How to Prepare Your Family for a Stress-Free Family Photoshoot
Family photos have a funny way of making parents think about everything that could possibly go wrong. Will the kids cooperate? Will everyone be ready on time? What happens if someone has a meltdown right as we start?
Most of the time, the things that make a session easier are pretty simple. A little planning beforehand can take a lot of pressure off once you're at the location.
Book Your Session Around Your Kids' Schedule, Not the Other Way Around
The time of day you choose can make a bigger difference than you'd expect.
If you've got toddlers or babies, I always ask about nap schedules before we pick a time slot. An overtired one-year-old is not going to give us anything usable, no matter how good the light is or how patient we all are.
For most families with young kids, I recommend either:
● Mid-morning, after breakfast and before nap time
● Late afternoon, after a nap and before dinner and bedtime routines start
If your kids are older, this matters less, but I'd still avoid scheduling right after a full day of school or activities when everyone's already worn thin.
There isn't a magic hour that works for every family. The best choice is usually the part of the day when your kids are normally fed, rested, and in a good mood.
Talk to Your Kids About the Session Beforehand, But Keep It Casual
How you introduce the idea of the session at home can affect how your kids react when we actually get there.
I've noticed that kids tend to do better when they know something is happening but don't feel like they've been given a list of things they need to do correctly. You can tell them we're going to take some pictures together and leave it at that.
I wouldn't spend the week reminding them to smile, stand still, or behave for the photographer. That can make the session feel like another situation where they're being tested.
You don't need to over-explain it. Kids pick up on tone more than words.
Pick Outfits That Are Comfortable First, Coordinated Second
I know outfit planning is where a lot of the stress comes from, so let's simplify it.
For kids especially, clothes need to pass the real-life test before they pass the photo test. A scratchy dress or stiff new shoes will absolutely show up in your photos as fidgeting, tugging, or a kid who just seems miserable the whole time. If you're buying anything new for the session, have your child wear it around the house at least once beforehand.
Beyond that, here's what helps everything look pulled together:
● Pick two or three colors from the same general family and let each person wear a mix
● Vary the textures a little. A knit sweater next to a cotton dress adds more interest than everyone wearing the same type of fabric
● Skip anything with big logos or characters. They can pull attention away from the people in the photo
● Add one small accessory, like a scarf, hat, or cardigan, if it works with the outfit
You don't need everyone's clothes to match. The idea is to have the outfits work together while still looking like the people actually wearing them.
Build In More Time Than You Think You'll Need
This is the part that's easy to underestimate when you're getting a whole household out the door.
Between getting everyone dressed, finding missing shoes, buckling car seats, and making the drive to the location, give yourself some breathing room.
I'd rather you show up five minutes late and calm than rush out of the house already frustrated. Arriving a few minutes early also gives the kids a chance to look around and get familiar with wherever we're meeting.
If someone needs one last bathroom trip or suddenly remembers they can't possibly leave the house without a particular stuffed animal, you'll have time for it.
Pack a Small Bag for the Session Itself
A few small things are worth having nearby:
● A couple of easy, mess-free snacks
● A water bottle, especially in warmer months here in the Lowcountry
● Wipes for hands, faces, or the occasional grass stain
● A favorite small toy or stuffed animal for a little extra reassurance
● A backup outfit if we're shooting somewhere with sand, mud, or water nearby
You probably won't need most of it. That's exactly why it's helpful to have it with you.
And if we're outside during one of those hot Charleston days, don't underestimate how quickly little kids can get thirsty. Keeping water close is one less thing to worry about once we're shooting.
Don't Turn the Session Into a Search for the Perfect Smile
Parents naturally want that one photo where everybody is looking at the camera and smiling. We'll get some of those.
But if you're spending the entire session saying "look here" or "smile," your kids are going to spend less time interacting with you and more time watching for the next instruction.
I'd much rather photograph the things that happen in between: your toddler pointing something out, siblings laughing at each other, a child climbing into your lap, or the look you give your partner when one of the kids does something ridiculous.
Those moments tell us much more about what your family was actually like at this stage of life.
If Someone Has a Meltdown, Let It Happen
Every family has days when a child simply isn't having it.
If that happens, you don't need to apologize or immediately try to turn things around. We can take a minute, change what we're doing, photograph another combination of family members, or give that child some space.
Sometimes the fastest way through a difficult moment is to stop making it the center of everyone's attention.
The session doesn't depend on having every person happy at exactly the same second. We'll have plenty of opportunities to bring everyone back together.
What to Expect Once We Start Shooting
You won't spend the entire session standing in a line and smiling at the camera.
I'll give you direction when it's helpful, but I'll also let things unfold enough for me to see how everyone interacts. We might move around the location, bring the whole family together, split into smaller groupings, and then come back to the full group.
If your youngest needs a minute, we'll adjust. If siblings start laughing together, I'll let that play out. If someone suddenly decides they're done, we'll work around it.
That's how we end up with a gallery that has more than one version of your family.
If you'd like to see examples of the kinds of family sessions I photograph, take a look at my Family photography work.
The preparation beforehand is mostly about removing the little problems that can make a family session harder than it needs to be. Once you're there, you don't need to make every moment go according to plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best age to start doing family photo sessions with a new baby?
There isn't one age that works for everyone. Some parents want to remember those first few weeks, while others would rather wait until their baby is more alert and interacting with them. Either way, there's no need to wait for a particular milestone if there's a stage of your baby's life you want documented.
Should we tell our kids to smile, or is it better to let the moment happen naturally?
I'd leave the smiling to them. A child who is genuinely laughing will look completely different from one who's been asked to hold a smile for the camera. I'll create opportunities for those real reactions rather than asking your kids to perform on command.
What happens if it rains or the weather doesn't cooperate on session day?
I'll keep an eye on the forecast leading up to your session and reach out if the weather looks like it could affect our plans. There's no reason to stress over a forecast several days ahead of time, especially in Charleston when conditions can change.
How many outfit changes should we plan for during one session?
For most families, one outfit is enough. With younger children in particular, changing clothes can take up more time than it's worth. If you have a second outfit in mind, we can decide ahead of time whether it makes sense for your particular session.
What if one of my kids just refuses to participate that day?
Don't panic. I'll work with the people who are ready, give your child some time, and try again later. Sometimes a little distance is all they need before they decide they want to join in.
And if they spend part of the session doing their own thing, that's okay too. We can still make a lot of photographs without forcing every moment.
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