I can't believe the year 2024 is coming to an end.  For me, it has felt like one of the longest years.. so much has happened in my life; personal and professionally and I am grateful for all of it!

To close out this years blog posts I'm excited to share one of my favorite sessions of the year.  There's many reasons as to why I loved this session.  The location (Cross Estate Gardens in Bernardsville, New Jersey), the lighting, the foliage, the outfits but most importantly this family!

I have had five gorgeous sessions with this family over the last three years and each one gets better and better.  There are many factors to a successful sessions and I'd like to share three tips to have a successful session like this family does each time.

1.  Setting Expectations

Just by seeing my work, planning of the session, the info in my Welcome Guide and here on my website you understand that with me, we aren't looking for perfection.  And what I mean by perfection is stiff posing of everyone looking at the camera, forced smiles, perfect placement and a tight schedule (unless the park is closing sooner than their website says like this day, lol!).

Whether this is your first session or fifth, please don't expect your kids to be perfect angels.. they are the one's running the show and I follow their lead.  I've got plenty of tricks up my sleeve to keep them interested and having fun.  The expectation you can set is one of lots of laughing, playing, snuggles and games :)

2.  Go With the Flow

As I mentioned above, your kids run the show!  When your toddler isn't really into getting her photo taken, we don't panic.. we follow her lead and make it fun for her to bring out natural smiles and true connection between your family.  When you get stressed out because your kids won't sit still it stresses everyone out.. and it can come through in your photos.

Sometimes things unfold that are out of our control and we have to roll with it!

3.  Trust

This is the most important factor in having a successful family portrait session.  Having professional family portraits from an experienced photographer (ahem.. This will be my ninth year of RLP) is an investment.  Always make sure you connect with the photographer your investing in; their style and their personality.  When you see my work and fall in love with what you see and can picture your own family in front of my lens.. trust that I am going to deliver the portraits you've always imagined when choosing me as your family photographer.  When there's a wall of control between us, it prevents me from delivering my best work.

So, setting practical expectations, going with the flow and trusting your photographer are three key factors to a successful photo session!

My entire portfolio is filled with fun-loving families who embrace the beautiful chaos of their lives and value having these moments photographed for their little one's to hold on to for years to come.

I am ready and excited for all the new and returning families I get to photograph in the new year!