Family photo sessions are the perfect way to document the season of life that you are currently in with your loved ones. While you likely want candid and true photos, there is a bit of preparation that can help family photos feel more effortless at the time of the session :)

Outfit Planning

The outfits that you choose will help tell the story of the session. Are you going for whimsical and artful or casual and laidback? Do you want a neutral color palette or colors that pop? Here are a few things to consider when planning your outfits:

Coordinate outfits, don’t match them: It’s easy to pick a great color and decide the best way to plan is to put everyone in that color. While in certain instances this may work, oftentimes it can make everyone blend together. Instead, aim for coordinating outfits that complement each other. Think about a color palette—like soft neutrals, earthy tones, or a classic mix of saturated colors—and choose clothes that fit within that palette. Avoid overly bright colors, such as neons, or pieces with large logos, which can be distracting.
Comfort, comfort, comfort: You will look most natural in clothing that is comfortable. Choose pieces based on what you might wear in your every day life, but maybe with a little extra flare. Little ones especially need clothes they move freely in for family photos.
Think about location: If you choose for your photos to be taken outdoors, consider the season and weather. Light, airy dresses for summer, cozy sweaters for fall, and warm jackets for winter are all part of the story for your family photos. Moreover, if you are shooting somewhere like a farm, you may opt for a more casual look. Whereas, if you are shooting somewhere more manicured, you may want to wear something bit dressy.
Textures, print and accessories: Layers and accessories are always a great idea for you family photos. These pieces are easily removable so you can adjust your look as we go, giving you more variety in your gallery. A great example of this is a hat or cardigan - you can start the session without it, then add it in later for a new look. I love when kids bring their own little accessories too. Friendship bracelets, necklaces and even a tiara to throw on at the end can make children feel included in the planning process. It makes it so fun for me too.
Mood boards: Pinterest is such a great tool to plan your outfits. Once you have an idea of what color, season, or print you are going for, try searching Pinterest to fill in the gaps. Searches like “blue floral family photo outfits” or “muted color family outfits” will provide tons of ideas and inspiration to pull from.

Time of Day & Lighting

The timing of your family photo session is just as important as the outfits. Every type of lighting will produce a different affect for your family photos.

Golden Hour: If you're aiming for that soft, dreamy look, schedule your session during golden hour, which is within the first hour after sunrise, or the hour before sunset. The light during these times is diffused, warm, and flattering. There are times that golden hour may be right at bedtime, but if you can make it happen I promise it is worth it!
Afternoon: Shooting in the middle of the day produces harsh, uneven light. This can be fun for a more documentary, lifestyle session. Think more movement in your photos and less dreamy portrait for this lighting.
Natural Lighting Indoors: Natural lighting from windows is generally best for indoor, lifestyle photos. If we are taking photos in your home I will usually turn off most overhead lights and lamps, as they can create unnatural hues in your photos.

Having Fun at Your Family Photo Session

My main goal for every session is that we document great memories, and have fun while doing so. I want to capture joy during your family session.

Prep your kids for our session. Talk to them about the upcoming photo session, and let them know it will be fun! Include them in the outfit planning process, come up with fun photo ideas and maybe even plan an outing, like getting donuts, after the session.
Bring a favorite toy or prop. Just like accessories, kids often like to bring a favorite toy during family photos. I encourage this! We usually include toys in a few photos at the beginning or end to include the kids’ ideas as much as possible.
Be ready for spontaneity and maybe a little chaos. I do not expect kids to sit still and smile at me for the entirety of your session. In fact, I would rather they laugh, smile, run off a bit and have fun. Sometimes this is when we get the best photos. Embrace the spontaneity and I will prompt everyone as needed.

Poses, Prompts & Being Yourself

Lean into candid moments. Don’t be afraid to embrace a candid moment. If you kiddo wants to be thrown in the air, go for it! Walking hand in hand and picking flowers? Baby feeling clingy and wants to snuggle into your chest? Adorable! Interact with each other as much as possible. This may look like cuddle puddle, telling jokes, kiss attacks and playing tag.
Movement, movement, movement! Action shots (like chasing each other or dancing around) will help your photos look playful and lively. Photos with movement feel more natural, and capture more emotions than stiff photos.
Make a mood board. In addition to outfit planning, Pinterest is a great tool for finding photos that feel similar to what your looking for. Don’t depend on the board as a pose list, but rather an inspiration of what you’d like to vibe of your session to be.

How to Prepare for Your Family Photo Session