AUTHENTICALLY JOYFUL | KC FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Is there really such a thing as a stress-free family photo session? If I’m being honest, I’d say, “probably not.” Regardless of all of our pre-planning, the parents (usually mom) are still getting multiple people ready on a deadline, and that can be stressful in even the best situations. But my job is to remove as much tension and worry from the process as I can so that the joy you have for your family can be felt, not faked. Here’s my top tips to make that happen:

SESSION PREP:

1. Make sure young children have napped (if they are still napping). Most sessions take place during the hour right before sunset, and if your session is in the summer, it can fall after bedtime. I always suggest that parents consider pushing back nap time on the day of the session to account for a later bedtime, but you’re the parent, and you know what will work best for your children.

2. Give them a small meal before the session, and bring non-messy snacks! Hunger can quickly lead to hanger in kiddos, and no one wants a hangry toddler. Often, families go out to a dinner at a restaurant after the session as a special treat. And that’s a fabulous idea. But please feed the kids a little something beforehand.

3. Plan outfits in advance. My clients and I work with a styling app to create a perfect look for their session. But some people prefer to style themselves, and that’s totally OK. If you’re someone who likes to create your own concept, just make sure you’ve laid your wardrobe out in advance. It’s a simple step that will save you time (and stress) while you’re getting ready.

4. Wear comfortable shoes (or go barefoot). Depending on the location and season, the terrain can be uneven, slippery, and even muddy. Make sure your footwear works with the environment.

DURING THE SESSION

The most important thing to remember during the session is just to breathe, and LET. IT. BE. Things are going to go wrong. Guaranteed. The baby might whine. And not stop whining. Or the kids might not want anything to do with the photoshoot and try and run away. These things happen. They are 100% normal and even expected. I am charged with photographing your family — in all its messy beauty. So just stop worrying and embrace the chaos. It’s literally the best advice I can give.

Liz Davenport of Sunshine and Shadows Photography is a family photographer based in Kansas City, MO. She offers family portrait sessions throughout the Kansas City-metro, including Leawood, Overland Park, Shawnee, Lenexa, Mission, Belton, and Raymore. Her sessions are fun and relaxed, using primarily natural light and a lot of movement. She loves to work in both rural and urban environments and definitely looks to her families for location inspiration, which means that she wants to hear your crazy ideas.