I recommend booking your outdoor family photography session at least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during the busy spring and summer seasons. Fall is my most popular time of year for outdoor family portraits, and many families book 6–8 weeks in advance to secure their preferred date. If you need portraits for holiday cards, a special occasion, or before a child heads off to college, it's best to schedule your session 4–6 weeks in advance to allow time for viewing your gallery, selecting your favorites, and receiving your finished images and portraits.

I recommend choosing clothing that is comfortable, coordinates well, and reflects your family's personality. Soft, complementary colors and subtle patterns tend to photograph beautifully outdoors and help keep the focus on your family rather than the clothing. Outfits don't need to match exactly, but they should coordinate with one another and with the season and location of your session.

Be sure to dress for the weather. On cooler days, layers such as sweaters, vests, and light jackets can add both warmth and visual interest to your portraits. During warmer weather, lightweight fabrics and short sleeves are often the most comfortable choice.

Don't forget about shoes. Shoes are often visible in outdoor family portraits, so I recommend choosing footwear that coordinates with your outfits and the overall look of your session. Shoes should fit properly and be comfortable, especially if we'll be walking between locations or exploring a park or trail during your session.

Once your session is booked, I'll be happy to offer clothing suggestions and guidance to help you select outfits that photograph well and create beautiful, timeless family portraits.

If it rains on the day of your session, we'll simply reschedule for another day that works well for both of our schedules. The comfort and safety of your child are always my top priority. If the weather is unusually hot, cold, or otherwise uncomfortable for young children, I may also recommend rescheduling so we can create the best possible experience and capture natural, happy expressions. My goal is for everyone to enjoy the session and for us to create beautiful portraits in comfortable conditions.

Absolutely! Well-behaved pets are welcome to join your outdoor family photography session. Pets are often an important part of the family, and including them can create some of the most meaningful and memorable portraits. Whether it's a playful dog, a senior companion, or a pet that's been by your family's side through many years, I'm happy to incorporate them into your session.

If you plan to bring a pet, please let me know in advance so we can choose a location that is pet-friendly and plan accordingly. I also recommend bringing a leash, water, treats, and a favorite toy to help keep your pet comfortable and engaged during the session.

If your dog, cat, or another beloved pet is more comfortable at home, I can also come to your home to photograph your family together in a familiar environment. You may also want to consider booking one of my Lifestyle Sessions, which are designed to capture authentic moments and connections in the place your family feels most at ease.

Please contact me as soon as possible if anyone in your family is feeling unwell and we will reschedule your session. Family photography sessions are always more enjoyable when everyone is feeling their best, and healthy family members are more likely to have natural smiles, relaxed expressions, and enjoy the experience.

Rescheduling also helps protect the health of everyone involved, including other families I may be photographing and myself. My goal is for your session to be a fun, stress-free experience and for us to create the very best portraits possible when everyone is feeling healthy and comfortable.

Your images will be ready to view in a private online gallery approximately 14–17 days after your session. From there, you’ll be able to select your favorites and place your order.