Your family portrait session should feel fun, relaxed, and memorable—not stressful! A little preparation ahead of time can make all the difference. Here are my favorite tips to help your family arrive feeling happy, confident, and ready to enjoy the experience.

1. Don’t Set Expectations for the Kids

This is a big one! Don’t tell your kids to listen to the photographer, sit still, or behave perfectly. Instead, tell them they’re going to have fun.

Kids don’t need to perform for the camera. I’ll take care of the posing, prompts, and direction. Your job is simply to love on them and enjoy your family.

2. Give Your Family Some Downtime

Try not to schedule a full day of activities before your session. Give everyone a few quiet hours to relax, recharge, and get ready without rushing.

A calm family arrives happier, more energized, and much more ready to enjoy photos.

3. Choose Your Outfits WEEKS in Advance

Outfits are often the most stressful part of family photos—so don’t leave them until the last minute!

Order your outfits weeks in advance and have everyone try them on at least a week before your session. Make sure everything fits, feels comfortable, and works together.

That way, when the day arrives, everyone already knows exactly what they’re wearing.

4. Have a Snack Before You Leave

A hungry family is not a happy family! Make sure everyone has something to eat before heading out.

You don’t need a huge meal—just enough to keep those little (and big!) tummies happy throughout the session.

5. Moms, Get Yourself Ready First!

Moms have a tendency to make sure everyone else is ready before taking care of themselves. Don’t do that!

If you’d like professional hair and makeup, schedule it in advance with us or somewhere like Sephora. Give yourself enough time so you’re not scrambling to get ready right before you leave.

You deserve to feel beautiful and confident, too!

6. Don’t Forget About the Shoes

Shoes matter more than you might think!

I’ve actually seen a shoe fall apart during a session because it hadn’t been worn in years. 😅 Please make sure everyone’s shoes are clean, comfortable, and in good working condition.

And while sneakers and Crocs might be perfect for everyday life, they can really distract from an otherwise beautiful portrait. Choose shoes that complete the outfit and the overall look.

7. Just Love Your Family

This is the most important tip of all.

You don’t need to know how to pose. You don’t need to make your kids smile. You don’t need to worry about the camera.

Just be loving, playful, and connected to your family.

The rest is on me!

I’ll guide you through the session, help with posing, keep things moving, and look for those beautiful in-between moments that make your family uniquely yours.

Come to your session with confidence, excitement, and an open heart. Trust the process, enjoy your people, and let me create beautiful portraits that tell your family’s story.

I can’t wait to create something beautiful with you and your family!