dear families, these tips for a successful family session are invaluable!

Our lives can be filled with so much craziness, an overload of to-dos, and hours of “rushing around.” It is sessions like this that slow the movement of time, that really focus on the feelings of connection that matter most…and in this relaxation of time a huge treasure your children will find!

Here’s a few tips for a successful family session

1. It’s an Experience! Attitude is everything and coming to a session with the perception that it is valuable family time together makes a huge difference in your imagery! Long past are the days of standard posed sessions that everyone dreads.  These are sessions are fun family outings now, and it’s ok to just be natural! Think of it as an adventure and not a photo session to let go of your nerves and expectations. Let go of checking the football scores, social media status, or taking phone calls…this is a chance to fully focus on your family connection.
2. Laugh, Love, & Play! Expressive behavior is everything and interaction is key!  If you think about the message that you want your images to convey to your children it would probably tell a story of how loved they are, how important and central to your life, how much joy they bring you.  So get ready to tickle, tease, cuddle & share! Always keep this question in mind “What do you want your images to convey to your children?”
3. Plan an Activity! I love, love, love (did i say love) when a family introduces something that they love to do together in a session! So bring the kite, the hockey sticks, or frisbee! We will create a collection of images that are both portrait & lifestyle to tell your unique & authentic story.
4. Who’s In Focus? I call it “thoughtfully posing”…I may cue, or trigger some engagement so be ready to play your part! The reactions for my set of simple questions and activities create genuine emotion and that’s when i snap!
5. Move! Every session is active, ever single one! We will go for a walk, spin, and maybe even climb trees! Be ready to lift your little one into the air, skip along the dirt path, or hang like a monkey from the tree branch.
6. Eat! Happy bellies make for happy smiles! Bring plenty of water and crumbless healthy snacks. (Crumb-less!)

This Family Session was at the peak of the autumn season.  The foliage was outstanding and I could barely believe we were already into the middle of November! I just love the way this family dressed for their family session to reflect the peak of the season’s foliage, a special splash of the brightest reds and yellow in a creative and fun wardrobe!

Fall 2016 is NOW booking, woohoo! If you would like to book a family session in the greater north andover area, north shore of massachuesetts, or southern to seacoast of new hampshire please contact me today!

Amy Buelow is a maternity, newborn, and family photographer.