Before you book a photographer — any photographer — pause.


Not because you shouldn’t do photos.

But because you deserve photos mean something long after the session ends.


Here’s what I’d tell anyone, whether they ever hire me or not.



Don’t book until you’ve looked at several examples of their work.


You need to see how a photographer handles:


  • the light isn't perfect
  • toddlers who won’t cooperate
  • awkward teenagers
  • movement
  • imperfect moments


Consistency matters more than a curated grid.


Don't book without asking yourself this:

Is this an investment in future memories...

or just something to post on social media or to send out on a Christmas card?


There's nothing wrong with wanting beautiful photos to share.


But here's the deeper question:


10, 20, 30 years from now, will this session still matter?


When your kids are older.

When the house feels quieter.

When this season has passed.

When someone is no longer with you.


Are you booking because you need something to hang on your wall?


Or because you want something your children


Don’t book until you know how they handle kids.


  • Do they expect children to perform?
  • Or do they know how to let kids be kids?


If you feel pressure before the session even starts, that pressure will show in your photos.


You want someone who can read the room.

Who can pivot.

Who doesn’t panic when things get chaotic.


Because life is chaotic. And that’s not a flaw — it’s the story.


(You know this one matters to me. I have teens now. I treasure the photos from when they were little — not because they were perfect, but because they were real.)



3. Don’t book until you ask yourself:


“Do I want posed… or do I want remembered?”


There’s nothing wrong with classic portraits.


But decide intentionally.


Do you want everyone looking at the camera?


Or do you want:


  • the way your toddler grabs your face
  • the in-between laughs
  • the way your daughter leans into you without thinking



The ordinary moments are the ones you’ll ache for later.



4. Don’t book until you feel comfortable with the person.


This is huge.


You are inviting someone into your family, your vulnerability, and sometimes your home.


  • Do their words make you feel at ease?
  • Do they respond thoughtfully?
  • Do they feel emotionally present?


The energy of your photographer matters more than the lens they use.



5. Don’t book until you understand what you’re paying for.


You’re not just paying for 60 minutes.


You’re paying for:


  • their eye
  • their ability to anticipate moments
  • editing time
  • experience
  • emotional awareness
  • the way they guide you without forcing you


Cheap isn’t always wrong. Expensive isn’t always better. Alignment is what matters.



6. Don’t book until you’re ready to be in the photos.


  • You don’t need to lose 10 pounds.
  • You don’t need a new wardrobe.
  • You don’t need your house perfectly styled.
  • You don't need your kids to be able to sit still and quiet.


But you do need to be willing to show up as you are.


Because someday, someone will look at these photos and say,

“That’s what she looked like when she loved us.”


And that will matter more than the outfit.



And one more thing…


Don’t book until you feel excited.


Photos shouldn’t feel like a chore. They shouldn’t feel like a performance.


They should feel like a pause in time.


Whether you hire me or someone else — I hope you choose someone who sees you.


Because right now matters more than you realize.