Tips to nail your dream sesson
Good Photos come from good planning: heres a guide to nail that dream session
Woohoo! You’re getting your photos taken and If you're anything like me, that sentence alone makes excited, panicky, full of anxiety and Suddenly you’re wondering:
Do I look weird when I laugh?
Should I bring props?
Do I need to lose five imaginary pounds by next week?
Let me stop you right there—take a breath. The pressure to look perfect? Exhausting. And spoiler alert: the magic isn’t in perfection, it’s in the real. The belly laughs, the crinkly-nose grins, the slightly chaotic windblown moments. That’s where the gold is. I’m not here to give you a list of rigid rules. I’m here to help you show up as your most comfortable, love-filled, let’s-just-do-this selves. So here’s a little guide to help you prep with intention—and zero stress.
1. Overshare, Please
Tell me your story. Your vibe. Your weird inside jokes.
The more I know, the better I can capture you as you really are. You don’t have to spill your soul right away—but be open. Remember those ugly-laugh moments, soft glances, and quiet in-between exchanges you have when no one’s watching? That’s what I want to see. Don’t hide the good stuff.
2. Dress Like You, Not a Pinterest Board
The best outfit is the one you feel good in. Simple as that.
Skip the matchy-matchy vibes and go for coordinated instead. Think: harmony, not uniform. No need to “dress up” unless that feels like you. Your style is already perfect for this. Bonus tip: if you wouldn't wear it to hang out with friends, maybe skip it for the shoot.
3. Rethink the Goal
You're not here for me—I'm here for you.
So don’t show up trying to “perform” for the camera. The goal isn’t a highlight reel of your most photogenic angles; it’s about freezing this sweet chapter of your life in time. We’re not doing 90s school portrait energy here. We’re documenting your connection. Your love. Your messy, beautiful reality.
4. Give the Day Some Breathing Room
Try not to cram your shoot between 87 errands and a work Zoom call.
If you can, take the day off. Sleep in. Grab tacos. Get a little buzzed. Smoke a little somethin’ (responsibly). Do whatever you two do that makes you feel connected and at ease. That way, when we shoot, you’re showing up relaxed, not frazzled.
5. Be Your (Weird, Wonderful) Selves
I know—“just be yourself” sounds like a corny motivational poster, but seriously: don’t force it.
If you're goofballs, be goofballs. If you’re quiet and tender, lean into that. Don’t try to mimic what you think a session should look like. Let your dynamic lead the way. Spoiler: the outtakes? Usually the best takes.
6. Choose a Place That Feels Like You
Yes, pretty locations help—but meaningful ones matter more.
Whether it’s your cozy home, a windswept hilltop, or that diner where you had your first date—pick a place where you feel like yourselves. A beautiful photo means nothing if you feel stiff or out of place.
7. Embrace the Chaos
Hair gets messy. Dresses get dusty. Sometimes it rains.
Let it. Some of the most honest, joy-filled photos happen when you stop fighting the imperfect moments. Windy hair is romantic. Muddy shoes mean you adventured. Don't pause for perfection—lean into whatever happens.
8. Travel Light
Skip the big bags and bring just the essentials (if anything).
Props and extra gear can weigh us down, literally and creatively. Let’s keep things fluid so we can chase the light, climb a rock, dance in a field—you get the idea. Freedom = better photos.
9. Bring the Beats
A playlist is the unofficial third wheel of a great session.
Throw on some songs that make you feel like you. Music loosens things up and helps you drop into the moment. If dancing is your thing—heck yes. If swaying and cuddling is more your speed—still a win.
No couple is the same—and I wouldn’t want you to be.
There’s no mold to fit, no script to follow. I’ll meet you exactly where you are and guide you through this in a way that feels natural, comfortable, and real. Trust the process. Let go of the pressure.
And most importantly—just have a damn good time.