I know that scheduling photo sessions can be stressful. It's not something most families do regularly so it can be a big deal, especially to those mommas who are really looking forward to grabbing moments to turn into prints to hang on their walls. There are a lot of things that go into it. Clothes, hair, MOODS. The thing that makes most moms worry is whether their kids are going to behave or not.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret I have learned: the more you push a kid to behave to get the photos you think you want, the more they are going to misbehave. It seems to happen every time.

It's okay if they are in a mood. It's okay. It's my job to try to grab their attention and ultimately, make them comfortable enough to get them to smile or laugh or give me their silliest face. Sometimes it works best if I am the one doing the heavy work with their mood, not you Mom and Dad.

Another secret: sometimes the kids that ARE in a mood take the most beautiful portraits. We really don't NEED a smile at all. I always ask my parents if they would rather have a fake smile or a picture that makes them really feel something.

Shake it off. Trust that it is going to go fine, and it actually makes the experience more enjoyable for you and your kids!