So you’re thinking about spring family photos.
Let me guess. You saw the cherry blossom photos on Instagram. Or your friend just posted her family session, and now you’re sitting there thinking, we should do that too.
But then the questions start to creep in: What do we wear? Will the kids cooperate? Do I have the time for this? What if I get flooded with too much work?
I’ve been photographing families in Brampton, Mississauga, and across the GTA for over fifteen years. And I can tell you something that might surprise you. The families who love their photos the most aren’t the ones with the perfect outfits or the perfectly behaved kids.
They’re the ones who showed up regardless of what drama happened back home. So let’s talk through this together and get you ready for an incredible moment with your family.
First, Let’s Talk About What You’re Actually Afraid Of
I hear the same things in every pre-session chat:
- “I’m worried my kids won’t sit still.”
- “I don’t know what to wear.”
- “My husband hates photos.”
- “I’ll forget something important.”
Sound about right? Here’s the thing. Every single one of those fears is normal. And every single one of them is fixable.
The Kids Won’t Cooperate
They won’t sit still. They won’t smile on command. They’ll get distracted, ask for snacks, and need the bathroom at the worst time.
And that’s exactly what I want, because some of the best photos come from those in-between moments when the kid is mid-giggle because I just made a ridiculous face. Or the one where they’re hugging their mom because they got shy for a second.
So here’s what you do: bring whatever they need. And then let go. Let them be themselves. I’ll take it up from there.
What Do We Wear
This one feels bigger than it needs to be. You don’t need matching outfits. You don’t need to overthink it.
Here’s my simple formula. Start with one piece you love and build everything else around it. Your daughter’s yellow dress, that one outfit that always makes you feel good.
One color story. Different textures. That’s it.
What colors do you already have in your living room? Your bedroom? Think about that. Your photos should feel like they belong in your home.
My Husband Hates Photos
I know. He’s going to complain and ask why it should be now. He’s going to stand there and say he looks ridiculous.
After fifteen years, here’s what they hate…the awkward feeling of not knowing what to do with their hands or standing still, and someone points a camera at them and says, “Smile”.
So I don’t do that. I give him something to do. Hold your daughter. Look at your wife. Tell me how you two met. And suddenly he’s not posing. He’s just being himself. And that’s when the good stuff happens.
Also, and this is important, don’t schedule the session after a long workday. Pick a day when he’s rested and present.
What If I Forget Something
Let’s make a list together. What do you actually need?
Comfortable shoes for walking between spots. The backup shoes for the toddler. The stuffed animal. One outfit change, max. A snack for after. Your phone, but on silent.
That’s it. That’s the list. The more you bring, the more you have to keep track of. Simple is better. And arrive ten minutes early, because you need to breathe or use the bathroom.
What else is on your mind? Did I forget something?
What Actually Happens When We Get There
I talk to your kids. I show them the space. I walk everyone through the setting and make you relaxed enough to be yourselves.
The session lasts one to four hours. But there’s no clock running in a way that stresses anyone out. If your kid needs a break, we take a break. If someone starts crying, we hug it out and keep going.
Does that sound better?
After the Session
Your gallery arrives in one to two weeks. Every photo, not just the best ones. You’ll wonder how I got that shot of your daughter looking at you like that.
You choose your favorites. I can help if you want. But you decide what goes on your wall, what goes in the album. And then we print them.
Because digital files are great, but printed photos are better. I offer photobooks, wall art, and prints that last. Because I know what happens to files on a hard drive. I know what happens to photos on a wall.
So Here’s My Question for You
What’s actually stopping you? Is it the outfits? The kids? The husband? The timing? Tell me in the comments, or just reply to this post. I read every single one.
A simple tip before you go: Keep it simple. Plan outfits the day before, and avoid over-scheduling your day. Talk to your kids about it like it’s something fun, not something they have to perform for.
Spring in Ontario is brief. The blossoms last two weeks. The perfect light, less than an hour. Your family, right now, exactly as they are? This version will never exist again.
So what do you say? Ready to book?
