Let's Have Some Fun!


Here in Pittsburgh, PA, the weather is hopefully taking a turn towards some sunny days and many families would like to know how to prepare for a photoshoot for our upcoming spring. I think it's safe to say that after a gray winter, we have high hopes for a colorful spring with the beautiful trees and flowers in our beautiful city.

Portrait sessions can be so stressful from deciding what to wear, wondering if your littles will cooperate, location, weather etc. I am here to tell you that it does not have to be difficult! In fact, when you book a session with me, I walk you through each step from our first phone call until the delivery of your wall art or digitals. You will receive a PDF of my "Client Experience Guide" and it outlines why I choose locations and certain times of day. I give you suggestions of how to choose outfits that will flatter everyone and even tips on how to make it fun with small kids! Seniors... not sure what to expect for your session? It's all covered in a separate guide JUST for you!


Before the Session...


I have carefully designed my Client Experience Guide to provide you with the best education BEFORE your session to take all of the guesswork out of it. You have enough to worry about in life, so I want to make your photos a fun and enjoyable experience! The best way I can do that is to prepare you for what to expect. When you inquire, I would love to talk with you on the phone for a few minutes to see exactly what you're looking for in a session. Or, if you'd rather, I will send out a questionnaire to get to know you and your family a bit better (if we haven't met before). After you book, I will send out the guide so you have time to review it and plan. Because life is crazy busy sometimes, about a week before the session, you will get an email with the location reminder and your time to arrive.


During the Family Session...


On the day of the session, your ONLY job is to have fun!! I am fully prepared to pose you and your family with easy instructions to get the best shots and the best laughs. We will get some posed photos as well as plenty of candids of you just being yourselves and the laughs you will have! If you have little kids that have never been in front of a camera, we will spend a few minutes just "warming up" so that they feel comfortable. Kids usually think it's fun to see themselves in the back of my camera and I am happy to show them! My best piece of advice is to just have FUN and live in the moment while we are there! If it's a family session, kids can definitely sense stress so my best piece of advice is to just try to roll with the punches. I remember some stressful moments when having our family photos done. But now I try to relax and even the boys will say months later "remember when were were getting pictures and XXX happened?" and then they laugh!! If you read my blog post from last Christmas, we were dressed and ready to go to the Christmas tree farm. Ethan happened to fall and scrape his face right before getting into the car. I'm pretty sure no one in my family is forgetting those photos! If you missed that story and would like to read that little gem, click below for the details. And please know that even professional photographers have MANY snafus when getting their own photos taken. At least it truly prepares us for whatever comes our way with our clients so we are serving you in the best way possible!


During the Senior Session...

Seniors, this is your time to shine!! Your session time will fly by because we will be having so much fun! If you've never been in front of a camera professionally, I will make sure you feel comfortable and you won't have to worry about a thing. We can play your favorite music, laugh and just have a great time! Girls, I will make sure you don't have any flyaway hairs and that your dress is even. Guys, I will make sure you look your best with simple posing directions. Feel free to bring anything that is special to you like your favorite baseball glove, hockey stick, band instrument or even a t shirt of the school that you'll be attending in the fall. As an added bonus, if you loved your time at your senior session, we can also arrange for a cap and gown mini session near graduation day!

After the session...


As our session comes to an end, you can expect your edited gallery within two weeks. You will receive an email saying your gallery has been edited and we will decide on a date for you to see them in person at your big reveal!!. I will help you decide which memories you'd like to put into a beautiful, keepsake album or a statement piece for your walls. Speaking from personal experience over the last few years, prepare to never have empty walls again!! I love creating these art pieces for you to cherish forever. After the ordering appointment (same day as the gallery reveal) I will hand deliver your new art work within 6-8 weeks!

If you have any questions about how to prepare for a photoshoot, send me an email at jennifer_kurz@yahoo.com and I'll be happy to answer any additional questions.




Last minute tips...


  • When choosing outfits, think "coordinating" instead of "matchy matchy." This is explained more in my guide.
  • Bring snacks for kids. They can be used for bribes and rewards! I have no shame!
  • For seniors- bring along mom, dad or a friend to help carry your outfits and props. Also pack a small bag with extra personal items like makeup touchups for the girls. I will bring a small mirror and some hairpins and laundry stick for those quick fix moments.
  • Have FUN making these memories!! When you look at the photos hanging on your walls, you will want to remember a joyful time! I don't have to tell you how fast time flies...nothing brings me more happiness than seeing our smiles from each passing year and noticing the growth in our boys.


I can't wait to see you soon!!!