I LOVE photographing large multi-family sessions! I have such a great time and here are a few tips to help you have the best session possible!

Tip 1: It can be a little stressful gathering everyone especially little ones. It’s good to have eaten before hand or have snacks and drinks available during the session.

Tip 2: Let me do the wrangling and posing to keep it flowing quickly as sometimes the kids can get restlses waiting their turn. This way I can work quickly and easily if I’m the only one directing.

Tip 3: We’ll start with the whole family and then quickly go through each family to make sure we get that ONE group photo while the children are less tired of me lol.

If you’re interested in a multi family session, please let me know! I have special pricing just for you!

Seriously, what could more intimidating than getting your portraits take, as a family?! Probably traveling with a baby comes close.  

I hear you, it can be really hard on parents who try to get their family portraits taken and suddenly you're dealing with a melt down because your toddler doesn't want to wear that dress and hates those shoes, on the day of your session.  Trust me, I've been there.  And it can be so stressful that you want to call your photographer and reschedule, which let me tell you, is completely in your right! 

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel! These quick and easy steps will all lead to a melt-down free session and lead to a happy post session!

DON'T SAY NO. 
This is really the only real rule that I have when I photograph families.  Especially out on the beach.  It's really easy to try and be on your best behavior as a family, but we all know that on the day of the session, your kid is gonna want to push their limits, set the new rules, and act a little goofy.  

I say, let them.  Let them get it all out of their system, let me take over and have fun.  The more they see this as a fun activity, the more willing they'll be to cooperate.  And this means, not saying "no" to running, climbing safely onto a tree, or even throwing sand and getting all wet.  Keeping things light and fun are going to change the whole experience for you!

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BRING EXTRA CLOTHES
Being that we have just let these kids wild, you'll need to be prepared in bringing more outfits.  Always choose clothes that the kids feel most comfortable in.  And if that day they are particular about a shirt, bring it,  we'll use it and then I'll convince them to change later during the session.  Usually this works because I'm a stranger and they don't know that I'm a complete push over.  Plus, we're having fun and so they'll go along with it even more if we turn it into a game.

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BRING SNACKS / TOYS
Kids are hungry all.the.time!  I'm sure that you are constantly bringing snacks and juices everywhere you go; sessions are no different.  Make sure you bring those favorite snacks and we'll give them to the kids through out the session so that they can keep their energy up and keep giving us those cute smiles!

Bringing toys is another great way to give your kids a break during the part of the session where we focus on mommy and daddy.  It's a great way to keep them entertained and sometimes, we can get cute photos like this one below; this photo captures who she truly is at 3 years.  

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SMILING POSING MAY NOT HAPPEN
Just know that at your session, depending on your children's age, they may not be willing to be still enough for photos.  Take a 2 year old, they constantly run from the camera and don't like to sit still.  As where you have teens who don't like to smile at all but will stand there limp and bored.  So that's where we try to play, run, jump, through the baby in the air, maybe jump onto your teens back, or tell a funny joke - anything to get the energy flowing. 

I'll capture those interactions and sometimes, they make the best memories because they are natural, authentic, and real.  

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DON'T BE AFRAID TO RESCHEDULE
Portrait sessions, thankfully, are always able to be rescheduled if your kid is having a really bad day or isn't up for anything.  Call me and we'll reschedule for a later date.  It's happened where we're in the middle of the session and we'll reschedule for a different day, and it's totally ok!  Sometimes this happens and it's quite alright.  I'd rather not force the session because we'll definitely see it in the photos.  

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Having fun is always the best part of your portrait experience! Don't forget to bring on the bad dad jokes, run, jump, and be willing to play.  I guarantee everyone will have a wonderful time and we'll get the shots that you'll be able to treasure.  

Connecting with families is something I absolutely love to do! Even though the sessions now look a little different than before, we still have a great time chasing after little ones, getting real expressions, and smiling behind the camera when families are having fun.

Needless to say, I think we tuckered these two little ones out! Thank you Victoria and Cristian for trusting me and letting me photograph your beautiful family. This family visits us from Mexico City!

*Note: You’ll see a little sun and water logo at the bottom of these images - they were created for Bella Arte Foto which is our Puerto Vallarta local studio and is for national clients. Visit the FB page if you’re interested in learning more!

Getting to photograph families is something that I enjoy so much because I get the chance to create something that will be passed down through generations.

Someday, these girls will look at these photos and remember the amazing vacation they took amidst one of the worst pandemics in the world.

Together and united they enjoyed a little rest and relaxation at a top destination, Marival Distincts Resort, in Nuevo Vallarta.

With all the safety regulations in place, families can get a little vacation in and enjoy the beach, pool, and restaurants in Puerto Vallarta even during this unprecedented time. Resorts are only at 30% capacity, maintaining all of the sanitation regulations and helping our locals get back to work.

Partnered with Localgrapher for this session.

I love being able to step away from the beach and take portraits of families at the resort where they are staying. It helps to really commemorate their time there and remember their vacation as a family.

In this case, Katy reached out to me and invited me to take these really gorgeous photos of her and her family! I'm so glad we met because she is really sweet and just the nicest! She is also a photographer in the Delaware area so if you are looking for someone to take family portraits - mainly maternity and newborn, she's your girl!

We walked a bit and then took many in front of the fountain at the entrance to the hotel which made a really nice background.

That's the great thing about visiting Nuevo Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, and the Riviera Nayarit, is that there are so many great places to have your session. 

It was a gloomy day but it made for such great colors and light. Thank you Katy for having me spend such a wonderful time with you and your family! Next time you come visit, it's tacos and margaritas ;).

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This family is so dear to me.  I photographed Ruth + Mark's wedding three years ago!  Markie is their super handsome boy who has grown up since the last time I've seen him!  We had such a fun time playing around and catching up!  

More to come for sure!  Ruth, I'm almost finished editing the rest ;).

I pulled out of the parking spot, smiling, happy, and with the energy of a 2 year who just got chocolate and soda wasted.  Jumping around singing along to what ever cd has been in my car for the last few months.  When I got home, I began to tell my mom about the session I just had, talking a mile minute and gasping for air in between sentences.  Tripping over my words and making absolutely no sense.  An hour later, I crashed and found my equilibrium once again.  

Then it hit me, this happens to me every time I get home from a session where kids are present.  By kids, I mean those under 11 years of age.  

Most recently, this happened when I met with the Baeza Family at the UCR Botanical Gardens for their session.  This was probably my most memorable family session to date.  Their 4 year old son would not look at my camera.  He'd talk to me but when the camera went up to my face, he'd look away, shut down.  Or, run away from me.  I was at a loss, trying to think of what to do, which technique to use.  

I know God was listening because in that precise moment, he began talking about Diego and Dora the explorer.  He looked up at me with bright eyes, and said, "You can be Dora and I will be Diego."  From that moment on, I had him.  

It takes a lot of energy to photograph children.  You have to be willing to jump around and act a fool.  Sing along and clap your hands.  Spin around and chase.  Make believe and be the kids best friend.  And when a kid tells you to be Dora, you damn well better be Dora.  Otherwise, you might miss the real expressions that make their personality so unique.  

Hasta luego amigos!

Jackie

**In all fairness, I do kind of look like Dora, lol.