7 tips to ease your family photo day concerns

Family photo sessions can be stressful, but with a little preparation, you can make the experience enjoyable and successful. Here are seven tips to ease your concerns and create a smooth, memorable session:

1. Choose the Right Photographer

Pick a photographer whose style you love and who has experience working with families. A skilled photographer will know how to engage kids, pose families naturally, and create a relaxed atmosphere.  I for one am not a super “strict pose” photographer. I have prompts and actions where I engage you in interactions and play. When you are having fun, playing, laughing and truly enjoying yourself, I am able to capture real moments.

2. Plan Outfits in Advance

Select coordinating (but not overly matching) outfits at least a week before your session. Soft, neutral colors or pastels often work well, and layering adds depth. Avoid large logos, neon colors, or overly busy patterns.  Other popular patterns I recommend avoiding are everyone in matching plaids. Plaid works if one has a shirt and maybe a child in a similar plaid skirt, but when everyone shows up in the same plaid shirt, it’s just too much. You want to compliment each other. If you ever have a question, lay out the outfits side by side, snap a photo and send it to me. I can provide feedback that you can choose to use it or not.

3. Time It Right

Schedule your session when your kids are well-rested and fed. If possible, aim for golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) for the best natural lighting.  Picture day may be the one day you choose to do a late nap so they are ready to go come golden hour.

4. Keep Expectations Realistic

Kids may not always cooperate, and that’s okay! Candid moments often make for the best photos. Trust your photographer to capture beautiful moments, even if everything doesn’t go perfectly.  This goes back to #1 and a big reason why I am a big movement and motion photographer. The best photos are the ones where we evoke natural emotion. Trust me, I’ve got you. It’s going to be fun!

5. Bring Snacks & Comfort Items

Pack easy, mess-free snacks and a favorite toy or comfort item for younger children. These can be great distractions if they need a break during the session.  Plus, photos with their favorite toy or blanket in this season of life works in beautifully in photos. When you look back on these photos you will always remember the time Mr. Moo went everywhere for 3 years. And remember that time you left Mr. Moo in the cart at the grocery store and had to drive back across town during 5:00 traffic, as you look at that photo and smile, remembering that time so fondly.

6. Have Fun & Stay Positive

Children (and spouses!) feed off your energy. If you’re stressed, they’ll pick up on it. Keep things light, playful, and relaxed—your joy will translate beautifully into the photos.

7. Trust the Process

Let go of the pressure to have “perfect” photos and embrace the beauty of your unique family dynamic. Your photographer will guide you through the process and capture the love and connection that make your family special.  The perfect photo is the one you were all in together 😍