Your toddler won't remember being 3. Your teenager won't remember what it felt like to still live at home. And you? You're either exhausted from goldfish cracker dust or from navigating college applications—wondering how everyone else's family looks so perfect in photos.


Here's the truth: The chaos is the point. Sticky hands, messy hair, someone crying in the background—that's real life. And real life is what we protect.


After watching Alzheimer's take memories from our family, we learned this: Memory fades. Photos don't. So we're not here to make your family look perfect. We're here to make sure you remember this—exactly as it was.


Here's how we make family sessions easy (and actually fun).


Before Your Session

What to Wear

Don't over think this. You don't need matching outfits or perfectly coordinated Pinterest boards. You just need to feel comfortable and look like yourselves


Here's what actually matters:

  • Coordinate, don't match. Think complementary colors, not identical shirts. Mix solids with subtle patterns.
  • Dress for Alaska's conditions. Layers are your friend. If we're shooting outdoors in fall, bring a cozy sweater. Spring breakup means boots. Summer midnight sun? Lighter fabrics. We'll help you plan for the season.
  • Comfort over trends. If your daughter hates dresses, don't force it. If your son lives in his favorite flannel, lean into it. For teenagers, let them have input—they'll look more confident if they feel good in what they're wearing. Uncomfortable kids (of any age) = unhappy photos.
  • Try everything on a few days before. This goes for kids AND adults. No surprises the morning of your session.
  • Skip the logos and busy patterns. They're distracting. Solid colors and subtle textures photograph beautifully.
  • Mom picks first. Find something that makes you feel amazing, then build everyone else's outfits around that. You deserve to feel confident.


Need help? Send us photos of outfit options. We've been doing this for 10+ years and lived in Alaska our whole lives - we know what works!

Family enjoying a picnic on a grassy meadow near the coastline on a bright summer day.

Preparing Your Family

Whether you have toddlers or teenagers (or both), a little heads-up goes a long way.


For Families with Young Children:

  • Don't surprise them. Even toddlers as young as 2 do better with a heads-up about what's happening.
  • Talk about it like an adventure. "We're going to this beautiful spot with our photographer friends!" Keep it light and fun.
  • No pressure about behavior. We never force kids to sit still or say cheese. If they want to run, explore, or pick flowers—great. That's the real stuff.
  • Feed them well beforehand. Hungry kids = grumpy kids. Pack non-messy snacks (crackers, apple slices, granola bars) just in case.
  • Respect nap schedules. If your little one still naps, schedule your session around it. Well-rested kids are happier kids.
  • Bring a comfort item. Favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or toy. It helps them feel at ease and often makes sweet appearances in photos.


For Families with Teenagers:

  • Get them on board early. Talk about why these photos matter to you—not in a guilt-trip way, but genuinely. "These are the last years before you leave for college, and I want to remember us like this."
  • Let them have input. Where we shoot, what they wear, music playing during the session. When they feel some ownership, they show up differently.
  • Awkward is normal. Most teenagers feel weird about photos at first. We get it. We'll help them warm up—usually by getting everyone moving and interacting instead of staring at the camera.
  • Keep it real. We're not looking for fake smiles. If your teenager is naturally more reserved, we capture that. Authenticity over forced enthusiasm.
  • Bribe if needed. We're not above it. "After photos, we'll grab food at your favorite spot." Whatever works.


Here's the thing: We've got two kids ourselves, and we've photographed families with everyone from newborns to high school seniors. We've seen every meltdown, every eye roll, every "I don't wanna!" Whether it's a toddler tantrum or teenage attitude, chaos happens. We stay.


Day-Before Checklist

The less rushed you feel the day of, the better. Here's what to prep ahead:


  • Lay out everyone's outfits (including shoes and accessories)
  • Check the weather forecast and adjust plans if needed
  • Charge your phone (for our meet-up logistics, not for taking your own photos—we've got that covered)
  • Get everyone hydrated and well-rested
  • If you're planning hair/makeup, schedule it with enough buffer time so you're not stressed
A group of people wearing casual fall attire pose together in a wooded area with autumn foliage.
Small child holding a chalkboard sign outdoors in a lush green garden setting.

