Alabaster Photos
Serving St. Croix County
& Surrounding Areas
Your Session Prep Guide
Whether you’re coming in for newborn snuggles, celebrating a baby milestone, or capturing your family just as you are right now — this page walks you through everything you need to know to feel relaxed, prepared, and excited for your session.
trust the process. genuine moments are magic.
check out prep tips for your specific session below
bring water, toys, snacks, etc. for kids and possibly another person who can help with children who are not in the photos
check out my blog for other helpful tips
read through frequently asked questions
plan coordinated outfits for everyone
select your clothing color palette - click her for ideas
session checklist
Be well-fed and hydrated before you arrive
get plenty of rest the night before — especially for little ones
Leave phones, keys, and bulky items out of the shooting area
Jump to Your Session Type
- Embrace movement — walking, twirling, and laughing with your partner create the most natural portraits.
pro tip
- Choose two looks: one flowing or fitted dress and one more casual outfit.
- Avoid tight clothing before the session to prevent lines on your skin.
- Partners: coordinate, don’t match — complementary tones photograph best.
- Moisturize hands and belly, and bring touch-up powder or hair brush if needed.
how to prepare
- Best scheduled between 28 and 34 weeks.
- Sessions last about 45–60 minutes (studio or outdoor).
what to expect
- Don’t stress about perfection. These images are about connection — not a spotless room or matching outfits. The love, pride, and awe in those first 48 hours are what make these portraits timeless.
pro tip
- Let the nurses know you’ll be having a photographer visit so we can coordinate timing around feedings or checkup.
- Tidy lightly — clear side tables, empty cups, or food trays near the bed if possible.
- Keep outfits simple: soft neutrals, solid colors, or classic patterns photograph beautifully. Avoid large logos or busy prints.
- Bring a swaddle or blanket you love (solid, textured fabrics work best).
- Have baby fed and loosely wrapped before I arrive — a happy, sleepy baby makes for relaxed, natural photos.
how to prepare
- Sessions last about 45–60 minutes.
- Take place in your hospital room.
what to expect
- Relax and trust the process.
- The best images happen in the quiet, unplanned moments — a yawn, a laugh, a snuggle. Your job is simply to love on your people. I’ll take care of the rest.
pro tip
- Feed baby right before leaving or upon arrival (a full tummy = a happy, sleepy baby).Tidy lightly — clear side tables, empty cups, or food trays near the bed if possible.
- Dress in neutral, coordinating tones — creams, tans, sage, blush, and soft blues photograph beautifully.
- Avoid clothing with logos or busy patterns.
- If siblings are joining, we will do these first and get what we can. For many siblings this is a big change and adjustment for them as well so a lot of patience is needed.
- You only need to tidy up the space you would like photos in. Please don't worry about the rest of the house.
how to prepare
- Sessions last about 45–60 minutes.
- Take place in your home.
- I’ll guide every pose and setup so you can simply enjoy the process — no need to stress about what to do with your hands or how to smile!
what to expect
- If your baby uses a pacifier, bring a fresh, unused one — the new silicone can be more appealing for soothing during the session. And don’t stress if things don’t go exactly as planned — every baby sets the pace, and those natural, in-between moments often make the most beautiful images.
pro tip
- Try to feed baby right before you leave home so they arrive full and sleepy. If you have a bit of a drive, we can do a quick top-off feeding once you arrive.
- A loose sleeper or zip-up onesie without anything that goes over the head works best. This helps us transition smoothly into swaddling or outfit changes without waking baby.
- Extra diapers and wipes, pacifier (even if baby doesn’t usually take one — it can help settle between poses), burp cloths, bottle or breast milk if baby may need to feed again.
- Neutrals photograph beautifully — think creams, tans, soft pastels, or muted tones.
- Avoid bold logos or busy patterns.
- If siblings are joining, bring them dressed or plan their part of the session first so one parent can take them home or for a walk afterward if needed.
how to prepare
- Sessions last about 60-90 minutes.
- Take place at my home studio in Emerald, WI.
- My studio is kept comfortably warm to help your baby stay cozy and sleepy throughout the session. You’ll be able to sit back, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and watch as I carefully style and photograph your little one.
