Preparing for your Family Photo Session
You've booked your photo shoot, now what?
I always want to know all the details ahead of time, what to expect, how to prepare myself and my kids, etc., I want to make sure everything goes smoothly and that everyone is happy. Are you this way too? (Since you're reading this post, I am going to assume you are! Haha!)
Don't worry, keep reading and I'll break down all the details so you can show up at your session feeling calm and equipped:
(If you are booking with me, don't worry! I'll be sending you this same information as we start planning for your session - I help guide you every step of the way, so you don't have to try and figure this out on your own.)
How to Prepare for Family Photos
Every photographer is going to have a slightly different style that they look to shoot with, so checking with them for recommendations is a great start. I always provide an easy to follow style guide, and personalized styling for every family (along with access to my client closet.)
A few general rules are:
AVOID
Neons
Logos/Graphics
Busy patterns
Matching
DO
Choose outfits that everyone is comfortable in (especially mom - I want you to feel beautiful!)
Complementary colors
(Matching is a very dated look that doesn't help tell a visually appealing story. A more timeless look is to choose complementing colors with a healthy mixture of neutral tones.)
Lots of neutrals!
For this extended family session, we chose green and pink as the main colors with neutral creams and jeans (they count as neutrals for this ;) ) and made sure to have different shades that went well together. If you need some recommendations for great places to find outfits for your photoshoot, I have a comprehensive post with recommendations for the whole family.
Be positive and excited ahead of time:
Be very intentional to stay positive when you are talking with your kids/spouse about the photoshoot, don't offer bribes for good behavior (setting them up to anticipate a negative experience.) Be excited about how much fun you'll have and how special it will be to have pictures together. Talk about playing games and having fun!
Make sure everyone is well rested and fed:
No one wants to be having their picture taken while they are tired and hungry. Make sure you plan your children's naps and meals ahead of time so that they are fed and rested before showing up at the session. Try to avoid having little ones fall asleep in the car on the way to your session so that they aren't being interrupted from a nap to take pictures. Make sure to go to bed on time the night before so that there is no residual sleepiness!
Make sure your location allows photography:
I will always take care of this for my clients, but check with your photographer to make sure that they do! Many locations require a permit/reservation and fee ahead of time before you are able to photograph at their location.
What to Bring to Family Pictures
Props: For lifestyle sessions, typically you don't have a lot of props - I do really love when families have things that are special to them that can be incorporated into their session. A guitar, favorite storybook, or special lovey, for example, are some great sentimental things to incorporate into your session in a natural way that help to tell your family's story of what life is like right now.
Snacks: Especially for young children, it can be wise to bring a secret snack (that isn't messy!) so that a snack break can be taken part way through. (I don't like to let kids know about this though until it is needed. Otherwise, they may fixate on when they can have their snack and not be interested in engaging in games and fun with the rest of the family!)
What the Photoshoot will be Like
When we meet for your session, I’ll be waiting for you at a prearranged spot in the parking lot—no guessing where to find me! If you have chosen anything from my client closet, you'll be able to put it on now. I have a changing tent that I can bring to make that easier, if you'd like! From there, we’ll walk together to the session location. This time gives me a chance to introduce myself, chat with everyone, and help your kids feel more comfortable and less intimidated by meeting someone new.
To start, I’ll give simple, easy-to-follow instructions to help everyone relax and settle in. I’ll be paying close attention to how your kids respond to my prompts and poses, adjusting the flow of the session to match their energy and needs.
As we progress, I’ll incorporate more movement and games to keep things fun and engaging—no one likes a dull photoshoot, least of all kids!
If your little ones need a break, no worries! I always build in time for that. Plus, it’s the perfect chance to grab a few sweet photos of just mom and dad while the kids recharge.
By the end of the session, you’ll have explored, snuggled, laughed, shared big smiles for grandma, and created a collection of beautiful memories to look back on.
