How to Prepare for Your Family Photo Session
You’ve booked your family portrait session! Now comes the fun part: planning how you want your family to be photographed.
If you’re wondering what to wear, how to prepare your kids, or what you actually need to bring, don’t worry. Family photos should feel fun and relaxed, not like another thing you have to perfectly prepare for.
Here are a few of my favorite tips to help you get ready for your family photography session.
Choose Outfits That Coordinate, Not Match
Gone are the days when everyone needs to show up in matching white shirts and jeans.
Instead, choose a soft, cohesive color palette and let everyone’s outfits work together.
I love photographing families in timeless neutrals and muted colors. Think cream, ivory, beige, camel, soft gray, dusty blue, sage, muted earth tones, and subtle textures.
Start with one outfit you love, usually Mom’s, and build the rest of the family’s wardrobe around it.
Try to avoid:
- Large logos or graphics
- Neon or extremely bright colors
- Very busy patterns
- Everyone wearing exactly the same color
- Trendy pieces that may quickly date your portraits
Layers and texture photograph beautifully. Dresses, sweaters, linen, knits, denim, and subtle patterns can add visual interest without distracting from your family.
Above all, wear something you feel good in. If you’re uncomfortable in an outfit at home, you probably won’t suddenly love it once there’s a camera pointed at you.
Prepare the Kids, But Don’t Overprepare Them
You don’t need to spend the entire day reminding your children that they have to smile for pictures later.
In fact, sometimes the less pressure we put on kids, the better.
Tell them you’re going somewhere fun together and that Sarah is going to take some pictures while you play, cuddle, explore, and hang out as a family.
I’ll take care of the rest.
Please don’t worry if your child is shy, energetic, silly, clingy, or decides they suddenly have absolutely no interest in taking a family photo.
That’s okay.
I’ve been photographing families and children for years. We’ll give them a little time, change things up, play a game, take a walk, or let them have a moment.
Some of the best photographs happen when we stop trying to make everything perfect.
Make Sure Everyone Is Fed and Rested
Hungry children and family portraits are not the greatest combination.
Try to make sure everyone has eaten before your session, especially younger children.
For little ones, feel free to bring a few simple, non-messy snacks and water. Avoid snacks that stain faces, teeth, or clothing.
If your child still naps, try to protect their nap that day as much as possible.
We want happy kids, but we also want happy parents. So this advice applies to the grown-ups too.
Arrive Ready to Go
Plan to arrive a few minutes early so you don’t feel rushed.
Hair, makeup, clothing changes, bathroom trips, and last-minute kid emergencies always seem to take a little longer than expected.
If we’re photographing outdoors, we may also be working within a relatively short window of beautiful light. Arriving on time helps us make the most of it.
Leave the Phones and Cameras Behind
Once your session begins, give yourself permission to simply be present.
You don’t need to take pictures over my shoulder or try to get your child’s attention for me.
In fact, having several adults saying, “Look here! Smile! Look at Sarah!” usually results in a child looking absolutely everywhere except at my camera.
I’ll guide everyone and get their attention when I need it.
Your only job is to enjoy your family.
Don't Worry About Posing
One of the most common things I hear is:
“We’re awkward in pictures.”
You’re not expected to know how to pose. That’s my job.
I’ll guide you into flattering positions and give you simple directions throughout the session. We’ll capture the traditional portraits where everyone is looking at the camera, but we’ll also create photographs that feel more natural.
You may be walking together, cuddling your children, playing, laughing, or simply loving on each other.
Those in-between moments are often the images families end up loving most.
Tell Me What Matters to You
Before your session, complete your family portrait questionnaire and tell me about your family.
Let me know your children’s names and ages, their personalities, and anything I should know before we begin.
If there is an important relationship you especially want photographed, tell me.
Maybe Dad and his daughter have an incredible bond. Maybe Grandma is joining us and you really want an image of her with all of the grandchildren. Maybe your oldest child is about to leave for college and this session means a little more than usual.
Those details matter.
I want to photograph more than what your family looks like right now. I want to capture what this season of your family feels like.
What Should You Bring to Your Family Photo Session?
You really don’t need much.
For families with young children, I recommend bringing water, a few non-messy snacks, and any essentials you normally keep with you.
If there is something meaningful you would like incorporated into your portraits, you're welcome to bring it. Just let me know beforehand so we can plan how to use it naturally.
Otherwise, leave the props to me.
Your family is enough.
What Happens After Your Family Session?
After your portrait session, we’ll schedule your Viewing & Ordering appointment.
This is when you’ll see your images for the first time and choose your favorites.
I’ll help you narrow down your portraits and decide how you would like to enjoy them. Depending on your collection, you may choose digital images, professionally printed portraits, wall art, albums, or a combination of printed artwork and digital files.
Once your selections are made, I’ll begin the final artwork and retouching process.
Most orders are completed within 1–4 weeks, depending on the products ordered.
Purchased digital images are delivered through a private online gallery where you can download your files and order additional professional prints.
One Last Family Photo Tip
Please don't arrive expecting perfection.
Your kids don't need to behave perfectly. Everyone doesn't need to smile at the same time. Your toddler may need a break. Someone may make a weird face. Someone else may decide they're done five minutes in.
That's family.
And somewhere between the perfectly posed portrait and the beautiful chaos are the photographs you'll want to keep.
My job is to find those moments for you.
I can’t wait to photograph your family.
Ready to update your family portraits? Learn more about family photography sessions in Bonsall and North County San Diego