Stress-Free Family Session Tips
No, your family is not crazy. Family sessions are just stressful sometimes.
There’s so much going on while getting your photos taken, but it’s completely normal! The chaos of family photos is one of my favorite things in the world because it’s not organized like a wedding, and it requires me to think on my toes and really be a fly on the wall.
While in the thick of babyland…
my husband and I decided to do photos when our kiddo was one-month old. I remember running around, making sure my son was comfortable, the spitup on my shirt wasn’t showing (classy ikr), and that his outfit wasn’t stained or going to spitup on me again.
It was a lot. 🫠
Looking at those photos a year later, I cannot believe how small he was. Those photos are a specific moment in time I have minimal recollection of because I just had a baby (nbd), but also was so enveloped in that world.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to document your cute life!
My main focus is not getting forced smiles
I go into family sessions not planning to direct you. Yes, there will be cutie-patootie photos of your guys together, but it’s the in-between moments when they get to run around with the dogs, give you a hug and cheese towards the camera or look at your partner with love as they hand them a snack.
That’s what I’m always looking for.
Before our session, we’ll sit down and chat about what you want documented.
We’ll come up with a few activities you and your family will enjoy doing so that it doesn’t feel staged or stuffy - or I can just document a normal day for you.
Whether it’s a picnic in the yard, a pizza and bowling outing, or just making dinner at home while the kids play The Floor is Lava, this is a moment in time that you get to see.
Documenting the growth of families is quite possibly the biggest honor I could have as your photographer !
TIPS FOR STRESS-FREE FAMILY SESSIONS
Don’t expect it to be stress free
You will be constantly thinking about how your hair looks, if your kids are smiling enough, if your oldest is secretly flipping off the camera to be funny - it’s a lot.
As a family photographer, I’m there to use my camera and document the afternoon, but I’m also looking at all the chaos and I’m choosing what to document. I will 1000% let you know if your hair looks wonky, if there’s anything in your teeth or any other small details.
Go with the flow
While the posed photos are always nice to have, actually going with the flow of what the kids want to do can be quite fun. I find that when parents are more flexible and are engaging with the kids instead of telling them where to go or how to stand, they are more receptive towards having their photo taken.
We will get great photos, but by being a little more relaxed you’re also able to enjoy the process and get some grossly cute pics of you and your kids when they’re not being rabid animals. The photos are meant to reflect your current season of life
If the kids are smaller and like to sit and play, we’ll plan for maybe something more chill and indoors. If they are jumping jellybeans running and jumping on e v e r y w h e r e, we will be prepared to do something outside where they can have time to run freely.
If you were being forced to do photos after having a humongous cup of caffeinated coffee and couldn’t sit still, you also would not like to be sitting prettily in front of a tree trying to stay chill. Your kids probably won’t either.
Time of the session matters
If the kids are cranky in the evening, but are a little easygoing in the morning, we’ll plan for that time. Vice versa if they are little crazy chickens in the morning. I work around their schedule.
Don’t do a 3 hour photoshoot
Your session doesn’t have to be as long as an hour, or it can be as short as 20 minutes. Feel out how long you think your kid(s) attention will last. If you did want to do a three hour photoshoot, we definitely can, but snacks will be needed for all parties.
For families with kiddos under one years old, I usually recommend 20-30 minute sessions simply because they have a certain wake window/meal window. That can also be extended if you want photos of
Sessions that are 30-60 minutes or more would be good for bigger families or kiddos that are a bit older, and might need more time to feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Every session is different for each family, this is just a base line of where you can go with the session.
If you did want to do a three hour photoshoot, it’s totally doable, but snacks will be needed for all parties involved.
FEED THE BEAST WITHIN
Be sure everyone has had a snack or a meal before the session - including you and your partner. If someone is hangry, no one will have a good time. Bringing snacks is always nice. I also love stopping for snacks, so that is absolutely no inconvenience.
We aren’t going to constantly be taking photos
There will be time to breathe, figure out what the kids want (or what you would like to do), and just take a second. I’m in no rush at sessions, and unless kiddos were promised ice cream after, I don’t think they are either.
No, your family is not crazy
Family dynamics are different with every family I meet.
Some kids are quieter than others, some kids are more hyper - that’s ok! My goal for the session isn’t to photograph little robot kids, it’s to document how they are now.
If they like running like a chicken, let’s do it. If they have a new silly face they consider their signature look, we’ll get a portrait.
