Thank you for thinking of me to document your next session of family photographs.
In this guide you will find more info on what sessions with me look like, as well as tips that have been helpful to clients for their sessions.
//Lisa




If it’s intimate and candid you’re looking for, you’ve found the right place. Let’s put the iPhone away and update that camera roll (and those walls) with the images that tell your story. Everything you do at home- from the quiet moments swaying the baby to joking around with young teens- bring all of that to our session.
// How I shoot
As a mom, I understand that photos can be stressful, but I'm here to remind you that they don’t have to be. The centre focus of my sessions is to tell your story with simplicity and honesty. My objective isn’t just to take pretty pictures, but to capture the genuine interactions within your family. The best moments always happen organically, so rather than always looking at the camera (though we do aim for a small amount of those as well!) I actually suggest for you not to look at me. Instead, I encourage a lot of movement with each other to bring out those natural reactions and capture those candids we all love. If you're unsure what to do- think about what you do at home. Do you give piggy back rides? Does dad lay on the floor so the kids can tackle him? Do you have a habit of playing with your daughter's hair?
For my full sessions, I encourage you to think of what you like to do as a family and how we might be able to incorporate that into your session. Think chasing bubbles, eating ice cream, maybe your little just learned to skip rocks, maybe one of them hates wearing shoes and always finds themselves in the water (I have one of those myself!). Those are the things that add to your story and truly embody the connections between your family. Get close + cozy to someone. Touch them, nuzzle them, kiss them, make someone laugh. That's where the fun is.
For my families with littles, let's allow your kids to run, to dance, bounce them, and a bring lot of tickles. What little one doesn’t like to be bounced around on mamas hips or dad's shoulders? It’s also important to allow your littles time to open up to me and allow a stranger in their space. It may be very intimidating to have someone be near them, so make sure to embrace them, because those comforting moments will also make for some beautiful documented moments. Encourage them to look at you by interacting with them.
For my families outside of the toddler stage, I have a pocket full of prompts and directions to still get interactive with you! Asking engaging questions helps me get to know you, but also brings out those natural reactions. Something as simple as asking which sibling has the messiest room can create a gateway for me to document your family.
// When I shoot
My favourite time to create outdoors with my families is one hour before the sun sets, which varies greatly throughout the year. We can explore while soaking in a beautiful prairie sunset, and give your gallery that warm golden glow.

// When I shoot
My favourite time to create outdoors with my families is one hour before the sun sets, which varies greatly throughout the year. We can explore while soaking in a beautiful prairie sunset, and give your gallery that warm golden glow.
PREP + PLAN
// What to bring
My sessions typically don’t involve props, but if there are heirlooms or special items you’d like to incorporate I will always try to accommodate those requests. Please just let me know ahead of time.
If you have very tiny littles, quick dry snacks like fruit snacks, goldfish, veggie sticks or anything of the like (no chocolate :) ) may always come in handy. We will only be together for a short time, but they have proven helpful in the past!

// What to wear
Photo sessions are an event and should be dressed as such. Ensure it’s an outfit you’ve worn before and you know it's comfortable- a dress, jeans with a dressy top and cardigan or a cozy, oversized chunky knit sweater, etc. Siblings can wear a dress (please wear shorts underneath for young girls), jeans or khakis with a neutral tee or dressier sweater, and men might simply wear jeans and a black top or of course dress that up as well. I suggest to stay away from any clothing with too many patterns or large, bright logos as they tend to be very distracting. For indoor sessions I strongly suggest plain black or white socks without logos, or barefoot as it looks most natural indoors.
When it comes to colours, dress for the season. Spring may involve more florals or soft toned options, early fall may bring more deep earthy tones like dark reds, evergreen shades, and burnt oranges for some examples. Instead of dressing the family in the same colours (think all white shirts and blue jeans), opt for different pops of colour for the season to compliment one another. Pick one colour from one outfit to work into an outfit for another family member (ex- his blue top with their blue jeans, a green dress to green pants, etc). Have a look through some of the images here- or you can always feel free to send me any outfit ideas you have if you'd like my feedback! Please remember to remove things like fitness watches, scrunches, etc. If you do not want them in your images.

Accordion Mini Albums
Starting at $85 + GST
These dual side magnetic mini books are the perfect way to display your favourite images from our session, or to give the perfect gift! They make an adorable coffee table piece, they can stick to your fridge, or head to the office with you!
Includes:
- 14 pages custom designed to include 10-14 images printed on the front and the back pages
- A simple beige fabric cover on both ends
- Available in 2×3" wallet size
- Magnetic on the front and back
Important: Mini books are sold as identical packs of three. Additional books can be added to your order by single quantities, but cannot be sold separately. All orders must include the pack of three.
Behind the scenes
You are absolutely welcome to take a few photos or videos of whatever is going on during your session- please just make sure it is behind where I might be shooting so it doesn't directly affect the scene I'm working in.
I hope you've found the information in this guide helpful in preparing for your session, and remember that you can always contact me with any questions you have.
View my Instagram page here to get to know a little more about me, what I'm up to, or view recent work + availability updates.
I look forward to working with you very soon!