signature Session

preparation

guide

My goal is to capture the relationships within your family in a beautiful and honest way while creating gorgeous images that you will cherish forever.

You’ve already taken a major step in the right direction by booking your session, but to ensure we make the most of our time together, I’ve created this guide outlining some of my best tips for success. This guide also walks you through what you can expect before, during, and after our time together.

First of all, welcome... and thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you!

I'm excited to capture beautiful images for you in this special season!

General Session Tips

What to expect during the session

When we meet, I’ll focus on connecting with your kids to help them feel at ease. Children often guide the initial interaction, and I work to keep the session fun and lighthearted. 

We’ll start with a classic family shot while everyone’s fresh… from there, we’ll transition naturally, moving from one spot to another as we talk and play. If anyone needs a little extra encouragement or if the kids need a change of pace, I have some tricks and activities to keep things fun and engaging. Breaks are always an option if needed…your comfort is a priority.

I’ve often heard people say, “I love that you don’t pose,” and I take that as a huge compliment. While my images may feel natural, I actually provide quite a bit of guidance throughout the session. I’ve found that families feel more confident when I offer direction rather than taking a fly-on-the-wall approach. At the same time, I’m always mindful of when to step back… sometimes, the most beautiful moments unfold naturally, and too much direction can take away from that real connection.

I’ll guide you into natural poses and encourage genuine emotion and interaction…whether it’s a giggle, a touch, or a laugh. My goal is to create images that feel authentic yet refined. If something doesn’t look quite right, I’ll adjust it until it does. Everyone moves and responds to direction differently, and we’ll work together to ensure you feel and look your best.

Preparing for success

– Every session is different, and sometimes the unplanned moments create the most magical images. Coming without expectations results in the most beautifully authentic (and fun) session!

– If nerves are high, a little preparation goes a long way. Parents, if you feel like a small drink might help you relax beforehand, go for it… just don’t overdo it! The goal is for everyone to feel comfortable and present.

– If anyone needs a moment during the session, we’ll pause. Sometimes, when things start to feel a bit overwhelming for the child… or the moment feels a little chaotic… I’ll often take a moment for a quick chat with the child. I find it helps them feel excited to jump back in. 


Session Specific tips

Family, Maternity, Motherhood

No matter the session—whether you’re celebrating a new chapter, capturing your family as it is right now, or soaking in the connection between you and your little one—my goal is the same: to help you feel relaxed, comfortable, and seen.

We’ll keep things natural and unhurried. I’ll guide you through gentle prompts and moments of play or stillness, depending on what feels right. Your only job is to be present with the people you love.

Session Day Checklist

✔ An outfit that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable—whether that’s a flowy dress or a cozy everyday look
✔ Neutral or soft tones that photograph well together (ask if you’d like wardrobe help!)
✔ Nude undergarments if using the studio wardrobe (strapless bra, seamless underwear, etc.)
✔ Fresh or no nail polish on fingers and toes
✔ Comfortable shoes for walking if we’re outdoors—something easy to kick off if we’re near sand or water
✔ A change of clothes and towels if there’s even the slightest chance of jumping in the lake 😉 (whatever your feelings are now many end up going for it so it’s best to be prepared!)
✔ Water bottle and light snack
✔ A clean, non-messy snack + any must-haves like wipes, pacifier, or small comfort item for little ones

Baby & Childhood

What to Wear
Most little ones in childhood sessions wear a favorite outfit, something classic and timeless, or nothing but bloomers (depending on age)—we keep things simple to let their sweet personality shine. You’re welcome to bring a couple of outfit options, and I have a small selection of simple pieces here at the studio if you’d like to look through them together when you arrive.

Morning of the Session
Try to stick to your normal routine as much as possible. Toddlers and babies are sensitive to shifts in rhythm, and keeping things familiar can help the session go more smoothly.

Plan for a light meal or snack beforehand, and feel free to bring a clean, non-messy snack or small treat for breaks (Smarties or puffs are great little incentives). A favorite toy or comfort item is welcome too.

