The Complete Guide to Preparing for Your Family Photo Session

Family photo day is almost here!

I know how much thought, excitement, and maybe even a tiny bit of stress goes into preparing for your session. Between coordinating outfits, getting everyone ready on time, and convincing the kiddos that family pictures are actually fun, there can be a lot to think about.

The good news? A little preparation goes a long way.

I’ve put together my complete guide to help your session feel relaxed, enjoyable, and beautifully memorable.

Before Your Session

Schedule Beauty Appointments Ahead of Time

If you’re planning a haircut, nail appointment, root touch-up, or professional makeup application, try to schedule it a few days before your session.

This gives you time to settle into any changes and ensures you feel confident and polished on photo day.

Plan Outfits at Least a Week in Advance

Trust me on this one.

There is nothing quite like discovering five minutes before you leave that a dress no longer fits, a shirt has a stain, or someone’s shoes have mysteriously disappeared.

Lay everything out at least a week ahead of time. This gives you time to make adjustments and allows you to wake up on session day feeling calm and prepared.

And if you’re struggling to coordinate outfits, send me photos! I absolutely love helping families pull everything together.

Prepare the Kiddos

Children generally do best when they know what’s coming—but keep it light and fun.

Instead of saying, “We have family pictures this weekend,” try:

“On Saturday, we’re going to hang out with our friend Ashley and have an adventure!”

Many parents, especially those with shy little ones, have found that framing the session this way makes the experience feel exciting instead of intimidating.

Think About Meaningful Details

Do you have a special blanket? Grandma’s quilt? A beloved stuffed animal? A family heirloom? A specific image you’ve always dreamed of capturing?

Tell me!

I love incorporating meaningful details and creating images that tell your family’s unique story.

Read Through Your Session Information

Those emails, blog posts, and session guides I send?

They’re packed with helpful information.

Take a few minutes to read through everything beforehand. They’re filled with tips that can make your experience smoother and answer many common questions.

Rest and Refuel

A good night’s sleep and a good meal can work wonders.

Well-rested, well-fed families are generally happier, more relaxed, and much more ready to enjoy the experience.

And yes… this applies to parents, too.

How to Dress for Your Session

Dress for the Weather

Outdoor sessions are wonderful, but nobody looks happy when they’re freezing or overheating.

Choose outfits appropriate for the season and remember that comfort matters.

Coordinate—Don’t Match

Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and blue jeans.

Instead, think about creating a complementary color palette.

Some beautiful options include:

• Cream
• Beige
• Soft grays
• Earth tones
• Muted greens
• Dusty blues
• Soft pastels

Coordinating colors create a timeless and visually interesting gallery while still allowing everyone’s personality to shine.

Keep Clothing Timeless

I recommend avoiding:

• Graphic t-shirts
• Clothing with large logos or writing
• Athletic wear and tennis shoes

Classic, simple pieces tend to photograph beautifully and stand the test of time.

Be Mindful of Undergarments

Although Photoshop can do many wonderful things, visible bra straps and clothing lines can be difficult and time-consuming to edit.

Choose undergarments that work with your clothing choices and remain hidden from every angle.

Consider Wearing a Dress

For women, medium and long dresses often photograph beautifully.

They create movement, add visual interest, and tend to be incredibly flattering.

Just be cautious with very short dresses if we plan on sitting, snuggling, or chasing little ones through fields.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

Choose outfits you can move in.

We’ll be walking, sitting, hugging, twirling, tickling, and cuddling.

Comfort allows you to relax and simply enjoy the experience.

Add Accessories

Accessories can elevate your entire session.

Consider:

• Bow ties
• Suspenders
• Hats
• Chunky scarves
• Flower crowns
• Hair bows
• Statement jewelry

Small details often make a big impact.

Empty Those Pockets

A gentle reminder for the guys:

Before we begin, remove:

• Cell phones
• Wallets
• Keys
• Bulky items

Your pockets—and your photos—will thank you.

What to Bring to Your Session

Touch-Up Essentials

A small bag with a few necessities can save the day.

Consider bringing:

• Lipstick or lip gloss
• Hairbrush or comb
• Hair spray
• Powder
• Bobby pins

Snacks for Little Ones

I fully support strategic snacking.

Bring small, non-messy treats that won’t stain fingers or lips. Puffs, Cheerios, or small crackers work wonderfully.

One little tip: don’t tell the kiddos about the snacks beforehand. Sometimes they spend the entire session asking for them.

We’ll save that card for when we really need it.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Many of my favorite locations require a short walk.

Bring comfortable shoes for getting to our location and change into your session shoes once we arrive.

A Change of Clothes

Children and nature have a magical way of finding dirt.

I love when little ones interact with their surroundings, and sometimes that means they get a little messy.

A spare outfit—and maybe even a towel—is always a wonderful idea.

And Maybe… a Beer?

I’m kidding.

Mostly.

But if bringing your favorite beverage helps everyone relax and enjoy the experience, I certainly won’t judge.

How to Pose

No Need to Say “Cheese”

I promise—I have enough silly tricks, ridiculous noises, and corny jokes to bring out genuine smiles.

Natural laughter always photographs better than forced smiles.

Play Together

Snuggle.

Tickle.

Whisper silly things.

Hold hands.

Laugh.

The magic happens in these little moments.

It’s Okay if Everyone Isn’t Looking

Of course we’ll capture some beautiful images of everyone looking at the camera.

But sometimes my favorite photographs happen when Dad is watching his little girl laugh or Mom is looking lovingly at her children.

Connection matters more than perfection.

When in Doubt, Look at Your Family

If you’re ever unsure what to do, simply look at the people you love.

I promise you’ll never regret those photographs.

Get Close

And then get even closer.

The closer everyone is physically, the more connected and intimate your images will feel.

Relax

This is perhaps my most important piece of advice.

You don’t need perfect children.

You don’t need perfect smiles.

You don’t need perfection at all.

Just enjoy your people.

Love on your babies.

Laugh with your spouse.

Embrace the little moments.

That’s where the magic lives.

Expect Me to Move Around

I may squat, climb a hill, lay on the ground, or ask you to shift locations.

I’m constantly changing angles and perspectives to create variety in your gallery and capture as many memories as possible.

What Happens After Your Session?

This is where you get to relax and leave the rest to me.

I’ll be busy behind the scenes carefully selecting your very best images, eliminating duplicates, blinks, and blurry moments.

Your gallery is typically ready within:

• Approximately 2 weeks during most of the year
• Approximately 3 weeks during busy seasons, such as fall

Depending on your package, you’ll receive either:

• A proof gallery to select your favorite images
• Instructions for downloading your entire gallery

And then comes one of my favorite parts…

Printing your memories.

Start gathering inspiration for gallery walls, albums, and framed artwork. There are so many beautiful ways to enjoy your photographs beyond your computer screen.

Your images deserve to be seen, held, and displayed.

And There You Have It…

My complete guide to preparing for your family photo session.

Take a deep breath.

Trust the process.

Love on your people.

And let me take care of the rest.