Family sessions are very unserious because we’re working with little humans who don’t love to stand still for too long. It’s like if you had a session just standing in line at the DMV - you may also throw a tantrum.
The ultimate guide on what to bring to your session
Throw all this in a big bag or basket and chuck it in the car.
Extra snacks that are good on the go
Apple slices, pouches, small bags of chips, granola bars, etc.
For babies, these can be teether crackers or just teething rings.
A drink of water, juice, etc, just in case it’s warm.
An extra outfit - I know you just got this super cute little onesie or pair of jeans for your kiddo, but in case an unexpected bodily function happens before or mid shoot, or someone wipes out in the grass…you’re covered.
A diaper bag if applicable.
A large blanket for sitting.
Wipes for boogers (ew).
Lastly, you got this.
We’re going to have a great time!
— Meet Your Photographer —
I’m Juliette and I’m an Upstate New York photographer specializing in weddings, and families.
My interest in photography started by taking portraits of my pet chickens as a 6 year-old, and has since then expanded into documenting nostalgic shenanigans and stories for humans nationwide.
The photo on the side was at our most recent family photo session where I spent the whole time making sure my child was happy and didn’t notice the huge rip in my stockings!
Every single of the photos from this session are my favorites I’ve ever had taken!
Sunny Sherwood Inn Wedding in Skaneateles
A nostalgic Skaneateles weekend spend exploring the lake, a wedding at the Sherwood Inn, and dancing so hard you forget the cake cutting.
Favorite things about M and C’s wedding weekend:
The weather: Perfect day!! Not too hot or cold, it was sunny, and bright for August. Anytime I can spend a wedding day outside, play with sunshine and shadows and it’s my favorite thing in the world.
The ceremony: Everyone was so present during the ceremony. There was an energy in the air that made everyone watch, participate and sing, and cheer when the were announced. There was also honking in the background from car, but they were getting married on Main Street in Skaneateles.
The guests: everyone couldn’t wait to get M and C married!! The wedding party was pumped, the fam was overjoyed. Also, the dance floor? Poppin. The couple had said in their inquiry that they were big party people and by golly, they were not joking.
Take me back! Oh wait, I can because this is a lil look at the gallery.
Here’s what M and C’s first inquiry to me —
“We’re big social people so there'll be 150 guests and 8 bridesmaids and groomsmen. The whole goal of the day is a fun and colorful dance party with all our favorite people in the world…We love a more documentary and candid type style, it feels like you capture the day in motion and the day doesn't stop to get the posed photos (though we do want some of those :)”
M and C’s review after the wedding:
“Working with Juliette was nothing short of a DREAM! She helped with everything from creating the timeline to aesthetic ideas and really helped the day run smoothly. Truly don’t know how we would’ve done it without her. Such a kind and encouraging presence on the wedding day and throughout planning! Whether it was bringing us dessert because we hadn’t gotten a chance to sneak over to the table yet or reminding us of the pic we wanted to make sure we got- truly truly fantastic!!! Not to mention just how beautiful the photos are! We could not be more in love! Such a quick turnaround so we could reminisce on the honeymoon. Juliette is a GEM!!!”
I love what I do, and the people I meet :)
Summer at The Munro
Summer at the Munro: A Bridal Session in the Summer
Our story starts with Gina, our bride, preparing for her wedding day.
However, there were so many dresses to choose from, she was unsure where to start.
Choosing a dress proved to be a difficult task for Gina….
Some were delicate & unique…
others felt sleek and stylish…
But the perfect one hung on the hook, waiting to be seen.
Tres magnifique.
Each detail was delicately selected by Gina and her fiancee, Mike.
From her favorite flowers, Mike’s love for chess (and for Gina)…Everything had a purpose.
“The time has come!” Gina exclaimed.
While we can show you the photos, how about you watch a little video…
The magnificent folks to made this come alive:
Venue: @events_at_munro
Co host: @emmabausophoto
Co-host/Photography: @juliettezygpicturestudios
Rentals: @sherentsvintage
Florals: @alchemybloomsfd
Gowns: @stellasbridal
Catering: @morostable
Linens: @lizschaircoverrentals
Venue Illustration: @thearchitectsdaughter_ny
Jewelry: @westandcompanydiamonds
HMU/Content Creator: @annierotko
Should We Do An Engagement Session?
This blog post answers the question so many newly engaged couples have — an engagement session is included in my package…should we do it??
