You want your Studio Session to be a breeze! I totally get it. You and I both want your experience to be as stress free as possible. The good news? The studio takes a lot of the guesswork out, no weather to worry about, no rushing to catch the golden hour light. Take a look at the tips below to make sure we get the most out of our time together!

1. Be well rested and fed

Tired and hungry kiddos can make for a less than cooperative session. Please don't have too many high energy activities planned for the day of your shoot. Plan ahead and give everyone a hearty snack before you head over, and bring a few things to snack on during as well. Dry, non-messy snacks are best so those little faces stay clean! (gummy bears, fruit snacks, yogurt drops, etc.)

Kids with full tummies are happy kids. :)

2. Give yourself extra time to get ready

Coming to the session feeling rushed and frazzled can set the tone for the whole shoot. Give yourself plenty of time to get everyone ready and out the door. A studio session is a little more flexible than an outdoor shoot (no light to chase!), but it's still important we start on time so we can make the most of our session together. Plan on arriving a few minutes early so everyone has a chance to settle in and get comfortable before we start.

3. Tell your little ones that you are all going to play and have fun as a family

Telling the kids it's a BIG DEAL often leads to BIG feelings.

Keep it casual — "We're going to a cool place to take some pictures and have fun!" Less pressure = more natural smiles. And once they see the space and realize it's not scary at all, they usually warm right up. (Sometimes faster than the grown-ups, honestly.)

4. Let them warm up — trust the process

Studios can feel a little unfamiliar at first, especially for little ones. I totally expect a warm-up period and I build that into our session. There's no rush. We'll ease into things, explore the space a little, and before you know it they'll be hamming it up for the camera like they own the place.

Saying things like "Smile!" or "Stand still!" tends to backfire. Instead, let me do the work of getting them engaged and comfortable. I've got tricks. :)

5. Natural Connection > perfect poses

Yes, we will definitely get "the shot." And part of getting that shot is trusting the process. In the studio, we have a beautiful, simple backdrop and gorgeous soft light — everything is set up to let YOUR family be the star. I'll guide you through poses and prompts, but the best stuff always happens in between. The tickles, the giggles, the snuggles. That's what we're really after.

Don't be afraid to pick up your kids and toss them in the air. Give your partner a sweet kiss. Embrace, joke, laugh, snuggle. Those are the moments that make photographs feel like yours. I'll be right there ready for all of it, and I'll be calling out things like "Okay, everyone tickle Mommy!" so don't be surprised. :)

6. Remember that not everyone needs to be looking at the camera all the time

The best photographs are often the ones where everyone is engaged with each other and not looking directly at the camera. Please know that not every single image needs to have everyone looking at the camera with a big smile. When you're loving on each other, your smiles are real and your connection shows. Those are the ones you'll want on your wall. I'll "pose" you and then ask you to interact with directions like "give each other a big hug," "look at your kids," "Dad, pull everyone in close" — and that's where the magic happens.

7. What to wear

7. What to wear

Ah yes, the question I get more than any other. Here's my honest advice: in the studio, less is more. Because our backdrop is simple and clean, your clothing really stands out — so this is a great time to be a little intentional about it.

Stay away from wording, logos, and characters on clothing. Think layers and texture — a simple tee under a button-up, a cozy cardigan, a flowy dress. Things that feel like you but a little elevated.

Coordinate, don't match. Think of your family as one complete piece of artwork. Soft and timeless? Neutrals, creams, tans, oatmeals, soft blues and grays. Fun and colorful? Pick a palette with 2-3 coordinating colors and let the accessories (scarves, hats, fun shoes) do the talking.

Shoes (or no shoes — totally up to you!)

This one is completely your call, and honestly both work beautifully. Going barefoot gives the session a relaxed, carefree, laid-back feel. It's cozy and casual in the best way. Keeping shoes on reads a little more polished and put-together. Neither is wrong! Just think about the overall vibe you're going for and go with what feels most like your family. If you do plan to go barefoot, just make sure everyone's toes are photo-ready. :).

Here is a link to my Pinterest page that has LOTS of clothing ideas! https://www.pinterest.com/staceystillphotography/what-to-wear/

And that’s it! Really, just remember to have fun. I look forward to photographing your family!!