As a mom of two toddlers, I am very well-versed in toddler behaviors and know that it can be like pulling teeth trying to get them to do something sometimes. During our shoot, it's so important to remember that all your kids are going to want to do is play. When you give up control over their behavior (barring anything dangerous) that's when we can create magic. Go be crazy with them! Roll down that hill with them! Get your toes muddy with them! You can only control you, so just have fun with your kids.

Unless we're going for a super dressed up moment, the simpler the outfits the better (and more believable). I highly encourage you to look on Pinterest for inspiration and take a look in your closet to see what you have that looks similar. There is no need to go buy new clothes (unless a photoshoot is your excuse to go shopping!) or shoes. In fact, going bare foot is always a win in my book. Your kids are probably going to get dirty, so just keep that in mind when getting them dressed. I don't encourage dirt-rolling, but if happens to happen, you bet I'm photographing it.

The traditional sessions of making sure everyone is seated and still and smiling is what comes to lots of minds when they think about photoshoots. One really cool thing about not caring about SSS is it's actually much more fun, more natural, and less stressful for everyone involved. You don't need to tell your kids to look at me or smile or behave. I'm going to get all kinds of shots (including a few of everyone smiling at me) but the more "no boundaries" the shoot is, the more your kids are going to enjoy it and the more you're going to love your photos.