often be on the children. I will position the parents and then you just keep looking at me and smiling:). I'll direct you when we are moving on to more candid shots where you will interact with the child/children instead of looking at camera.

CAKE SMASH

• If your session includes a cake smash, we will start by picking the colors and/or theme. I am happy to suggest ideas! Once we have the colors or theme, you’ll decide on a cake smash outfit. It can be as simple as a diaper cover, a one piece, or as fancy as a full outfit with suspenders and tie or a pretty dress. I do have some options in studio or I can help you procure something more specific to your smash.
• For the most part, I will supply all of the decorations. So the only other thing you will need to bring is a 4-6” cake. Publix has a great "mini" cake (not their "cake smash" cake). You'll need to order at least 24 hours in advance and they can typically make it in any color(s) you want and can make it naked, all smooth, ruffled, dots or other simple patterns.
• A few days before your session, try giving your birthday boy/girl a small cupcake while they are sitting on the floor. This may help get them excited when it is time to perform in front of the camera. Also, you can try letting them eat mashed potatoes with their hands to get them use to the texture. 
• There is a bathroom and tub in the studio for post-cake smash cleanup. I have everything you need but if baby requires a special cleanser due to skin conditions, please feel free to bring it.
• Cake Smash sessions also include portraits so feel free to bring a separate outfit for that (or borrow from studio). See above for outfit recommendations.