I believe those family portraits should flow as smooth as sweet tea on a warm afternoon. Here’s the simple, three-step plan I use:

1. Shot List Request (2 Weeks Before)  

   • Send me a detailed list of your “must-have” groupings—parents with children, cousins together, multi-generational portraits, etc.—and include everyone’s names.  

   • Let me know any specific poses you’d love. For example:  

     – Classic formal (everyone standing, shoulders angled, warm smiles)  

     – Seated portrait (grandparents seated, kids gathered around)  

     – Casual stroll (family walking hand-in-hand, candid laughs)  

     – Close-up embraces (a hug or cheek-kiss moment)  

     – Fun dynamic shot (cousins jumping, piggyback rides, or that memorable “pile” on the porch steps)  

   • Flag any enthusiastic “photo VIPs” who tend to pop into every frame—this helps me lovingly guide their excitement so our timeline stays on track.

2. Final Confirmation (3 Days Before)  

   • We’ll review your list together, making any last-minute tweaks—adding or removing names—so there are no surprises when the big day arrives.

3. On-Site Workflow  

   • First, we’ll check off your priority portraits exactly as planned, ensuring every essential family grouping and pose is captured.  

   • Once those are in the can, I’m happy to accommodate any extra family or friends who’d like a turn in front of the lens.

By gathering all the details well ahead of time and confirming just before your event, I guarantee those treasured family photos come out picture-perfect—and then we can have some fun with spontaneous snapshots afterward!