Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid Before Your Photo Session

Let’s talk about photo session prep. Moms and seniors, I know how much heart you put into getting everything just right: coordinating outfits, picking a location, packing the car, maybe even bribing a toddler with fruit snacks. It’s a lot, and you are doing your best. But sometimes, even with all that effort, things can feel a little off. Over the years, I’ve noticed a few patterns pop up with clients who felt frazzled or weren’t loving their final gallery as much as they’d hoped. Nothing major, just small things that are easy to fix once you know about them. So I wanted to share five of the most common mistakes I see and some gentle tips to help you avoid them:

Putting too much pressure on the wardrobe:

I know picking what to wear can feel like the most overwhelming part of the whole process. You want to look your best, feel comfortable, and not cringe when you see the photos a year from now. The temptation is to buy a whole new wardrobe, but hear me out. You don’t have to. In fact, you probably already have something in your closet that will photograph beautifully. The trick is to go for pieces that move well, flatter your shape, and make you feel like yourself. Soft textures, earthy or muted tones, and layers always work great. I always tell my clients to avoid bold logos, super busy patterns, or anything that doesn’t feel like you. And if you’re truly stuck, send me your options. I’m happy to help you narrow it down for you or any member of your family.

Bringing way too many props:

Props can absolutely add a personal touch to your session. I’ve photographed clients with vintage cameras, childhood books, family quilts, favorite records…you name it. But the best props are the ones that tell a real story. What doesn’t work so well is showing up with a trunk full of Pinterest finds that don’t have any meaning. Too many props can get in the way, cause delays, or distract from the connection between you and your people. Choose one or two meaningful items, and we’ll use them in a way that feels intentional and authentic.

Forgetting the tiny but important details:

It’s always the little things, right? You’d be surprised how often small details can affect the final look of a photo. Think chipped nail polish, hair ties on wrists, socks that don’t match, wrinkled shirts, or phones peeking out of back pockets. I’ve seen it all, and I promise I’m not judging, I’ve done it myself. But when we slow down just a bit and take care of those tiny things before the session starts, it frees us up to focus on what matters most. Pack a little bag with touch-up powder, a hairbrush, and a few bobby pins. You’ll be glad you did.

No building in enough time for getting ready:

This one might be the trickiest, especially for parents. Life happens. Kids fall asleep five minutes before go time, someone can’t find their shoe, or the dog rolls in something weird. That’s why I always suggest planning to be ready at least 30 minutes earlier than you think you need to be. That gives you a cushion to breathe, gather your things, and arrive calm instead of in a flurry. When you feel rushed, it shows. But when you walk up relaxed and present, everything else just flows better!

Trying to control the outcome:

Here’s something I wish everyone knew: your job is not to be perfect. You don’t need to pose yourselves or worry if your toddler has a meltdown halfway through. My job is to guide you, read the light, pivot when something unexpected happens, and find beauty in the real. Some of my absolute favorite images have come from moments that didn’t go “according to plan.” When you trust the process, let go a little, and just be in the moment with your people, that’s when the magic happens. I’ve got you. Really.

If you’ve got a session coming up, I hope this helped ease some of the pressure. You don’t have to do it all. A little prep goes a long way, and the rest? We’ll figure it out together. At the end of the day, my goal is always to help you feel seen, celebrated, and a little more in love with this season of life!

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Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid Before Your Photo Session

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