Have a family photo session coming up? It’s totally normal to feel a little overwhelmed—getting everyone ready, choosing outfits, and hoping the kids cooperate can feel like a lot! The good news? It doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little preparation, your session can actually be fun and memorable.
Here are three simple tips to help make your family photo session a success:
1. Educate and Empower: Helping Your Family Enjoy Photo Sessions
It’s no secret—most people aren’t overly excited about taking photos. Often, it’s simply because they don’t know what to expect or why the session matters so much. That’s why I recommend spending just 15 minutes together as a family before your session to educate and empower everyone.
Show your loved ones a few of your favorite photos from my website or social media, share why those images mean so much to you, and let them know how excited you are for your own session. When your family understands the “why,” the experience becomes more meaningful for everyone.
A Message for Adults and Teens
The comment I hear most often from guys and teens before a portrait session is:
"I’ve had a bad photo experience before, so I’m probably not going to look good."
This is so common! Many people feel uncomfortable in front of the camera at first. That’s why a professional session is so valuable—my job is to guide you through every step and make the process easy, natural, and even fun. I focus on capturing genuine smiles and authentic moments, not stiff or awkward poses.
By the end of the session, most families are surprised at how quick and enjoyable the experience was—and how much they love the final photos.
A Message for Kids
Kids can sometimes feel shy, restless, or uninterested in taking photos, and that’s completely normal! But here’s a little secret: kids love seeing printed photos of themselves.
One way to get them excited is to involve them in the process. Ask them where they’d like to see family photos displayed at home. During the session, you can say something like, “Hey, maybe this one will go on the living room wall!”
Giving kids a reason behind the photos makes them feel like an important part of the experience—and they’ll be much more eager to participate.
2. Be Prepared
It’s hard for kids to enjoy taking photos if they’re hungry, thirsty, or uncomfortable—and let’s be honest, the same goes for adults! A last-minute rush can also make it harder for everyone to relax and enjoy the experience. A little planning ahead goes a long way in reducing stress and setting your family up for success. Here are some simple ways to prepare:
- Plan outfits early. Choose and coordinate your family’s outfits a few weeks in advance so you have time to shop if needed. Lay everything out the night before to avoid any last-minute wardrobe stress.
- Pack a snack bag. Bring easy, mess-free snacks like fruit snacks, grapes, or Goldfish. Even small treats like Tic Tacs or mints can be a great motivator for younger kids.
- Bring water. Staying hydrated is key! Opt for water over colorful drinks to avoid spills and stains.
- Add some comfort items. A favorite toy or book can help kids feel secure, and playing their favorite song can bring out genuine smiles and even some adorable dance moves!
- Consider shoe swaps. If you’re wearing heels or new shoes, bring a pair of comfortable flats or sneakers to slip on between shots.
A little preparation creates a much calmer, happier photo session—and helps ensure everyone looks and feels their best.
3. Make It Fun
Your photo session itself will be a blast, but why not turn the whole evening into a fun family memory? A great way to do this is to plan something special for after the photos.
One of the most popular ideas is going out to eat. Let your kids help choose their favorite restaurant ahead of time and build excitement by talking about it throughout the session. You’ll be surprised how quickly the time flies when everyone knows the night ends with a Happy Meal or a big scoop of ice cream!
If eating out isn’t in the budget, you can still make the night special. Order pizza, pop a frozen one in the oven, or plan a cozy movie night with popcorn at home. Adding this extra element of fun gives your family something to look forward to and helps everyone relax and enjoy the process even more.
