You’d think that as a photographer, I’d have this whole “family photo thing” down to a science. My kids would show up smiling, everyone would magically match without trying too hard, and the whole process would feel effortless and fun. Spoiler alert: It was a hot mess. From bickering to bug bites and wardrobe whoopsies, I truly thought we weren’t going to get a single framable photo out of it. I stressed myself out so much I practically sweat through my jumpsuit (which, by the way, was not the fabric for Florida humidity). Then Amber McWhorter Photography swooped in and worked her magic, and guess what? We got SO many amazing photos. Still, I walked away with a list of lessons learned! Here’s what not to do for your next family session:

1. Don’t skip the bug spray. You think Missouri bugs are bad? Try Florida in soggy season. It felt like we were being swarmed by tiny flying vampires. I swear we spent more time swatting than smiling. Rookie move.

2. Make your kids try on their outfits ahead of time. Sounds obvious, right? I didn’t do it. And Bo’s shorts? TWO sizes too small. He couldn’t play, couldn’t climb, and definitely couldn’t smile naturally with that waistband situation. Sorry, buddy.

3. Save the fun activity for the very end. In a burst of spontaneity, I suggested we climb this gorgeous oak tree… mid-session. Big mistake. Once the boys were up there, they didn’t want to come down. From that moment on, they were mentally checked out of anything that didn’t involve tree bark.

4. Let the photographer lead. There’s this awkward grin phase a lot of kids go through — and when a parent says something like, “Smile normal!” it just gets 1000x worse. Let your photographer work their magic. They know how to get those genuine expressions.

5. Never say “last photo.” Because it’s never actually the last one. As soon as I said those cursed words, my kids sprinted fully clothed into the ocean… and not for cute splashy photos, but full chest-deep chaos. No turning back after that.

6. Don’t white-knuckle it. This one’s for my fellow control freaks: RELAX. When you care a lot, it’s easy to try and manage every little thing, but that energy affects your whole family. Trust your photographer, embrace the chaos, and just be with your people. You’ll be surprised at what beauty unfolds when you let go.