Whether it’s your first family photo session or your tenth, preparing in advance can make all the difference in capturing beautiful, timeless memories. I know you want the session to go smoothly and that the photos turn out as natural and joyful as the moments you’re experiencing. Here’s your go-to guide for prepping your family for a picture-perfect session.
1. Plan Ahead with Clothing
Choosing the right outfits for your family session is one of the most important parts of preparation. You want your family to look coordinated but not overly matchy. Stick to a color palette with complementary tones—soft neutrals, warm earth tones, or subtle pastels are great choices. Avoid logos, bold patterns, or anything that could distract from your faces.
Here are a few tips:
- Keep the material light for the beach, think linens and cotton
- Think about your location—whether it’s a beach session or a cozy indoor shoot, your clothing should match the setting.
- Most importantly, choose outfits everyone feels comfortable in. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows in the photos!
2. Keep Hair and Makeup Simple
For natural, relaxed family portraits, simplicity is key. For moms, I recommend a natural makeup look—something that enhances your features without feeling too heavy. It’s all about feeling comfortable and authentic.
When it comes to hair, consider the weather for your session. If you’re planning a shoot at the beach and the forecast calls for wind, you may want to go with an up-do or half-up style to keep your hair from blowing into your face. Otherwise, if you’re shooting in a more calm setting, loose waves or a soft, natural style will look beautiful. Most importantly, choose a style that makes you feel confident and at ease.
For the kids (and dads too!), make sure they’ve had time to run a comb through their hair before the session. If your children are sensitive to hair changes (or haircuts!), consider keeping their usual style to avoid any discomfort.
3. Limit Distractions
While I understand the temptation to bring along toys or snacks for the little ones, I actually recommend leaving those behind for beach sessions. In my experience, having toys or snacks nearby can distract children from interacting with their environment and the people around them. Instead, encourage them to explore, play in the sand, or just enjoy the moment. This helps create more natural, candid photos and allows me to capture the real magic between you and your kids.
4. Get the Kids Ready for Success
If you’re photographing young children, flexibility is key! Be sure to allow time for snacks, a nap, or a little bit of playtime to ensure they are in a happy mood when it’s time for the shoot. I always recommend a bit of a “warm-up” time so they’re comfortable before we start taking photos.
I also suggest avoiding a full day of beach activities before your session. Spending the whole day at the beach can leave kiddos cranky and tired by evening, which isn’t ideal for getting those bright, happy expressions. Opt for some chill, low-key activities the day of the session, like a nice lunch, a quiet walk, or some downtime back at the hotel. This will ensure everyone is energized and ready for the session!
I suggest bribing with positive reinforcement (favorite snack or toy afterward) for little ones who may be shy about the camera. And if they need a break or get a bit overwhelmed, no worries—I’m patient and ready to go at their pace.
5. Arrive a Little Early
On the day of your session, try to arrive at least 10 minutes early to give everyone time to relax, stretch, and get into the right mindset. This also gives us a buffer in case anyone gets caught in traffic or needs to make last-minute adjustments.
6. Have Fun Together
Ultimately, family photo sessions are about capturing moments that represent the love and connection you share as a family. So, don’t stress about perfection! Laugh together, play, and enjoy each other’s company. I’ll be there to guide you, but it’s the genuine, relaxed moments that will make your photos truly shine.
7. Leave Room for Candid Moments
While we will capture classic family portraits, don’t forget that some of the best moments are the unexpected ones. A child giggling, a hand holding another’s, or an unplanned twirl in a beautiful dress—all of these little moments contribute to the story we’re telling through your photos.
Ready to Get Started? Now that you’re prepped for your family photo session, I’m excited to capture these precious moments for you! Remember, my goal is always to make you feel comfortable and to showcase the real, beautiful connections between you and your loved ones.
If you have any questions or need more advice before your session, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help!