- I’ll provide all wraps, outfits, headbands, and props — but if you have something sentimental you’d like included (like a blanket from Grandma or a special stuffy), feel free to bring it along.
what to expect
- Don’t worry about perfection — the magic is in the real moments. Genuine smiles, curious glances, and authentic emotion always photograph best. Every milestone is worth celebrating exactly as it is.
pro tip
- Choose 1–2 outfits that make you feel confident and reflect your style. For families or children, aim for simple, coordinated looks in soft tones or timeless neutrals. Avoid bold logos or busy patterns that can distract from the emotion in your photos.
- Plan around your (or your child’s) best energy time — well-rested, fed, and ready to have fun!
- Consider bringing a favorite toy, hobby prop, or small keepsake that represents this milestone — it adds a personal story to your images.
- Relax, have fun, and trust the process. I’ll guide you through prompts and poses that feel comfortable and natural. The best images often come from genuine laughter and little in-between moments.
how to prepare
- Sessions last about 45-60 minutes.
- Milestone sessions are all about celebrating you or your loved one — whether it’s a first birthday, graduation, anniversary, or just a moment worth remembering. These sessions are designed to capture personality, connection, and joy in a relaxed, natural way.
what to expect
- Bring something that tells your story—a letterman jacket, instrument, sports gear, or even your favorite coffee. Those personal touches help your images stand out and make your gallery feel authentically you.
pro tip
- Choose 2–3 outfits that feel like you. Include one dressier look, one casual, and one creative/fun option.
- Avoid bold logos or busy patterns—solids and textures photograph best.
- Bring accessories, layers, and shoes that complete the look.
- Iron or steam clothes before arriving; wrinkles show up in photos!
- Get a fresh haircut or trim about a week before your session. Touch up nails (they’ll show in close-ups).
- Keep makeup natural and true to your everyday look. If you wear makeup, aim for matte finishes to reduce shine.
- Get a good night’s sleep, and drink plenty of water before your session.
- Eat a light snack so you have energy throughout.
- Bring a brush or comb, lip balm or powder for shine, touch-up makeup, water bottle and small towel (especially for outdoor sessions)
how to prepare
- Sessions last about 60-90 minutes.
- Your senior session is designed to capture your personality, style, and story in a relaxed, fun, and confidence-boosting way.
- We’ll move through a variety of poses and backdrops—both candid and posed—so you have a mix of classic portraits and creative, magazine-style shots. Expect outfit changes, music, and laughter. I’ll guide you through every pose so you never feel awkward or unsure of what to do.
what to expect
- Focus on connection, not perfection. The best photos happen when you interact naturally — whisper a secret, dance, tickle, or walk hand-in-hand. Let your love show, and I’ll take care of the rest.
pro tip
- Coordinate, Don’t Match
- Choose 2–3 main colors that complement each other and mix in soft neutrals. Avoid logos or neon shades that distract from your faces. Flowy fabrics and layers photograph beautifully.
- Plan ahead. Try on outfits a few days before the session to ensure comfort and fit. Iron or steam clothing to remove wrinkles, and pack backup options for little ones (just in case!).
- Make sure everyone — especially kids — is well-rested and fed before arriving. Bring water, non-messy snacks, and a small treat as a reward afterward.
- Please plan to arrive 10 minutes early so we can start right on time.
- Iron or steam clothes before arriving; wrinkles show up in photos!
- Get a fresh haircut or trim about a week before your session. Touch up nails (they’ll show in close-ups).
- Keep makeup natural and true to your everyday look. If you wear makeup, aim for matte finishes to reduce shine.
- Get a good night’s sleep, and drink plenty of water before your session.
- Bring a brush or comb, lip balm or powder for shine, touch-up makeup, water bottle and small towel (especially for outdoor sessions)
- Let go of perfection. Kids will be kids — that’s part of the magic! Don’t stress if they’re silly or shy. The more relaxed you are, the better your images will feel.
- Please plan to arrive 10 minutes early so we can start right on time.
how to prepare
- Sessions last about 45-60 minutes.
- Your family session will be relaxed, fun, and full of connection. We’ll focus on natural interactions — laughter, hugs, and genuine moments — rather than stiff poses.
- Expect to play, snuggle, and move around! I’ll guide you with gentle prompts to create images that feel authentic and joyful, capturing your family just as you are in this season of life.
what to expect
