It’s been a long year. Now that everything is almost back to normal, it is time to get portraits updated and get out of the house! Conner James Photography Inc has clients in Edwardsville, Collinsville, St.Louis, OFallon, Troy, and surrounding areas. I specialize in family and newborn photography. I love working with families and children. Amazing families and beautiful children. Yes, I love my job!

When it comes to family picture day, a lot of stress is typically associated with days leading up to the session. We’re here to help you relax and be prepared all at the same time. Here are some tips. Find the outfits you want everyone to wear a month in advance and set them aside somewhere safe. Then try them on a week ahead of time to ensure everything still fits comfortably and that you did not miss any stains or holes that you could not see until they were being worn. As soon as your family changes out of their photo attire, make sure it is clean and pressed to be ready for the big day. Set the clothes together (sorted by person) and place them somewhere free from harm and dirt. Be sure to tell everyone that these are picture clothes and not to be worn until picture day. This will help to be sure that no articles of clothing go missing. Do not forget about shoes, jewelry, belts, and other accessories. About three to four days prior to the session, start talking with your husband and kids about the session and what will happen and how they should behave. If you plan to use a bribe, now is a good time to set that in place. Continue to talk to your children daily to prepare them for the session. Two days prior to the session, pack a bag of everything you will need on picture day – snacks, props, bribery, etc. and put it somewhere you can grab it and go. Be sure to include wipes in case things get messy, an extra hairbrush, and other “emergency” items, such as bobby pins and a backup lipstick. On the day of the session, make sure everyone is well fed, but not overfed. We do not want sick little tummies from overeating, but we don’t want anyone getting “hangry” (angry because they are so hungry) either. Do not get your family dressed in their photo clothes until after they have eaten and brushed their teeth. This will prevent spills and other messy accidents. If you have young children, avoid any colored drinks the day of the session until after we are finished. Also, if they drink anything on the way to the session try to avoid spills to save their shirts from wet spots or stains. Once you get to the session, try to relax. If you have set a bribe, please let me know so I can use that throughout the session if the children get restless. I will also have something to bribe as well. Try to stay positive. If you are positive the kids will be more likely to smile and be happy. Trust your photographer - know that I will take care of things and will deliver amazing photos of your family.

 I like to offer Mini Sessions throughout the year. I offer Spring Mini Sessions, Fall Mini Sessions, and Christmas Mini Sessions! Sometimes I also have Quick Mini Sessions. I like to offer Mini sessions to treat my clients extra special. I think it is so wonderful how you can get your family photos done a couple times a year at an affordable price. Christmas Mini sessions are my biggest seller. I start booking for Christmas Mini sessions in July. These sessions tend to sell out quickly.  This is the backdrop for this year! It’s so gorgeous! The Christmas Mini backdrop is large for the family. Be on the lookout for the bookings to be released in July.