How to Prepare for Your Family Photo Shoot

You’ve done it—you scheduled your family photo session! (And if not—reach out to here and we’ll fix that 😉).

Maybe it’s been many years since your last session because the stress and chaos didn’t feel quite worth it. I’m here to tell you—it is worth it. And I’m going to help you actually enjoy the experience while also capturing memories you’ll treasure forever.

The goal is for you to enjoy the session and simply cuddle your kids, laugh a little, and feel excited and confident—and I’ll take care of the rest. Here are a few simple steps for how to prepare for your family photo shoot.

1. Choosing Your Outfits

Coordinate Colors

Choose 3–4 coordinating colors and build outfits from there. Neutrals are always a safe, timeless option—but if you love color or patterns, go for it! If you include a pattern, keep it to one or two people and pull colors from those patterns for everyone else.

A few quick tips:

Avoid logos, words on shirts, and neon colors
Stick to clean, wrinkle-free pieces
Don’t forget the details like jewelry, nice shoes, and adding accessories
Dress up and do your make-up—it’ll photograph beautifully and helps you be your most confident
Aim for outfits you feel confident and comfortable in!

Plan ahead—it makes everything easier.

Start planning ahead of time to avoid the stress of last-minute surprises—like realizing you don’t have the outfit you wanted, items aren’t washed or ironed, or the kids have suddenly outgrown everything. Planning early also gives you time to reach out to me with any questions or for advice.

I like to begin outfit planning with the hardest person to dress (usually mom!) and build from there. I also recommend starting in your own closet before buying anything new. Once you’ve picked a few staple pieces you feel great about, you can build the rest of the outfits around them. Stores like Target, Old Navy, and H&M are great places to find affordable, family-friendly options.

2. Preparing the Family

Keep it fun—that’s the key.

Connection matters most. There are no rules—just show up, be present, and let me lead. I’ll guide you with natural prompts and movement so everything feels relaxed. When parents are calm and smiling, kids follow.

Before your session, build excitement: “We get to explore a park and meet a new friend!” Keep it positive and low-pressure. Skip bribes or threats—they usually backfire. Focus on the experience, and set everyone up for success with well-rested, well-fed kids.

Happy, connected families make the best photos—and that’s exactly what we’ll capture.

Sibling Dynamics

There are no rules here—especially with siblings. Try not to put pressure on everyone to “smile at the same time.” Some of the best moments come from connection and interaction, not perfection (and when needed, I can always work a little magic afterward!).

I understand how unpredictable things can be. My approach is playful, flexible, and centered around movement—giving your kids the freedom to be themselves while still capturing genuine smiles and connection.

Preparing your Partner

If you need a little help getting your partner on board, here’s what I recommend: remind them how quickly this season of life passes. Your kids are growing fast, and these moments deserve to be remembered.

Then take a scroll through your camera roll—how many photos actually include everyone? Usually, not many. And finally, reassure them: it really will be fun. It’ll go quickly. No stiff posing, no pressure—just time spent together as a family, with beautiful photos to show for it.

4. What to Expect

You’ll receive a calendar invite with reminders, location details, and directions. I’ll meet you at the parking lot or our agreed spot. Reach out anytime if you need outfit help, have to reschedule, or are running late.

Plan to arrive a little early so everyone feels calm and unhurried. Try to leave bags, snacks, toys, and even phones in the car so you can stay hands-free, present and connected with your family throughout the session.

Come as ready as you can—kids fed, rested, and dressed. But please don’t stress if things aren’t perfect. Kids will be kids and yes, they’ll get dirty and might run around. But I will take the lead and we’ll create beautiful, meaningful images you’ll love.

7. What to Expect After Your Session

Your images will be delivered through an online gallery three weeks after your session (I promise it will be worth the wait!).

Your gallery will be ready to download and share with others. You’ll also have access to professional print options directly through your gallery—perfect for albums, frames, and gifts. Don’t let your photos live on your phone—print them, frame them, and enjoy them in your everyday life.