what I would tell anyone who wants to actually photograph their family for memories sake.

Here’s what I would tell anyone who wants to actually photograph their family for memories sake.

1. Do the photos in your home. This is where you live. This is who you are, even if it’s messy, even if it’s not new, even if it’s not a model home. Trust me, this is your home and this is what your kids want to remember.

2. Let the kids pick out their clothes. Do not give them any instructions on what they should or should not wear. Tell them you’re taking photos and to pick out an outfit. They will choose the thing they are most proudest of and love the most. You don’t have to make them match.

3. Include the animals. If you have pets in your home, please make sure that they are in the room for a few of the shots. If they are not well behaved, who cares? As long as they won’t attack your photographer, include them in the shots.

4. Do not deep clean. I know that’s really hard, but please leave a little bit of your real life in the room. Do a quick clean, but do not make it Airbnb worthy.

5. Do not tell your kids to look at the camera and smile. your photographer will pose them as they see best, but honestly, as long as everybody is looking at the camera for a few shots, you don’t need the kids to smile in every single photo.

Did I miss anything? What’s your favorite photograph from your childhood?