Prepare..

If you’ve ever booked a family photo session and immediately felt a mix of excitement and stress — you’re not alone.

I hear it all the time:
“What if my kids don’t cooperate?”
“What if we’re awkward?”
“What if it’s chaotic?”

So let me say this first, from a photographer who’s seen it all:
You don’t need perfection to get beautiful photos. You just need a little preparation, a lot of grace, and the willingness to show up as you are.

Here’s how I recommend preparing for a family photography session — not to make it flawless, but to make it feel good.

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1. Shift Your Mindset Before Anything Else

This is the most important step, and it has nothing to do with outfits or timing.

Your session isn’t about getting everyone to smile at the camera at the same time. It’s about connection. The way your child reaches for your hand. The laughter that happens in between poses. The quiet moments you don’t even realize are happening until you see them later.

When families come in relaxed and open, the photos always reflect that.

So before your session, take a breath and remind yourself:
This doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.

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2. Choose Outfits That Feel Like You

What you wear matters — not because it needs to be trendy or fancy, but because it affects how you feel.

I always suggest starting with one neutral base outfit (usually mom’s) and building from there. Soft, neutral tones photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your faces and connection. Think creams, soft browns, muted blues, warm grays, and gentle earth tones.

A few photographer-approved tips:

• Avoid large logos and busy patterns
• Coordinate instead of matching exactly
• Add texture (knits, denim, linen) for visual interest
• Prioritize comfort — especially for kids

If you’re tugging at your clothes or adjusting constantly, it’ll show. Confidence and comfort always photograph better than the “perfect” outfit.

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3. Prep Your Kids — Without Pressure

Kids don’t need a long list of rules before a photo session. In fact, the less pressure, the better.

Instead of saying, “You have to smile and behave,” try:
“We’re going to hang out, play a little, and have fun.”

Let them know what to expect in simple terms. If they know they’ll be able to move, laugh, and be themselves, they’re much more likely to relax.

And if they don’t? That’s okay too.

Some of the most meaningful photos come from moments that aren’t planned — a shy hug, a serious expression, a burst of energy. I promise, I’m never worried about kids being kids.

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4. Timing Is Everything (But It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect)

When possible, schedule your session around naps and meals — especially for little ones. A well-rested, well-fed child is always more comfortable.

That said, real life isn’t always predictable. If someone is having an off day, we work with it. I build flexibility into sessions because families aren’t meant to operate on a strict timeline.

Trust that there’s room for pauses, snack breaks, and reset moments.

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5. Let Go of “How It’s Supposed to Look”

This is where the magic really happens.

The families who walk away happiest are the ones who stop worrying about how things look and focus on how things feel. When you interact naturally — holding hands, talking, laughing, comforting — that’s when the photos come alive.

You don’t need to know what to do with your hands. You don’t need to force smiles. I’ll guide you gently, but the best moments always come from what’s already there.

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6. Trust Your Photographer (That’s Me)

By the time you show up to your session, my job is to hold the details so you don’t have to.

I’m watching the light, the movement, the connection. I’m anticipating moments before they happen. If something doesn’t go as planned, I adapt — that’s part of the process.

You don’t need to perform. You just need to be present.

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7. Remember Why You’re Doing This

One day, these photos won’t be about how your hair looked or whether everyone smiled.

They’ll be about:

• The way your child fit perfectly in your arms
• The season of life you were in
• The love that existed exactly as it was

That’s what I’m capturing. Not perfection — but truth.

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A Final Note From Me

If you’re preparing for a family photography session and feeling nervous, I want you to know this: you’re already doing enough.

Show up. Love your people. Let the rest unfold.

And if you ever have questions or worries before your session, I’m always here to walk you through it — because this experience should feel just as meaningful as the images you’ll carry with you for years to come.

Here’s a little checklist I’ve made for you to help prepare for your session. Perfection is not what we’re looking for remember that.

Ready for Your Session?

If you’re feeling excited but a little nervous, that’s completely normal — and I’ve got you.

If you’re ready to plan a family photography session that feels relaxed, meaningful, and true to your family, I’d love to work with you. You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. That’s part of what I’m here for.

Whether you’re booking your first session or continuing a tradition, my goal is always the same: to create an experience that feels calm, connected, and genuinely enjoyable.

If you have questions, want to talk through ideas, or are ready to reserve your date, you’re always welcome to reach out. I’d be honored to photograph this season of your life.

XO