You’ve invested your time and energy into finding the best family, engagement, or wedding photographer out there. Now it’s time to start planning your session!

• Plan your outfits

Most photographers will tell you to go with neutral colors. I typically try to steer clear of blacks and reds when possible to keep the image light and balanced. Do you all have to match? No, but you can! If you’re going light and airy, shoot for lighter colors, pastels, and avoid prints. Khakis instead of jeans are a great choice if you’re going for a light and airy vibe. If you’re feeling the more moody style, go with a little darker colors.

• Plan your location

Your photographer should help you with this unless you’re just sold on one particular location. If there’s a location that holds meaning to you, let your photographer know! If you’re getting married and planning engagement photos, plan a session where you two got engaged, had your first date, or at your wedding venue.

• Research your must-have photos

Of course, your photographer should be able to get all the great shots and pose you beautifully. But, if you want something specific, make sure to let your photographer know!

Now it’s the day of the session and you’re stoked! What to do the day of:

• Get your outfits together and iron or steam everything!

As much as we hate to admit it, wrinkled clothes are a photographer’s worst nightmare. It makes the editing process brutal and tedious. So, iron up!

If you’re a graduating senior, make sure that gown is STEAMED. Like, real good.

• Figure out how far your location is from your house

Natural lighting is a delicate thing! If your photographer tells you a time, do your best to be there on time or your session may have to be cut short due to loss of light. Sad day!

• Eat something

Feed your kids and feed yourselves! And bring a snack if your session is over an hour, trust me. You’ll likely be walking and talking and doing twister on a blanket to get that shot, so pack some extra calories.

• Bring water and bug spray

Again, it can be kind of a workout. I always bring bottled water and bug spray for my clients, but not everyone does. Bring your own to make sure you’re staying super hydrated and bug-bite-free.

• Enjoy your session!

All too often, I have clients that are stressing out so hard over their session. Do your best to relax! Take a deep breath, maybe a shot of tequila (or maybe not), and enjoy your time with your significant other or family.