If you’re reading this, you’re either:
A) Engaged (yay!), and may have seen how engagement sessions are included in photographers’ packages.
2) You’re not engaged, but you’re interested to find out this inner circle wedding thing called an engagement session.
Welcome, regardless, to my Ted Talk about Engagement Sessions.
What is an engagement photo session?
An engagement session is a photoshoot before you get married (thanks, captain obvious). Usually, the photos you take during this session are used for your wedding save the dates, wedding invitations, and your wedding website, but are not limited to putting as your phone background or posting constantly on social media.
This session can be as long as you’d like, but they normally last 1-2 hours at a location of your choosing.
What’s the point of an engagement session?
I suggest my couples do engagement session for three reasons:
Reason #1: Get to know each other
It can be overwhelming to meet your photographer on the day of the wedding, so engagement sessions are a perfect way to get to get to know your photographer and for them to get to know you!
Being able to see how a couple interacts with each other, what jokes make them laugh, what posing prompts they really enjoy, or if they like PDA, etc. The goal is to get comfortable in front of the camera!
Reason #2: The chance to get comfy with the camera
Being comfortable in front of a camera is easier said than done. Some people are naturals and some are camera shy. Doing an engagement session allow couples to experience the photo prompts they may have on their wedding day but with much less going on - so it’s a perfect time to practice and get comfortable!
Plus, you don’t get engaged everyday, and it’s fun little excuse to plan a date night.
Reason #3: The chance to be camera ready
Once the wedding day arrives, we have met in person, we all know each other, and we can also create some of those cute engagement photos! You and your family/friends have seen a full gallery of photos, and you already can’t wait to see what’s next. Most importantly, you feel confident and comfortable in front of a camera while you get to marry a really cool human.
We’re SO awkward. What if it’s a trainwreck?
Nah, I don’t believe it one bit.
What if I told you all the couples in the above photos said the same thing? Because they did. And I’ll be honest - photos can be very awkward but these don’t seem awkward at all, right?
With the right photographer giving you prompts that help you forget that you’re being photographed, that awkwardness melts right away. I always recommend seeing these photos as an excuse to plan a perfect date, so you’re doing the things you love most, with the person you love most. Thinking of a photo session this way makes everything look more natural, and you won't feel like you're not just posing for the camera.
Clever secretly planned this session to propose to his high school sweetheart, Niamh at Wildflower Creek Farm during prime bloom time because Niamh loves flowers.
He had reached out to me a few weeks prior to a Pick and Pose event for couples, and wanted to know if he’d be able to do something similar but in the morning so they can spend the day celebrating, and for a little longer. Clever had said he wasn’t sure when he wanted to pop the question during the session, but when he felt like the time and place were right, he would give a signal (see the first image hehe).
After a very teary and happy engagement, the two frolicked around the field and spent the rest of the day celebrating :)
Van and Alex are both are filmmakers and artists, so they wanted an engagement session that matched that vibe. They chose Ithaca to do their session and started at Angry Mom Records to look at vinyls and the huge display of VHS tapes. After, we stopped at the local arthouse cinema, Cinemapolis, where they purchased some popcorn and we hung around the hallways in the coolest light (see above) for some fun vibey shots.
What do we do at this session?
Let me roll out the list of fun things to do on your engagement shoot:
- Grab a cup of coffee/tea at your favorite coffee shop
- Going to a museum of a shared interest
- Going to the farmers market or botanical gardens
- Having a little pizza picnic where you first met (or at your wedding venue)
- Bar hopping
- A friendly game of tennis or pickleball
- Picking flowers at a flower farm
- Bike riding or rollerblading at a local park
- Cooking at home or at a cozy Airbnb
- Thrifting
- Hiking your fave trail
- Making snowmen outside (hot chocolate optional)
So what now?
think about the season you’d want your photos to take place
think about the location you’d want to go
do you want a more nature-y scene or cityscape?
what’s your favorite things to do together?
From there, we’ll schedule your session depending on your favorite month/season, and plan an activity you both enjoy and look forward to doing.The goal is to make you look forward to this and to celebrate your whimsical, unique, weird little love :)
“We love a mix of documentary and editorial styles—absolutely adore the candid, in-the-moment memories, and also appreciate some direction with posing”
“I also like that most of your photos seem organic. They're still capturing people in the best light while seeming natural. That's what's really important to me because I want everything to be as genuine and natural as possible (but with some artistic editing to make it look better ha)”
this was completely unprompted!
