Session prep guide
How to Prepare for Your Family Portrait Session
A little preparation goes a long way. Here's how to make sure your family portrait session is relaxed, fun, and results in photos you'll treasure for decades.
Coordinate outfits, don't match exactly
Choose a color palette (2–3 complementary colors) rather than identical outfits. Coordinated looks feel intentional and timeless. Avoid all-white or all-black — they can look flat. Earth tones, navy, and soft neutrals photograph beautifully together.
Schedule around nap times and energy levels
Book your session when your children are typically at their best — usually mid-morning after breakfast. Avoid scheduling during usual nap times. A well-rested, fed child is a cooperative child.
Talk to your kids about the session beforehand
Tell them it's going to be fun, not a chore. Let them know they'll get to be silly, make faces, and play. The more relaxed they feel going in, the more natural the photos will be.
Bring snacks and comfort items
Pack a small bag with snacks, water, and any comfort items (a favorite toy, a pacifier for toddlers). A quick snack break can reset a grumpy toddler in minutes.
Don't stress about perfection
The best family portraits capture real moments — a genuine laugh, a tender look, a child being themselves. Don't worry about everyone looking at the camera every shot. The candid moments are often the most treasured.
Arrive a few minutes early
Give yourselves time to arrive, settle in, and let the kids explore the studio space before we start shooting. Rushing in stressed sets the wrong tone for everyone.
What to bring
- Coordinated outfits for everyone (including backup for little ones)
- Snacks and water
- Comfort items for young children
- Any meaningful props (a favorite book, a sports jersey, etc.)
- A positive attitude — the rest is up to us!
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