How Your Kids Might React & How to Handle it
Not everyone loves being in front of the camera—kids included! Whether your little ones are shy, bursting with energy, or feeling a bit irritable, that’s perfectly okay with me. I never expect kids to instantly warm up to a stranger in an unfamiliar environment. My goal is to make the experience enjoyable and natural for everyone.
That’s why every session starts with a questionnaire to help me get to know your family. I use this to connect with your children, adapt to their unique personalities, and capture moments that feel real and meaningful—moments you’ll cherish because they’re full of genuine emotion and memories.
During the session, we’ll play games, use playful prompts, and I might even show your child their picture on my camera or ask them about their favorite movie. I love seeing each little personality shine, and you never have to apologize if your child isn’t following along perfectly. Some of the most special moments happen when kids are just being themselves!
The best thing you can do is stay engaged and keep smiling—even if the kids get a little wild. If something unexpected happens (like whining or a grumpy hit), roll with it! Grab their hand, kiss it, or turn it into a game. Your connection with your child is what makes the photos magical.
The Length of the Session
I book sessions for an hour - We don't always need this long, but I like to make sure we plan for up to an hour so that we have plenty of time to get to our location, explore, help everyone relax and have fun, and leave time for snack breaks if needed as well. (Or sometimes a little one just needs to take a minute with mom or dad before coming back to the session.)
What Happens after the Session?
After your session, I immediately back up your photos to ensure they’re safely stored in multiple places. Then, the real magic begins—I start editing! I include all the best images in your gallery because I believe you shouldn’t have to pick and choose your favorites. These are your memories, and I want you to have them all.
You’ll receive your beautifully curated online gallery within about two weeks (fall sessions may take a little longer). In your gallery, you can easily download high-resolution images, access a print release, and explore a professional print and product store. This store offers everything from traditional prints to canvases, albums, and wall art—printed by the same trusted lab I use for my own photos.
Printing your photos and creating keepsakes like albums is something I deeply value. I love having my own home filled with meaningful photos and flipping through albums with my boys—it’s such a sweet way to relive those memories and share them with family and friends. That’s why every package includes a print credit (basically a coupon for a set dollar amount to use in the print store), making it easy to turn your memories into timeless keepsakes.
Tips for Success
•Relax, be present, and let go of perfection—your family’s unique dynamic is what makes these moments beautiful. Trust me to guide the process, and together we’ll create images that feel true to who you are.
•Make sure you feed everyone before the session (and before changing into your session outfits!)
•Plan to arrive early, inevitably traffic will be bad, someone will need a diaper change, or you'll get stuck behind a slow driver - Avoid the stress of running late and plan to be there early.
•Make the session the main event of the day and talk about it excitedly and positively! (No bribing or threatening for good behavior!)
•Don't skip naptime today, make sure everyone is well rested!
Why Family Photos are Worth It
Family photos are more than just pictures—they’re the story of your love, your connection, and your everyday magic. Years from now, these images will take you back to the laughter, the snuggles, and the feeling of being together. They’re not just for today—they’re for the future, too.
Heartfelt & Joyful Photography
Hi, my name is
Susannah!
Capturing the beauty in everyday motherhood moments and embracing the nostalgia of childhood.
I crave authenticity, thrive on emotional connection, and see life through a romanticized lens—especially when it comes to capturing the love and chaos of family life.
As a wife, mama, and lover of photographs, I know how quickly these moments pass—the snuggles, the giggles, the fleeting seasons of motherhood. That’s why I’m passionate about creating images that don’t just capture how your family looks but how these moments feel.
Moments like the way your newborn nestles against you to, the laughter on your bouncing toddler's face, the shifting dynamic as you pull your no-longer-little child into your embrace one more time and you laugh together, my sessions are about preserving the stories you’ll hold onto forever.
Let’s create something timeless, meaningful, and uniquely yours—images that will bring you right back to the love and connection of this season, over and over again.
