As a photographer, a wife, and a mother to three toddlers, I get it! Prepping for your family photo shoot can be a lot! There’s outfits to coordinate, kids to wrangle, snacks to pack, all while looking effortless in photographs. Trust me, you are not alone - I have been there and so have my clients! Thankfully over the years, I’ve worked with hundreds of families and have learned a few tips and tricks along the way! Here is a simple guide to prepare you for your upcoming family photo shoot!

One Month Before

Pick out your outfits. This may be the most difficult task of them all, so best to get it done well in advance! I always recommend planning the wardrobe early, as this will give you time to lay everything out, try on, and substitute items that just aren’t working. Need help wardrobe planning? I’ve got you covered! Check out THIS BLOG POST for all of my tips on selecting the perfect family outfits!
Finalize the session location. If you haven’t done so already, make sure to touch base about the location of the photo session! I have several fantastic locations I like to photograph families at, but I am always open to a new spot!
Watch Out For Sunburn. Avoid sunburns and awkward tan lines that can distract from your photos.

One Week Before

Primp. Now is the time to start prepping your looks. Haircuts, root touch ups, shaving, manicures, anything you would normally do so you are all looking like your best selves!
Map it Out. If you are unfamiliar with the session location, be sure to map it out so you can plan your travel! My sessions are scheduled according to light, so being on time for your session is very important.
Finalize the Wardrobes. Have everyone do a “try on” and make sure you love how everyone looks together as a whole! It’s not too late to make small changes if something just doesn’t feel right.
Tell the Kids. I usually tell my families to prep the kids by telling them “a friend is going to take pictures of us.” When they have time to process what is going to happen, things usually flow better.

The Day Of

Be Wrinkle Free. Wash and iron everyone’s clothes that morning. Lay out your accessories.
Get in Nap Time. Let’s face it, photo shoots are hard work for kids! Try your best to make sure your kids nap. I often shoot at golden hour, which is 1-2 hours before sunset. If your session is later than your kid’s bedtime (usually during the summer months), try and adjust your nap schedule to make up for this.
Bring Snacks. Kids love snacks, am I right? Come prepared with non messy items they could snack on before/during the shoot - let’s keep those little faces clean!
Wear Bug Spray. I always recommend wearing bug spray to your photo shoot. We are often running through tall grass, wooded areas, and remote pathways. Protect yourself from pesky mosquitos and ticks.
Make This a Fun Experience. I encourage you to make this into a fun family experience! Make plans to go out for dinner before or ice cream afterwards. Let’s make this feel like a good day!
Relax! Have fun and enjoy yourself! It’s my job to make sure your family looks amazing in photographs. Take a deep breath, relax, and let’s have a great time together!