Flow of the Session
Sessions are relaxed and child-led. Some little ones jump right in, others need a bit more time to warm up—and that’s totally okay. I’ll guide gently, keeping things playful and pressure-free so we can capture your child just as they are.

We’ll follow their lead for the pace and break whenever they need a snack, cuddle, or reset.

If you’re wondering how to help your little one feel more comfortable beforehand, I wrote a short blog post with a few tips that might be helpful:
👉 Tips to Prepare for a Session with Young Children

Session Day Checklist

✔ Outfit options for baby/child 
✔ Diapers, wipes, burp cloth (if needed)
✔ Favorite non-messy snack or drink
✔ Special toy, blanket, or comfort item (optional)
✔ Extra clothes (accidents happen!)

Newborn

I generally photograph newborns in just a diaper or bum cover to show off those precious details like wrinkly skin and tiny toes. I’ll bring a couple of wraps, too. If you have a special outfit you really want to include, just let me know!

When it comes to your clothing, keep your comfort in mind. If you have wardrobe questions, feel free to text me. You’re also welcome to look through the studio wardrobe when you arrive. I often have families bring in a suitcase of clothing options and we work something out together once you’ve had a chance to see the wardrobe options.

Morning Of The Session

Stick to your usual routine as much as possible; babies sense changes and can become unsettled if things feel “off.”

Dress your baby in something loose that won’t leave marks on their skin—ideally something that snaps, zips, or buttons down the front.
Whether in-home or coming to the studio, try to have diapers, snacks, extra clothes for you and baby, and any special items (favorite blanket or toy) ready beforehand. I have a few wraps and bum covers at the studio you’re welcome to use.

Room Temperature

Just a heads-up that the room will be nice and warm (around 80°F) to help baby stay cozy while swaddled or undressed. Since the studio is quite spacious, I sometimes use a few extra heaters to avoid chilly drafts. You and I will definitely feel the heat—but remember, your little one just came from a 98-degree womb, and their ability to regulate temperature is still developing.

That said, I know the signs to watch for if baby starts getting too warm, and I’ll be keeping a close eye on their comfort. We’ll adjust things as needed to make sure they stay cozy and content throughout the session.

(In-Home) Please warm your home to about 80°F about 15 minutes before I arrive.

Feeding & Breaks

Plan to feed and change your baby right before we start, if needed.

Babies often seem hungrier during photo sessions—that’s totally normal! We’ll take as many breaks as needed for soothing and feeding.

Whether you’re nursing or bottle-feeding, allow a full feed so baby gets that rich hind milk (for nursing) and feels content. Don’t worry about how long it takes—every baby is different.

Flow of the Session

We’ll decide on the order of photos depending on how awake or sleepy baby is. If they’re alert, we might do family or parent shots first, then transition to baby portraits once they fall asleep. If they’re already sleepy and relaxed, we’ll start right in with baby portraits.

Session Day Checklist

✔ Change of clothes for you and baby (accidents happen!).

✔ Nude undergarments if you plan to use the studio wardrobe.

✔ Fresh or no nail polish for both fingers and toes.

✔ Wardrobe pulled out the day before, if not using the studio wardrobe.

✔ Diapers, wipes, paci, burp rags.

✔ Bottles, breast pump, snacks—whatever you need to stay comfortable.

✔ Favorite blankets or stuffed toys (optional).

✔ (In-Home) Set thermostat to around 80°F, 15 minutes before I arrive.

I’ve been photographing families for many years, and I’ve seen it all. Trust me when I say… no matter what happens during your session (crazy energy, tears, shyness, etc.), we’ll create something beautiful together. These moments are about more than just pictures… they’re about celebrating your family as you are right now. I aim to preserve these memories in a way that feels true to you!

What to

wear

Finding your style

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable. It will absolutely show in your pictures. Consider the ages of your kids and how much running around you might need to do. Will you be holding a small child most of the time? If you’ll be on the move or getting down on the ground, a shorter dress might not be ideal.

