One of my favorite things about shooting senior portraits for girls is that I am able to make them feel like they are having fun doing it. Most come to their session a little stressed, unsure of what to expect and hoping that their photos are beautiful. If I am being honest, I, as their photographer, am always feeling that at first too! 

After some of the first shots at the Capitol Building in Topeka, I showed some of the photos on the back of my camera to Brilea and her mom and dad. And bingo, she loved them. I feel like it always puts my seniors at ease KNOWING that they are getting what they want.

The rest of Brilea’s session in downtown alleyways and at the Governor's Mansion trails were flawless, and dare I say some of my favorite ever.

The first thing she said when she got out of the car was “I have no idea what I’m doing.” Little did she know, she was going to rock the entire thing!

I have a soft spot for senior girls. They're in such a fun and exciting phase in their life, and my main goal is to give them photos that they are comfortable in and feel confident to share. I know that it can be hard sometimes.

When Amy, Morgan's mom, and I talked about her senior pictures, I knew it was going to be fun. I didn't expect to have SO many laughs though. Morgan is one of those girls who has a good head on her shoulders and isn't afraid to be herself.

She wanted a country feel, and when she mentioned the Wakarusa River where some family friends live, I was excited. I love locations that are one of a kind, and one that she will remember when she looks at her photos year later. Of course, since we are from a fairly small community, my husband knows these friends too - so it was more like a friend hangout session than a photoshoot.

Morgan's dad, Dave, restores cars, and she wanted some in front of them also. I don't know who was more scared to scratch them - her or me. :) Thankfully there were no mishaps, and the cars made it out as pristine as they were before.

We plan on doing another session, but we'll keep the details a secret until we actually shoot it. Let's just say, it is going to be awesome.

For some of us, preparing our husbands for the family photo session is as exhausting as preparing the kids. If your husband is happy-go-lucky about photo day, that’s excellent. If you’re dealing with someone who’s reluctant, however, then here are some things you can do to help:

Especially if this is your first session together with the family now that the kids are mobile, let him know how the session will go and discuss your expectations. Also, if you have to bribe the kids, communicate this with him so he can help remind them of the bribery.

Warn him that the kids will probably be crazy or freak out and that he should prepare himself for that. Let him know that it will still be fine and to try not to get overwhelmed or worried.

Let him know that the more helpful he is in getting himself and the kids ready, the less stressed you will be and the less chance of an argument between you arising.

Remind him that the session is only one to two hours and then it will all be over. This way, he sees a light at the end of the tunnel and can stick it out.
If your husband is being difficult, bribe him to cooperate during the session as well. If it works for the kiddos, it may very well work for him!

And most importantly - remind him that you love him (and that he loves you, and that’s why he’s cooperating with this). Tell him how much you appreciate his support and cooperation in this, and how pleased you are going to be with the finished photos.