Stress-Free Family Photos

Planning a family photo session can certainly feel overwhelming – there’s figuring out what to wear, the logistics of managing everyone’s schedules, and trying to will cooperation and good moods for kids and adults alike…

But it doesn't have to be stressful! With a little thoughtful preparation and the right mindset, your family photo shoot can be a fun and memorable experience that captures genuine moments, not this thing that everyone sort of sees as a source of stress. 

Plan Ahead for a Smooth Experience

Start by scheduling your session at a time when your family is typically relaxed and happy. For families with young children, this might be after a nap or meal.

This may also mean not scheduling during a busy season – if you have three kids in three different afterschool activities in the fall, maybe you can schedule a family session in the spring if there’s less going on…

Avoid planning other activities immediately before or after the session to prevent feeling rushed or frazzled. 

Coordinate Outfits Without Matching Exactly

Choose a color palette you love and that will fit your home décor if you’re planning on a wall portrait or two.  Think 2–3 complementary colors and have each family member wear outfits within that scheme. This way you’ll have a cohesive look without appearing overly uniform.

Opt for comfortable clothing that reflects your family's personality. If you want casual and laidback, go for it!  Looking for a more formal look, you got it! 

Another tip – Avoid logos, busy patterns, and overly bright colors that can distract from faces.

Have everyone try on what they’re going to wear beforehand, to ensure that everything fits and is comfortable enough for a photoshoot.  You don’t want anyone to be uncomfortable as it’ll show through in the photos.  This will give you a chance to see if any of the clothing has a lot of wrinkles / needs to be steamed.

Prepare the Kids (and Adults) in Advance

It’s a good idea to talk about your upcoming photo session with your children to set expectations and build excitement. Explain that it's a fun activity where they get to play and spend time together. Bringing along a favorite toy or comfort item can help younger children feel more at ease. For adults, remember to stay relaxed.

There’s no pressure during a photoshoot with me!  We’re not forcing smiles or poses here. Patience is important.  Not pressuring kids and allowing moments to unfold is what creates beautiful photos.

Bring Essentials to Keep Everyone Comfortable

Pack a small bag with essentials like water, snacks, tissues, and any necessary items for quick touch-ups. Having these on hand can prevent minor issues from becoming major distractions. If young children are involved, consider bringing an extra outfit in case of spills or accidents.

Embrace Candid Moments

While posed photos where everyone is looking at the camera smiling are lovely, candid shots often capture the true essence of your family. I’m always going to encourage natural interactions—laughing, playing, hugging—that showcase genuine emotions. Again, it’s allowing natural moments to unfold that create what will be your favorite photos! 

Trust the Process

As an experienced photographer working with families I always try to create a relaxed atmosphere. It’s important to communicate any specific ideas or concerns you have before the session, and then I’ll be able to guide the session to ensure we get the looks you want and navigate and accommodate any special needs.

Relax, have fun, and let your family's unique personality shine!

By following these tips, you can help make sure your family photo session is an enjoyable experience that captures the love and connection you share. No more worrying about a family photoshoot being stressful!

Looking to book a stress-free family photo session? Contact me today to schedule your shoot and create lasting memories!

Once everyone is settled, we just have fun!  This allows for the most beautiful portraits that are natural looking, relaxed and reflect the personalities of each person.    

Bethany and her kiddos were recently in the studio and oh my goodness did we have fun! 

Make it a point to capture every age and stage with beautiful portraits!

I’d love to talk with you about planning a family session to create portraits you’ll cherish more and more as the years go on.