So you've booked your Quick Candids session—amazing! These mini sessions are designed to be short, sweet, and completely stress-free. But if you're wondering how to get the very best out of your 20 minutes in front of the camera, you're not alone.
Whether you're coming solo, as a couple, or with the whole family, this post is full of simple tips to help your session feel fun, relaxed, and totally you.
1. Wear Something You Feel Good In
You don’t need to match or overthink your outfit—just wear something that feels like you. A few simple tips:
- Go for comfort and confidence. You’ll move, sit, laugh, maybe kneel down or spin your kid around. Wear something that lets you do that.
- Choose timeless tones. Soft neutrals, warm earth tones, or rich jewel tones tend to photograph beautifully.
- Avoid loud logos or neon colors if possible—they can be distracting in candid photos.
- Layer and add texture. Think knits, linen, denim—these add beautiful depth and movement to your images.
✨ Most importantly? If you feel good, you’ll look good.
2. Show Up a Few Minutes Early
I know it’s “just 20 minutes,” but arriving 5–10 minutes early makes a big difference. It gives you time to:
- Breathe
- Brush off the car ride
- Get settled with kids, layers, or last-minute snacks
We’ll start on time, and a calm start means a smoother session for everyone.
3. Let Go of Expectations (and Perfection)
Quick Candids are all about what’s real. There’s no pressure to be perfectly posed or polished.
- Kids don’t have to sit still.
- You don’t have to smile the whole time.
- Hair might blow in the wind. Clothes might wrinkle. Someone might laugh too hard—or cry a little.
All of that? It’s beautiful. It’s human. And those are the moments you’ll love most when you look back.
4. Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera
Don’t worry about “doing it right.” You’ll hear me say things like:
- “Look at each other.”
- “Keep walking.”
- “Just stay where you are for a second.”
The best photos happen when you're in the moment—talking, playing, connecting. Let yourself forget the camera is there, even if just for a few seconds at a time.
5. Play, Move, and Be Yourself
Movement brings energy and life into your images.
- Pick up your kid
- Spin in a circle
- Cuddle in close
- Take a few slow steps
- Whisper something silly
Don’t overthink it—just do what feels natural, and I’ll follow along.
6. Trust the Process
Even in 20 minutes, there’s so much we can capture together. You might not realize how much actually happens in that little window of time until you see your gallery.
Trust that I’ll be watching for the good light, the genuine expressions, and those in-between moments that tell your story. You don’t need to perform. You just need to be.
Bonus Tip: Book Early for the Best Spots
Quick Candids fill up fast—especially in busy seasons. If you know you’ll want updated photos soon, join my email list to get early access before dates open to the public.
📩 [Join the email list →]
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to do anything fancy to have a beautiful Quick Candids session. You just need to show up with a little presence, a little patience, and a willingness to let the moment unfold.
I’ll take care of the rest.
Have questions? Wondering what to wear? Want help prepping kids (or your partner)? I’m here—just reach out.
📩 [Send me a message →]
📅 [Book your session →] (if sessions are open)