Take it from a mama who is a super planner and also sometimes super stresses out…
My number one piece of advice for a family photo session is to chill the f*ck out, plan what you can, and ENJOY the process! Best advice I’ve ever given myself to date.
From Disaster to Magic
Our last family photo session could have been a complete disaster.
We woke up on the morning of the photo session to cloudy skies and rain in the forecast. My photographer messaged me asking if we wanted to reschedule.
We really couldn’t. It’s not that I needed the photos in a rush, but hubby had already taken a half-day off work and I was already mentally prepared. I had made a choice that I would go through with the photo session no matter what happened.
And we did. And it fully rained, the kids were grumpy AF, it was freezing cold and we hit tons of traffic on the way there making us uber late. Literally everything that could go wrong, did go wrong.
And guess what? It was the best family photo session we’ve ever had!
We actually had some fun (towards the end), acted goofy trying to get the kids to lighten up and our pictures are incredible (check them out below)!
All because I took the time to prepare for our family photo session the right way following these steps below.
How to Prepare for a Family Photo Session
Now, this is the ULTIMATE guide for planning your family photo session. I promise you, it’s all here!
We all know that things don’t always go to plan and stress makes it all worse. So, plan your family photo session using all the tips below and if you remember nothing else from this post…chill out and have fun!
I promise that’s when you’ll get the best pictures.
Decide on a Budget
There are so many different options when it comes to family photo sessions and they range in price. Do you want photos in your home, outdoors, or in a studio? Do you imagine posed photos or lifestyle photos of you in your home? Do you want a quick, mini-session or lots of pictures to choose from?
All of these things can impact the cost of your family photo session. I’ve seen photographers run specials for mini-sessions starting at $100 for a quick 30 minutes or upwards of $500-600 for lifestyle in-home family photo sessions that can take much longer.
Decide on what you can afford and then look for a photographer that fits your budget and style!
Find a Photographer You Trust
This is probably one of the most important factors that will guarantee great photos every single time.
I’ve known my family photographer since we were kids, but started using her a few years ago consistently for any family photo sessions. Not only does she know how to edit like a madwoman, but she gets my kids to have fun and lets them get involved.
She has a way of making everyone feel comfortable and we trust that what she tells us to do will produce pure magic. We literally show up, do what we’re told, and cross our fingers we looked pretty ok doing all the weird walking and faces.
The important thing is, we trust the expert and in turn, the expert feels comfortable doing what they do best. All around, no one is stressed, it’s a fun time and magic happens.
What Will The Photos be Used for?
It’s important to know this ahead of time just in case you want to use these photos for something specific. It may provide guidance for poses, props to grab, etc.
Will these be turned into presents for the grandparents? If so, make sure you snap photos of just the kids.
Will you be doing a cake smash for your kiddo’s 1 year? If so, make sure to pick up a cake and possible some props.
Plan out the end result so you can let your photographer know what you plan on using the photos for. This will help them plan as well.
Pick a Location for the Family Photo Session
Depending on the vibe of your family photo session, you may want indoor, outdoor or studio photos.
As a family we’ve done in-home lifestyle photos for our second kiddos newborn pictures and let me tell you…GAME CHANGER.
For Nora, our first kiddo, we went to a studio for newborn pics and it was beyond stressful. You’re not in a place that’s familiar and as a first time mom, that’s enough to make you want to have a full on anxiety attack when the baby is a few weeks old.
For Xander, we decided on an in-home family photo session with our now, favorite photographer and what a huge difference from the first experience. It was calm, fun and if I needed a break to nurse, we were right at home.
For our last family photo session, I wanted to hang the photos up in our home so an outdoor picnic vibe was what I was going for. I depended on our photographer to choose the location since we are willing to drive to her (she’s that good) and she knows great locations.
Plan Coordinating Family Outfits
This is probably one of the most stressful parts to planning a family photo session. But, I’ve got some easy hacks to take all that stress away.
First, choose a general theme. Do you want muted colors, vibrant and fun, or all neutrals? Then pick a few colors that go well together. These will be used for your tops/dresses.
Next, decide on pants for everyone. Khakis or jeans? Everyone can pretty much wear the same style pants to keep it simple and coordinated without making things look too matchy, matchy.
Decide on tops/dresses that coordinate, but again, are not identical. Use the colors you decided on and find tops and/or dresses that incorporate those colors.
Finally, pick out shoes and any accessories that compliment what you have already put together. Pick the same color shoes, but different shades are totally fine.
Backup Outfits
It doesn’t hurt to plan for accidents so make sure to bring some backup outfits. Even if it’s just an extra top/pants or dress per person that works. Shoes and accessories probably don’t need back ups.
Mentally Prepare Yourself, Mama
I mean, literally start doing this the moment you commit to go through with your family photo session. Get all the planning done and decide for yourself that you did all you could to prepare. The rest is in the hands of your photographer and possibly a heavy glass of wine 30 minutes before the family photo session.