“I feel like your photos really reflect what I want out of photography - they capture real moments and don't feel posed or stiff. I love the documentary style, romantic vibe.”
“I can FEEL the yearning in your pictures and I am here for it. I read way too many romance novels and I want my pictures to feel like I am in one.”
Have a question? Want to get in touch? Ready to plan your session??
— Meet Your Photographer —
I’m Juliette and I’m an Upstate New York photographer and videographer specializing in weddings, lifestyle and branding.
My interest in photography started by taking portraits of my pet chickens as a 6 year-old, and has since then expanded into documenting cinematic and nostalgic shenanigans and stories for humans nationwide.
I’ll tell you to sing silly songs to each other during your session, or proclaim 100 times about how good you both look and show you sneaks during each set of photos.
When I’m not editing, you can find me watching The Great British Bake Off, making food with my husband, Teddy, or playing the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. :)
engaged now, but planning the big day?
Check out my wedding photo gallery
is cinema more your vibe?
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Intimate Summer Elopement at Dinosaur BBQ
a look at the photography and videography of jess and vincent’s intimate reception at Dinosaur BBQ in Syracuse last summer.
the photography and videography of an Upstate New York elopement.
it’s about yam time.
Jess and Vincent are very cool if you didn’t know that already.
You may have seen their photos on my website a lot because it was one of my favorite weddings from 2022. Plus, it was one of the first weddings I did both photo and video for!
A little backstory
Before partying it up at Dinosaur BBQ, Jess and Vincent had a small ceremony and reception in New York City prior to the celebration at Syracuse. Before that, I was luck enough to document their love at an engagement session at the Johnson Museum of Art on a chilly January day.
During the session, we chatted about how Jess and Vincent met, what they were planning for the wedding, and explored the Johnson Museum of Art and the Cornell campus.
One reason I love offering engagement sessions to the couples whose wedding I’m photographing or filming —
Engagement sessions give myself and my couples a fun time to get aquatinted with each other before the wedding day.
I get to see how the couple interacts with each other: what jokes make them laugh or poses they really enjoy, if they like a lot of PDA or a smol amount.
My couple benefits too (obvi) - They get to know me and my personality, they get used to being in front of the camera (you don’t get engaged everyday), and they get a fun little excuse to plan a date night. Like, how can you not love this.
Then, once the wedding day arrives, we have at least met in person once (especially if they are out of state or a bit further away) and we both go into the wedding day knowing exactly what we want - to document the big and little things.
Wholesome.
the wedding
!!
the wedding !!
After their NYC ceremony, Jess, Vincent and I got on a call to discuss what the plan was for their Syracuse ceremony. They initially said in their inquiry form:
“We’re envisioning it to be a more relaxed, chill night where we can celebrate our love with the people we love most, have some good BBQ, and have a ton of fun together!”
And dang it we were going to do that.
So, we decided that we would do an hour at Franklin Park for their couples photos, and then go full into party mode once we got to Dinosaur BBQ in Syracuse.
AND THEN….
wait wait wait…
I grabbed this little photo before their entrance :)
ok back to the party!
PARTY TIME.
Jess and Vincent entered the party dancing to Music For a Sushi Restaurant by Harry Styles (THE BEST SONG AHHH) and the had the most lit reception at Dinosaur BBQ, dancing, eating, and celebrating with some of the coolest people.
one of the great parts about their afternoon, was how *relaxed* it was.
there wasn’t any pressure to perform for the camera. they were authentically themselves, enjoying their friends and family and dancing to some really good songs.
that to me, is a perfect wedding day :)
And now, you can watch their film to truly relive their day,
by watching their film.
VENDORS
Photographer/Videographer - JULIETTE ZYG PICTURE STUDIOS
Photographer/Videographer Assistant - MARK FEOCCO
Venue - DINOSAUR BBQ
Florals - AFFECTIONS FLORAL DESIGN
Hair & Makeup - BLOOM ON WILLOW
Bride’s Dress - THE BRIDE PROJECT
DJ - TORGO ENTERTAINMENT
Based in Upstate New York, Juliette specializes in weddings, lifestyle and brand photo + film for humans far and wide.
Her interest in the documentation of the human experience has lead her into becoming something of a professional third wheel/hype woman/paparazzi/for her clients.
She’ll probably cry during your ceremony, or tell you how amazing you look at your session or wedding.
When she’s not at a wedding or editing, she’s probably watching Parks and Rec, watering her plants, or hanging out with her cats.