What To BRing

Pack smart, not heavy. Here's what actually helps


The Essentials

  • Backup outfit for little ones (spills, mud puddles, and accidents happen)
  • Non-messy snacks and water
  • Baby wipes (for sticky fingers and dirty faces)
  • Hairbrush and hair ties (Alaska wind is real)
  • Lipstick or powder for touch-ups
  • Bug spray if we're shooting in summer months (tall grass can have mosquitoes)
  • Layers for weather changes (this is Alaska—be prepared for anything)

The Nice-To-Haves

  • Meaningful items (family heirloom quilt, favorite book, special toy)
  • Special treat for kids (save it as a surprise for when energy fades)

Leave at Home

  • Your phone in your pocket (it creates bulges in photos—leave it in the car or tucked in a bag)
  • Keys, wallets, and anything bulky in pockets
  • Expectations of perfection—seriously, leave those behind


During Your Session


Timing and Location


We typically shoot during golden hour—about 1-2 hours before sunset—when Alaska's light is absolutely magic. We've been doing this for 30+ years, so we know exactly where to go and when.

  • Arrive on time (or a few minutes early to get settled). We schedule based on the light, so timing matters.
  • We'll suggest locations based on what you're looking for—urban, natural, waterfront, mountains. We know the hidden gems that only 30+ years of local knowledge brings.
  • Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes, but we're not clock-watchers. If the magic is happening, we keep going.


Have a spot that's special to your family? Tell us. We love incorporating meaningful locations into your story.


What to Expect


This isn't a traditional "say cheese" photo shoot. We're a husband-wife team—he shoots, she plans and poses—and we work together to keep you comfortable and capture the real moments.

  • We'll give you direction, not rigid poses. "Tickle your daughter." "Walk toward me while holding hands." "Whisper something funny to each other." You make it your own.
  • Keep moving. Seriously. The more you move and interact, the more variety and natural emotion we capture.
  • Focus on your people, not the camera. Look at your kids, laugh with your partner, be present with each other. The best photos happen when you forget we're there.
  • We'll get the posed family photo (yes, everyone looking at the camera). But then we'll move into the candid, playful, real stuff. That's where the magic is.
  • If someone wanders off to pick a flower, perfect. If your toddler needs to be held the whole time, great. If your teenager is awkward at first, we'll work with it. If your kids don't want to be in every single shot together, that's fine too—we'll mix it up. Your chaos, our calm.


Parents: Please don't stress about anyone's behavior. Whether it's toddler tantrums, sibling bickering, or teenage eye rolls—we've seen it all. The less you stress, the more relaxed everyone will be.

A group stands together smiling on a wooden bridge with rustic metal beams overhead during autumn.

Remember This -


This session isn't about creating the perfect Pinterest-worthy photo (though we'll absolutely give you beautiful images). It's about protecting this season of your family's life.


Because here's what we learned the hard way: These moments don't come back. Your toddler won't stay 3. Your middle schooler won't always want to hold your hand. Your teenager won't always live at home. The chaos you're living in right now—whether it's sippy cups or college applications—one day you'll wish you could remember it more clearly.


Memory fades. Photos don't.


So show up as you are. Let the little ones be little. Let the teenagers be themselves. Trust us to handle whatever comes—the chaos, the awkwardness, the realness of it all. We've been doing this in Alaska for 30+ years—we know how to find the beauty in every stage, every mess, every perfectly imperfect family moment.


Nothing lost, nothing forgotten. That's our promise.


Questions? Concerns? Need help planning?

We're here throughout the entire process—not just on the day of. Reach out anytime.

Let's protect these memories together.