Single-Handed Arts, LLC Family Session Prep Guide 

I’m looking forward to photographing your family. To help things go smoothly and keep the experience low-stress, here are a few tips on how to prepare. 

1. What to Wear 

• Coordinate, don’t match. 
  Aim for 2–3 main colors and build outfits around those (for example: navy, cream, and rust). Avoid everyone in identical outfits. 

• Avoid strong distractions. 
  Large logos, neon colors, and busy graphics can pull attention away from faces. Simple patterns and solid colors usually photograph best. 

• Think about the environment. 
  If we’re outdoors, avoid greens that blend into grass and trees. If we’re in studio, slightly richer tones (deep blues, burgundy, earth tones) tend to look great. 

• Layers and texture help. 
  Cardigans, denim, knits, scarves, or subtle patterns add depth without being overwhelming. 

• Footwear and small details. 
  Shoes will show in many photos. Please avoid athletic sneakers (unless that’s the point of the session). Check nails, hair ties on wrists, etc. 

If you’re unsure, feel free to send me a quick photo of a few outfit options and I can help you choose. 

2. Kids & Timing 

• Plan around naps and meals. 
  A well-rested and fed child is the single best “posing tip.” Try to avoid booking right before naptime. 

• Bring small, quiet snacks. 
  Think non-messy, non-colored snacks (no lollipops or neon candy). Crackers, puffs, or small bites are perfect. 

• Bring comfort items. 
  A favorite toy or small lovey can help if someone gets overwhelmed. We can always hide it or use it creatively in a few shots. 

• Expect to move. 
  Kids rarely sit still, and that’s fine. Some of the best photos happen in between the “posed” moments. 

3. How to Prepare as Parents 

• Your mood sets the tone. 
  If you stay relaxed and flexible, your kids will pick up on that. We are not aiming for “perfect behavior”; we’re aiming for real interactions. 

• Skip the “say cheese.” 
  I’ll handle directions. You don’t need to coach your kids from behind me – instead, focus on connecting with them. 

• Be ready to play. 
  We might run, spin, cuddle, tell jokes, or explore the space. The more you lean into that, the more genuine your images will be. 

4. Day-Of Logistics 

• Arrive a few minutes early. 
  This gives everyone time to get comfortable, fix hair, and adjust outfits without feeling rushed. 

• Empty pockets. 
  Phones, bulky keys, and wallet outlines can be distracting in photos. Please tuck them away in a bag during the session. 

• Glasses & accessories. 
  If you wear glasses all the time, keep them on. If you have transition lenses and we’re outdoors, consider a non-tinting pair if available. 

• Hydrate.

  Drink plenty of water. Hydrated skin looks much better in photo.

5. Communication

• If you have concerns (self-conscious about something, prefer certain angles, need time to warm up), tell me beforehand.

• If there's any family tension or sensitive dynamics I should be aware of, a short heads-up helps me pose and guide the group smoothly.

6. What Not to Worry About

• You don’t need modeling experience.

• You don’t need to memorize poses.

• You don’t need to force smiles.

7. Final Thoughts 

Your family doesn’t need to be perfect – just present. I’ll guide you through poses, groupings, and prompts so you don’t have to worry about what to do with your hands or where to look. 

If any family member has sensory needs, mobility concerns, or anything else I should know in advance, you can reply and let me know so I can plan around that. 

Looking forward to working with you, 
Joshua Hubbell