From Kim VanOs Photography, Avondale, AZ
So, you’ve booked your photo session—awesome! Now what? Let’s make this easy and fun.
1. The Mental Prep
- For little kids: talk about the session ahead of time. Show them pictures and explain what’s going to happen so there are no surprises.
- For teens (and let’s be honest, dads): let them know I aim for quick and painless. We’ll respect their boundaries—no forced poses!
- For moms: take a moment and pull out some photos of you with your own mom or someone special. Look at how those photos make you feel. Your kids will feel the same way about you in these photos someday. You are beautiful and absolutely worthy of being in these memories.
2. Before the Shoot
Outfit stress? Let’s keep it simple:
- Start with a centerpiece outfit (usually yours). Pick something you’re comfortable in. Neutrals like cream, navy, and olive photograph beautifully.
- Longer dresses/skirts are usually best.
- Avoid tiny stripes, loud patterns, logos, and neons—they’re camera nightmares.
- Build out everyone else’s outfits from there—go shopping in your own closets first!
- Do a try-on session ahead of time. Nothing like discovering your son’s shirt is two sizes too small on photo day.
- Check to make sure you have shoes to go with the outfits. Give everything a quick once-over for stains.
3. Day of the Shoot
Bring:
- Snacks (no bright colors—sorry, cherry lollipops and blue Gatorade!)
- Water—hydration is key!
- Baby wipes, hairbrush, chapstick or lipstick.
- Check traffic ahead of time so you’re not frazzled
4. During the Shoot
Have fun! Forget about “picture perfect.” The best photos happen when everyone is relaxed and happy. Trust me: forced smiles aren’t the memories you want. Let’s keep things easy and natural!
5. After the Shoot
Keep the good vibes going. Grab ice cream or play a family game together. You’ll get an email within 2 weeks with your photo gallery—a beautiful reminder of this fun day!
At Kim VanOs Photography, I know that getting in front of the camera can feel like a lot—but I promise, it’s always worth it. These moments we capture together aren’t just for now—they’re for decades from now, when your kids are grown and flipping through albums, seeing how fiercely they were loved. You’ve done the hard part by showing up. I’ll take it from here—creating something meaningful, beautiful, and real. Let’s make magic in the desert light.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Photographer
Kim VanOs
@kimvanosphotography