Start by deciding what you want to wear first and then coordinate the rest of the family around your outfit. Aim for everyone to be on the same level of dressiness or casualness… it helps the overall look feel cohesive without being overly matchy-matchy.




✔ Choose complementary colors and patterns that flow naturally together—aim for a look that feels balanced without being too matchy
✔ Stick to muted, earthy tones or fun prints for a timeless, cohesive vibe
✔ Incorporate layers and textures like long, flowy dresses, sheer fabrics, or lace—these add beautiful depth and movement to your images
✔ Pay attention to the little details: clean nails, subtle jewelry, and neutral lipstick go a long way in polishing your overall look
✔ If barefoot isn’t your style (it’s a popular option for beach and studio!), go for simple footwear like dress shoes, ballet flats, or strappy sandals



✘ Wear bright white shirts (off-white or varied whites are fine!)—true white can be harsh and distracting in photos
✘ Choose clothing with large logos or neon colors—they tend to pull focus away from the connection in your images
✘ Wear synthetic or shiny fabrics like activewear—they reflect light poorly and don’t photograph as softly
✘ Rely on transition lenses if possible—they can appear like sunglasses in photos; bring a backup pair or reach out, I have a little trick that sometimes helps
✘ Skip bulky or overly casual footwear like Crocs, Keens, or colorful sneakers—they can feel out of place in timeless images

What to Wear
(and What to Skip) for Picture-Perfect Outfits

Do:

Don't

2. Personalized Guidance
If you’re unsure about outfit choices, I’m here to help! Feel free to text me photos or questions if you’d like my input. I also have a Pinterest board full of color and texture inspiration, and my studio offers complimentary wardrobe options for your convenience.

3. Your Style Matters
At the end of the day, these are just guidelines to help you feel confident and prepared. My recommendations are tailored to complement my editing and shooting style, ensuring that the final images reflect the aesthetic you see in my portfolio and on social media. That said, if you feel strongly about wearing something bold or unconventional—like a bright pattern or unexpected color—I’ll happily photograph it! My goal is for you to feel great about how you look and to create images that you’ll love forever.

Image delivery process

Previewing
Your Images

Gallery Access & Print Credit

When your gallery is ready, you’ll receive a slideshow and full access to your images. I always recommend watching the slideshow first—Grab a cozy drink, gather your people, and enjoy it on a big screen with the sound on… it's such a special part of the experience.

You’ll receive a private slideshow to view your images, and from there, you’ll have 48 hours to select the collection that feels like the best fit. Once your collection is chosen, your gallery will be pre-loaded with your print credit and downloads.

Your gallery will remain open for 30 days, giving you plenty of time to download your selected images and use your print credit.

Please note:
The print credit expires at the end of the 30-day window. Once the 30 days pass, your gallery will go offline to be archived. If you need more time, gallery extensions are available for $50. However, the print credit will not be reinstated after expiration—so don’t wait too long to use it!

Downloading Your Files (IMPORTANT)

Once your gallery is open, I encourage you to download your images as soon as possible. Here’s how to keep them safe:

Save one copy to your computer or an external hard drive

Save a second copy to the cloud (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.)

While I take every precaution to keep your files secure, I recommend downloading and backing them up right away for long-term safekeeping.

General Policy     FAQs

&

Copyright & Social Media

Once you receive your digital files, you’re free to print them, create holiday cards, share them on social media, or feature them on your personal blog. These images are yours to celebrate and enjoy however you’d like!

I love when clients share their photos—it truly makes my day. If you do, I just ask that you kindly avoid applying filters or altering the images in any way, so they remain true to the work we created together. And if you’re able to tag me when you post, I’d be so grateful! It’s one of the best ways to support my small business.

That said, any resale or commercial use, such as for business branding or entering contests with prize money, requires additional permission. If you’re unsure about a specific use, feel free to ask! My goal is for you to fully enjoy your images while also respecting the copyright agreement that protects my creative work.


