Everything you need to feel ready.
Your session, step by step
1. Plan together
Choose your collection, location, and timing, then share what matters most to you. I’ll help shape a session that fits your people and your story.
2. Coordinate, don’t match
Choose comfortable outfits in coordinating colors, with a mix of layers and textures. Neutrals and earthy tones photograph beautifully; skip neon colors, tiny patterns, and large logos.
3. Prepare for real life
Arrive fed, rested, and a few minutes early. Bring water, snacks for children, a favorite comfort item, and anything you may need for touch-ups or outfit changes.
4. Relax and connect
You do not need to know how to pose. I’ll guide you when needed and leave room for movement, play, and real connection—the moments that make the photographs feel like you.
Tips for your session type
Families
Keep expectations simple: connection matters more than perfect behavior. Tell children we’re going somewhere to play together, not somewhere they must perform. Bring small, clean snacks and one meaningful comfort item.
Newborns
Feed your baby shortly before the session when possible, pack more diapers and milk than you expect to need, and choose easy layers for adults. We will follow the baby’s pace and pause whenever feeding, changing, or settling is needed.
Maternity
Choose clothing that defines your shape and lets you move comfortably. Bring supportive shoes for walking between locations, plus a second layer or backup outfit if your collection includes a change.
Milestones & Cake Smashes
Schedule around your child’s happiest awake window. Bring wipes, a towel, a change of clothes for your child and yourself, a familiar snack, and a favorite simple toy. Please disclose allergies before any food-based session.
A few more ways to prepare
Couples & engagements
Choose outfits that feel like elevated versions of yourselves and allow comfortable movement. Plan for walking, sitting, and close interaction. Empty pockets, remove hair ties from wrists, and clean rings before the session.
Seniors & portraits
Bring complete outfits on hangers, including shoes and accessories, and limit choices to your strongest looks. Think about hobbies, uniforms, instruments, or meaningful items in advance so we can use them intentionally.
Studio sessions
The Putnam studio is intentionally calm and uncluttered. Arrive dressed unless we have planned wardrobe changes, bring only the people included in the session, and keep personal items together so we can use our time photographing.
Weather & outdoor sessions
I monitor conditions and will contact you if we need to adjust. Dress for the actual temperature, bring practical shoes for walking, and save delicate shoes or layers for the photographed portion of the session.
A simple checklist for the day before
THE DAY BEFORE
Lay out complete outfits, remove tags, and check fit.
Pack water, mess-free snacks, a comfort item for children, wipes, and anything needed for touch-ups.
Avoid a new haircut, tanning product, or skin treatment immediately before your session.
Plan to arrive 10 minutes early, so no one rushes.