I am very much looking forward to spending time with everyone.

First and foremost, these images, we are about to create together, are meant to act as a time machine for you, your children, grandchildren, and those that will come long after you leave this place.

My approach and process is a culmination of 17 years of photographing families as my full time career. I have witnessed and documented familial dynamics and connection at all stages of life… all of them.

I am a very casual, down to earth, playful educator and artist that will meet each individual right where they are. No judgement here.

WHEN I ARRIVE:

• I will circle everyone up, introduce myself and give everyone a quick rundown of events and what to expect.

  Please note that very few of those things are in this document.

PRE SESSION BASICS:

• Drink a lot of water leading up to your session date

• Have accessible water

• Bring a light sweater or wrap

• Ladies, sparkles on skin do not translate well

• I don’t mind if you change outfits. However, be strategic about timing. Our time together will go by very quickly.

• Allow everyone to wear something they love, feel good in, and that has been worn at least a few times prior. If new clothing has been purchased please wash it at least once if you can see fold marks.

• Having bear spray handy is wise.

• Allow plenty of time to ensure that sure everyone is fed, dressed, and ready to go by start time.

KIDS:

• Bloomers/shorts/leggings under dresses.

• Snacks: Please do your best to avoid Cheetos, chocolate, or foods with a lot of dye in them.

FOOTWEAR:

• Chances are we will be in the forest. If you want to rock high heels, go for it but please be prepared with proper footwear to walk if needed.

• If someone wants to wear flip flops… let them.

THE DEEP END OF THE POOL

If any of the following creates tension in your body while reading simply observe it and let it pass through.

DIVING RIGHT IN

When my hand goes up…. QUIET ON THE SET

• It’s the best nonverbal cue that most kids already know. I use it mostly when tension/chaos reaches a certain point, we need to regroup, or I can sense subtle shifts in energy. It also allows me keep shooting with one hand.

GOOD NEWS …. You are off the hook!

• I half joke about specializing in challenging children but I really do. Probably because I was one myself.

• Allow me to lead.

• Don’t worry, I love collaboration. Kids have some wacky posing ideas. Play along. It happens quick. There will be a good mix of traditional portraits, candid, and silly shots.

• I may not remember your name because my brain is operating different systems and please know that I see you, feel you, and I’ve got your back.

• Sometimes I change direction quickly for a 100 different reasons. Just roll with me.

• As long as kids are not being reckless sit back, relax, allow everyone to be exactly who they are.

I give kids a good bit of freedom and some kids will really test the adults.

STAY UNBOTHERED.

PLEASE LET THEM:

• pick up sticks, rocks, pinecones….

• make ridiculous faces

• cry

• be shy or apprehensive

• hold their bodies in whatever ways that make them feel safe/comfortable

• opt out to take a break. I will circle them back in.

This creates safety and ultimately helps me get the shots you want.

RESPECTFULLY, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM THE FOLLOWING

• Instructing/directing

• Demanding smiles/actions

• I try to stay away from bribes

• Yelling, taunting, teasing, shaming, or threatening, the kids in any way. For example, “Put your hands down! Smile right! Be normal…. Don’t make that face… Do you want to stay home while we’re at the lake tomorrow?”

I know it is built into your bones to try and get children to smile for cameras. I get it.

• Nothing kills a kid’s authenticity faster than an adult demanding a smile on cue. They feel the pressure of being onstage and it will burn them out in minutes.

• Fake forced smiles will not end up you gallery. So, let’s avoid encouraging that.

Autonomy and consent are so important.

When it comes down to it, I am a stranger providing a deeply personal experience. I become part of your family for 2 short hours.

• I will ask permission before touching anyone. May I fix your hair, shirt….

• I will ask questions to foster connection.

• Emotions may come up. Let them. It’s beautiful.

• Sometimes adults prompt hugs as a respectful salutation when leaving. I didn’t like that as a kid so I’ve made it a practice to offer high fives to kids at departure. A solid good game and a high five goes so much farther.

All in all, this is not about being perfect.

It’s about love and creating a safe, playful, connected environment that everyone wants to revisit and look back on fondly.

PS. Having a treat prepared for immediately after the session that the kids will be excited about is a fun incentive. Device time, smores, popcorn…. whatever lights them up.

Thank you for trusting me with your family.

COME AS YOU ARE,

Amy

406.261.8152