How to use your print credit

Each collection you choose includes a print credit that can be spent in my online shop. Every product in the shop has been thoughtfully curated to reflect heirloom quality, sourced from the finest partner labs around the world.

After viewing your private slideshow, you’ll have 48 hours to select the collection that best suits your needs. Once your collection is purchased, you'll have 30 days to use your included print credit in my online shop. From fine-art prints and hand-torn cotton rag prints to beautifully framed pieces and luxurious albums, there’s something to fit every style and preference.

I’ve ensured that my shop offers stunning options at every price point, so you’ll walk away with a tangible piece of art that celebrates your family’s story in a meaningful way.

Gallery Expiration

I know it’s easy to put off making decisions about your images—but I’ve set up this system to actually make it easier (you’ll thank me later!).

Your gallery will stay open for 30 days, giving you plenty of time to download your images and use your print credit.

A clear timeline takes the mental load off, helping you finish this step without it hanging over you for weeks (or getting lost in the shuffle of everyday life). You’ll have everything safely in your hands to enjoy—without the nagging feeling of something still left undone.

These timelines also help me keep things running smoothly for all the families I serve.
Please be sure to complete your downloads and print orders before your gallery expires!


Session Duration

Full sessions typically run approximately 60-90 minutes for outdoor locations and approximately 30-50 minutes in the studio. Little Legacies Portrait sessions are approximately 10 minutes per child.

I work efficiently, especially with little ones, to capture the images needed for a beautiful gallery. Children respond best to sessions that flow naturally and keep a positive pace.

Your family’s comfort is my priority. We may go over or under the estimated time depending on the session vibe and what I’ve captured. If all necessary images are taken early, I may continue for extra options or wrap up based on everyone’s mood. The session fee reflects the care in delivering a curated gallery, not the time spent.

Number Of Images

You will receive a curated gallery of approximately 40 images for full sessions and 10 images for Little Legacies Portrait sesions.

Each image is meticulously edited in both color and black-and-white. Please note that additional images outside of the curated gallery are not available for viewing or selection.

Print Release

While everything that I offer in my store is printed in professional labs and guaranteed to be beautiful, I also recognize that you may want to print your images yourself, and thanks to those digital files, you absolutely can!

For consumer online prints, I suggest using MPix.com. Be sure to de-select any color correction options, and make a habit of uploading the original files you downloaded, not copies. The files you receive from me should allow you to print up to 20"x30" without any concern of pixellation or loss of quality (possibly larger, depending on the image). If you have questions or concerns, though, please don't hesitate to reach out!

Rescheduling & Cancelation Policy

Life can be unpredictable, and I understand that plans sometimes need to change. Here’s how we handle rescheduling and cancellations to ensure a smooth process for everyone involved. If a new session date cannot be arranged, your session fee will remain valid toward another session booked within 12 months of the original date.


What is (and isn't) appropriate cancelation reasons

If you or a family member is feeling under the weather, it’s best to postpone the session. Please contact me as soon as possible to reschedule. A healthy, happy family helps ensure your photos reflect authentic joy and connection.

 Minor marks can often be retouched during editing, but some areas, like noses, can be tricky to edit naturally. If your child has a visible blemish that might impact the images, feel free to send me a photo. We’ll assess together whether rescheduling is necessary.

Unexpected shifts in travel plans happen! If your schedule changes after booking, just let me know as soon as possible so we can adjust your session date accordingly.

Life can sometimes interfere with planned sessions. If a family emergency arises, please reach out right away, and I’ll be happy to work with you to find a new date.

 

Other Situations
I’m flexible when urgent matters come up, but please understand that preparation goes into every session. Less critical reasons, like a busy week or a late night before the session, don’t warrant rescheduling. Thank you for respecting my time and planning!

 

Cancellations
Session fees are non-refundable once you’ve agreed to my policies. If you need to cancel due to illness or unavoidable circumstances, we can reschedule. Written notice is required for cancellations.

In the rare case that I need to cancel due to illness or emergency, you will be offered either a new session date or a full refund.

© Alissa Saylor Photography

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