How to Prepare for a Photo Session



JCo Artistry Guide

How To Prepare for your Family Session


My primary goal is to authentically capture the love, connection, and unique dynamic you share with your family or partner. These sessions are all about documenting real, heartfelt moments and genuine reactions. Most importantly, I want you to relax, have fun, and cherish these moments with the ones you love!



Lifestyle sessions are meant to tell the honest and beautiful story of your family or relationship, and this guide will help you prepare so everything goes as smoothly as possible. Let’s make your session stress-free and unforgettable!





What is Lifestyle Photography?


Lifestyle photography takes a more relaxed and natural approach compared to traditional photography you might get at a big box studio. While there may still be some gentle posing, the primary focus is on capturing real, authentic interactions between family members or couples.


Both traditional and lifestyle photography include posed moments, but lifestyle photography emphasizes connection, emotion, and the unique dynamics of your relationships. My goal is to document this season of your lives—your love, your quirks, and all the beautiful imperfections that make your family or relationship truly special.


Lifestyle photography is all about celebrating life’s beautiful, unscripted moments—and I can’t wait to create timeless memories with you.


What to Expect During Your Session


  • We’ll focus on candid, natural interactions—no stiff poses here!
  • We’ll laugh, snuggle, play, and maybe even get a little messy. We'll start by capturing those classic posed shots, like the "Christmas card photo", that our parents and gradparents Love... with one standing and one sitting pose. Once that’s done, the fun begins!
  • There will be lots of movement: walking, laughing, hugging, and maybe even dancing.
  • You don’t need to “perform”; just be yourselves, and I’ll handle the rest!
  • Couple Sessions usually take about 30 minutes. Families are 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the group and the ages of the children. For extended family sessions, the time can range from 1 hour to 1.5 hours.


How to Prepare for Your Session

Planning Processes


Location: Most of my sessions take place within the Orange County or Temecula area. I love shooting in a variety of settings and have a few favorite spots. However, if you have a special location in mind (maybe it holds meaning for your family or you just love the way it looks), let me know! I’m always up for exploring new places and embracing the unique qualities of your location. Your suggestions often turn out to be wonderful additions to the session!

Plan Around the Best Light: Sessions are usually scheduled during golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) for the most flattering light.

Choose the Right Outfits: Prepare your outfits and any necessary items the day before to avoid last-minute stress.

Communicate Your Vision: Share any specific ideas, poses, or must-have shots you want with me beforehand. Feel free to share with me anything you want to remember or include during your session. Whether it’s a favorite family game, a sweet habit your child has, or a gesture unique to your relationship, these little details make your photos meaningful and uniquely yours.

Before Your Session


Pack Essentials: Bring snacks, water, flip flops for longer walks, towels,  sunscreen, bug spray, a light jacket or cardigans (if it's cold), hair brush, mirrors and small toys to keep little ones happy. Bring that extra pack of Essentials in a bag and bring it to the session or leave it in the car. If you think somone will get messy..maybe an extra change of clothes for the car ride home. (especially for a beach session.)

Consider Hair and Makeup: Treat yourself to professional styling or keep it simple—whatever makes you feel your best.

Rest and Hydrate: Ensure everyone is well-fed , well-rested and hydrated before the session to look and feel refreshed. It goes a long way for little kids.


During Your Session:


Be Playful: Embrace the moment! Play games, tell jokes, or interact naturally with each other.

Let Go of Perfection: Real moments, even with messy hair or giggles, make the most cherished photos. Don’t stress if the kids are fussy or if things don’t go as planned.

Bring Props (Optional): Consider anything sentimental, like a meaningful quilt, a heirloom, or props like a picnic blanket, favorite books, guitar, flowers, or seasonal elements to add a personal touch.

Relax and Have Fun: Focus on your connection and let me handle capturing the magic.



After Your Session:


Plan a Celebration: Make the day even more special by planning a family dinner, ice cream outing, or date night afterward.

Look Out for Sneak Peeks: I’ll send you a preview of your session so you can relive the memories right away!

Things to remember:

Arrive Early:

  • If you have young children, pets, or even a reluctant spouse, arriving a little early and using the restroom beforehand can help everyone settle in and feel comfortable. This simple step can make a big difference in getting everyone relaxed and ready for the shoot.


Want to Look Flattering?

  • If it’s bendable, bend it!”A bent arm, arched back, and tilted neck help capture a flattering angle.
  • Hold your arms slightly away from your body, with a soft bend in your elbows. This creates space, making your arms and waistline appear slimmer and more hourglass-shaped.
  • Bend the knee closest to the camera and put your weight on the back leg, pushing your hip away.
  • Pull your chin forward a bit to define your neck and jawline.




Get Close to Your Loved Ones:

  • Stand close and lean into your family members or as a couple. Whether it's a hug, a snuggle, or a gentle hand on a shoulder, make sure you're in some kind of contact with your loved ones. Eye contact and simple physical touch add a sense of connection and love to your photos.

Things to remember:


  • You Don’t Have to Look at the Camera: Feel free to look at the camera if you’d like, but it’s not required! Sometimes the most beautiful moments happen when you're looking at each other, or just enjoying the moment.

No Need to Stress About the Kids:

  • It’s Totally Ok If Your Kids Are Nervous or Acting Wild! Don’t worry! I have six kids of my own and I totally get it. I expect them to be kids and embrace them in every aspect of themselves.
  • We’re focusing on capturing moments, so if a shy kiddo needs extra snuggles or a wild one needs a little run-time, that’s totally fine.

I Operate at the Pace of the Child: Meltdowns happen, and they’re normal. If your child begins to cry, don’t stress. Embrace them as they calm down in your arms, and I will document that moment too. It’s all about your family in this season!

Things to remember:

  • Get Ready for Close-Ups: Close-up shots can capture raw emotion, so don’t be surprised if I get close during the session. These moments often reveal the most authentic expressions and create timeless images


Manicured Hands Matter:

Since close-up shots are often part of the session, especially when capturing moments of holding hands, hugging, or snuggling, having manicured hands can really elevate the final photos. A clean, polished look can make a subtle but impactful difference in those intimate shots.


Trust the Process: Lifestyle photography is about embracing the candid, unscripted moments. Trust that I’ll guide you when needed, but also let things unfold naturally. Some of the best photos happen in between the “posed” shots.