1. No matter what else is going on–keep being engaged and smiling.

I always start family photo sessions by telling my clients this: you have one job. Literally the ONLY thing you need to do is look happy and excited to be here with your family. Kids are complaining? You’re smiling down lovingly at them. Baby is fussing? You’re giving them cuddles. Your only job is to show up and love on your family! There are always, I mean always, magical little in between moments in the midst of all the chaos and friends, that is my bread and butter. But parents, you have to be engaged with the family and looking happy to be there if the picture is going to make sense. We’ll get what we need, so long as you’ve got the right mindset. Let go of the worry, and enjoy this time with your family.