August 24, 2020 | Lifestyle Family Session at Freedom Park

Summer months call for longer days and I love it. I'm more productive. I'm more energized. I feel like I have more time to do-- more. But kids can be on a different schedule. And let's be honest--if you have small children, you savor naptime and early bedtime ;)

So scheduling a lifestyle outdoor family session at sunset seems crazy, right? I'm here to tell you it is worth the stretch to capture these moments at golden hour--that breif period of time just before the sun sets when all is softened by the last bit of subtle, golden light. And if that doesn't convince you, let me share 5-tips for a successful sunset photoshoot with your small children.

I. TALK ABOUT THE SESSION

As soon as you book your session, and up until the experience, talk to your kids about it! Get them excited and let them know it's going to be a fun, family event. Talk about your photographer, & show them their work. Let them know the photographer is a friend and prepare then for what to expect. If you create the right mood for them, their excitement (and their eager participation) should follow.

As long as it is not made out to be a chore-of-the-day, the kids will look forward to it and have a good time.

II. BRING SNACKS WITH YOU (or cake)

I realize that booking a photo shoot at sunset may mean eating later than usual. Planning, prepping and scarfing down a meal before your session isn't likely to happen. This is why I encourage bringing snacks. It’s a great way to stretch dinner hour and subdue hangry pains.

Snacks such as cheese sticks, green grapes, and popcorn are great choices. They are easy to pack finger foods that don’t leave any evidence of consumption behind (i.e. stains on mouth and clothing).

III. MAKE YOUR SESSION THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR DAY

--AND THE ONLY PLANS FOR THE DAY

I realize you're a busy parent with all-the-things-to-do. It can be difficult taking a day off to relax, but I will encourage you to intentionally choose to do this on the day of your photography experience. Keep the day low-key. Make no other plans. Enjoy the hours at home before you begin prepping for your session and refer back to tip #1.

IV. ENCOURAGE NAPPING KIDS TO NAP LATER

You may still have napping children. And as we've covered earlier in this post, few of us want to disrupt that. However, if you know your child needs a nap, and it's quite possible that this child will fall aspleep in the car on the way to the photoshoot, encourage them to nap later in the day. Extend playtime, reading time, game time--whatever their interests are in order to stretch the wake hours that will encourage a later nap time. You don't want a cranky, sleepy child for your once--maybe twice-a-year family photoshoot ;)

V. IF ALL ELSE FAILS, GO WITH THE FLOW

I have 2 girls. While they are not little anymore, I have been in your shoes. Sometimes, you have to squeeze a family session into an already busy day. Sometimes the kiddos just aren't jazzed about a photo session, and sometimes they will not nap on command. I'm here to tell you, it's all ok! Show up. Dress up to look and feel your best. And don't worry about the kiddos. Let them be kids. Let them get curious. Let them play and explore. Let them do what they do, I'll do what I do best--capture beauiful, authentic memories for you.

NOW, WHO'S READY FOR A SUNSET FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE? Let's chat!