I have been there. Planning a family photo session can stressful. From lining up a date that works for everyone, to outfits, to location and everything that comes in between. I am here to help as much as I can. If you are a family of mine, I have an entire guide that will help you plan everything out. If you are here for just the tips and tricks, well, let’s get into it.

Choosing a Date

Picking a time to do family photos can be a struggle. From nailing down a day and time that works for everyone to hoping the weather stays nice to hoping everyone stays healthy. The first thing to do is narrow down a season you want your family photos in. The best season to do them in is a season your family is not so busy! Spring has beautiful life and fall has gorgeous colors, but if you are a farming family, it can be difficult to step away. So, summer or winter may be the best option! Once you have a season locked in, talk with your family and see what the best time is for everyone – think about any upcoming trips, sporting events, family events, etc. The less stressed or rushed people are, the better. When you have a few options for dates, reach out to your photographer and see if they have any availability for those dates. It is best to include options for dates such as weekday evenings, week days you may have off, and weekends.

Choosing a Location

Once you have your season and date set, now is the time to pick the location. First ask your photographer if they have any recommendations for locations. My families – I have a ton in the guide I will send you once we are booked! Locations recommendations might vary by season and the foliage. If your photographer has recommendations, I would go scope out those spots and see which you like best. However, just know your eye may see something different than your photographer’s. So, if something stands out to you at a location that you want in your photos, send that to your photographer. Choosing a location can be super simple, though. If you live in the country, take a walk around your yard, see if there are any spots you like. It can be as easy as taking them in front of your house, whether that is in town or in the country. Is there a park you frequently visit as a family? A trail you walk on? A road you drive on that has a spot you alway admire? Don’t let it be complicated.

Choosing Outfits

Once you have your season, date, and location chosen, now is the time to put together some outfits. Use the season and location to build off of and use complimentary colors. Remember – wear something that resembles you and that you are comfortable in. If you are walking a lot or are in nature, heels might not be the best option. If you have little kids who move around a lot, short, tight, or low cut clothing might not work. I have put together a Pinterest Board and an Amazon Storefront to help get some inspiration.

Leading Up To Your Session

The week of your session make sure to check the weather. If it looks like the weather might affect the location you chose, contact your photographer to set up a back up plan. This could be renting a studio to do inside photos, doing an in-home session, finding a place inside you like, or rescheduling. If the weather looks clear, make sure you are prepared for everything else – heat, bugs, humidity, wind, cold etc. Bring along bug spray, extra makeup, hair products, water, snacks for the kids, hats, coats, mittens, blankets, etc. Be prepared for anything. If you have young little kids, there are so many tricks to think of. I have created an Amazon Storefront to help with some of those. Things to bring in a basket or bag to carry along : non-messy snacks like puffs, popcorn, marshmallows, a drink for them, a book you like to read together, their favorite toys that you wouldn’t mind in photos, their blanket or pacifier, and a blanket for them to sit on. Make sure whatever you bring, you won’t mind in photos. For example, here is what my family did with two boys who are 3 and 1.

The Day Of

Make sure you give yourself PLENTY of getting ready time, travel time, and patience. Family photos are supposed to be enjoyable. Having a rushed and frantic environment make the kids even more on edge. Just relax and take your time. If you can, spend the day as a family doing something together – before or after your session. Make it be a memorable experience and something they can look forward to each time you do family photos. Bribery and entertainment goes a long way! 😉 Trust your photographer and let them guide your family and kid’s. Sometimes having someone other than mom or dad tell them what to do goes much better.

Best of luck! And remember, family photos are priceless regardless if the little smile or not! 🙂