Family photos happen in the blink of an eye, but they’ll be hanging on your walls for years. A little preparation before your session can make a huge difference in how relaxed everyone feels and how natural your photos look.
Whether you’re updating the family portraits in your home, celebrating a milestone, or planning ahead for your holiday cards, these tips will help your family session go as smoothly as possible.
1. Plan Your Outfits Early
Choosing outfits is usually the part families stress over the most.
The biggest piece of advice I can give is to choose clothing that is comfortable, coordinated, and fits the style you’re hoping to create.
If you love a soft, timeless look, choose neutral colors like cream, tan, soft blue, sage, gray, or light pastels. Fabrics that flow and layers with texture photograph beautifully.
If your style is more bold and playful, coordinate colors instead of matching everyone exactly. Think complementary colors rather than everyone wearing the same white shirt and jeans. A colorful scarf, fun shoes, or a textured sweater can add personality without overwhelming the photos.
Most importantly, decide on your outfits well before your session. Last-minute shopping almost always adds unnecessary stress.
And don’t worry…I send every family my complete What to Wear Guide before your session, so you won’t be figuring it out alone.
2. Make Sure Everyone Is Rested (and Fed)
If you have little ones, this may be the most important tip on the entire list.
Try to schedule your session around naps whenever possible. A well-rested child is almost always a happier child.
And whatever you do…
Don’t come hungry.
Bring easy snacks for after the session, give everyone a good meal beforehand, and maybe save the sugary treats until we’re finished.
Being hungry makes everyone cranky…
Sometimes even grown men.
Here in Phoenix, I also recommend bringing water, especially during the warmer months. Even evening sessions can still be toasty.
I personally love photographing families in the morning because everyone tends to have more energy. While many photographers prefer golden hour, I’d rather photograph happy kids than tired kids. A great photographer knows how to work with different lighting situations.
3. Leave Early and Arrive Relaxed
Nothing changes the mood of a session faster than feeling rushed.
Plan to arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early so you have time to park, find the location, and let everyone settle in before we begin.
Most photographers schedule sessions back-to-back, so arriving late usually means losing part of your reserved time.
Showing up relaxed instead of frazzled sets the tone for the entire session, and your photos will absolutely reflect that.
4. Dads…This One’s for You
Can we have a little heart-to-heart?
I know family photos aren’t always at the top of every dad’s “fun things to do” list.
But years from now, these photographs won’t just be pictures.
They’ll become part of your family’s story.
One day your children will look back at these images and remember what it felt like to be wrapped up in your arms.
So dads…
Come ready to laugh.
Play with the kids.
Hug your wife.
Dad’s truly set the tone. If he is having fun, the kids are having fun. Trust me. It can make or break a family portrait session.
Trust your photographer.
And yes…a happy wife really is a happy life.
I promise it’ll be more fun than you’re expecting.
5. Forget Perfect. Have Fun Instead.
Some of my favorite photographs aren’t the ones where everyone is looking perfectly at the camera.
They’re the moments in between.
Dad tossing his son into the air.
Mom laughing because someone whispered something silly.
A family group hug.
A kiss.
Kids running.
Giggles.
Those are the moments that tell your story.
If your family has something you love doing together, let’s include it.
Bring books if reading is your thing.
Pack a picnic.
Play a favorite game.
Dance together.
The more you’re interacting with each other instead of focusing on the camera, the more genuine your memories will become.