What to Prep Beforehand
Prepare the Hubby and Kiddos
If your kids are young, it may be helpful to walk them through what your family photo session may look like. Let them know you need them to help you out and at times, be super silly. Tell them you may tickle them a few times too. This will keep them on their toes and hopefully, happy!
Let the hubby or partner know what you will need his help with. He may be in charge of certain kiddos while you’re in charge of another. He may be the one running back and forth to get props for the photographer, etc.
Ask for help where you need it, plain and simple.
Appointments
If you plan on getting your nails or hair done ahead of time, make sure to schedule those appointments right when you book the family photo session.
Your hair can be done up to a week or two before depending on if you want your stylist to help style it for the photos and your nails should be 2-3 days (max) before.
Plan Any Must Haves for the Photo Session
Do you need specific poses included for those gifts you planned on?
Do you want to include a special prop in the family photo session for sentimental purposes?
Do you need to capture specific details on an outfit that your photographer needs to know about?
Make sure to let your photographer know of any must-haves during the family photo session. But at the same time, don’t go overboard and stress them the F out.
Prep Outfits & Kids
The night before your family photo session, be sure to lay out all the outfits your family needs. Go through a mental (or physical – my preferred method) checklist to make sure you aren’t missing anything. Pack any backup outfits as well.
Make sure the kids all have had baths the night before or the day of depending on timing.
Right Before the Family Photo Session
Meals or Snacks
Nobody wants a hangry child or spouse. Make sure you’re all fed (that includes you, mama) and tummies are happy right before the family photo session.
Pack a few snacks just in case. Make sure not to bring any snacks that are super messy like chocolate than can melt or lollipops that can take long to eat.
Good Snack Ideas
- Goldfish Crackers
- Graham Crackers
- Trail Mix
- Fruit Gummies
- Applesauce Packets
Bad Snack Ideas
- Chocolate
- Sticky Candy
- Lollipops
- Fruit that can stain clothes
- Cupcakes
Naps for the Kids
Soooo….we kinda f*cked up on this one at our last family photo session.
We had to drive 1 hour (which ended up being 2) away and of course, the kids fell asleep in the car. Major disaster.
When we got to the location, we had to wake them up and for the first 20 minutes of the session, they were extra grumpy and did not want to smile and the car seats totally messed up their hair.
I suggest preparing in this area by either letting them nap ahead of time or finding a location that is super close and doesn’t allow for naptime in the car.
Breathe and Maybe Drink…
Again, if you mentally prepared then you should be almost totally fine the day of. So, just in case, maybe plan on a drink 30 minutes beforehand.
Believe it or not, my photographer actually suggested this tip and does it herself for her own family photo sessions! Great tip! Mama can chill and let loose!
What to do if Something Goes Wrong
Can I just laugh at this? This was us.
It all went wrong. So guess what? Plan for that shit to go all kinds of wrong and then when it either doesn’t or the photos still turn out magical, you’ll be happy AF.
If it looks like rain, have a backup plan. Can you change locations last minute? Can you use an umbrella in the shoot? Can you reschedule?
If your kids are in a totally shitty mood, maybe just hang out with them for 20 minutes and pay an extra fee so they will have fun.
Bring some backup makeup and hair supplies if you need to.
Bring a change of clothes for the kids just in case they puke or shit on themselves. Because, you know, that happens.
Again, plan for the worst and hope like hell for the best.
After the Family Photo Session
Possibly Drink Again…
I did this. As soon as I got home and it was great. So I highly suggest it.
Pay Your Photographer + a Tip
Make sure to pay your photographer in full once they send you the final fee and if you had a great experience, include a tip.
Anywhere from 10-20% seems to be a generous tip for a family photo session.
Pick Your Favorite Photos from the Session
Anxiously await your family photos, but don’t text your photographer every day. That would be annoying and stalker like.
Our photographer usually gets us our photos back within a week or so, but ask your photographer for their normal timeline. It depends on how busy they are and how many photos they are editing for you.
Our photographer is totally awesome (have I mentioned that?) and we always get about 100 different edited photos. So worth it!
Send Your Photos to be Printed and ENJOY!
I personally always use Costco to print photos from our family photo sessions. They are quick and the quality is great! I love that you can submit it and basically pick them up on your next weekend Costco run.
A little tip if you’re using frames…
Pick the photos out first then find a frame to match, especially if you’re trying to coordinate multiple frames. You want to make sure you pick out the right photos first, not the other way around.
Our Family Photo Session Magic
Here is the result of what I thought at the time was a horrible family photo session. I was totally wrong! Look at this magic! All because I committed, planned and chilled the f*ck out!
This is only a few of the many amazing photos we received.
*All photos captured by Meghan Paris Photography
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