How to Prepare for Family Photos

Family pictures don’t have to be mega-stressful! In fact, they shouldn’t be. 

I know that everything that goes into family pictures can feel like *a lot*. 

That’s why, as your family photographer, I do all that I can to make our time together as relaxing and fun as possible. And the first part of that is helping you know how to prepare for family photos. 

So, here are my top tips to help you feel confident going into your session—so that when the day arrives, you can simply show up, enjoy your family, and let me capture the magic.

1. Plan the Details Early

The earlier you start thinking through the details, the smoother everything will go!  

After you’ve chosen your photographer (yay!), location, and date, it’s time to think about your color scheme and outfits. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO THIS PART ALONE. I absolutely love helping you brainstorm outfit ideas, color combos, and how they vibe with the location. 

And here’s my most important tip: Start with your outfit first. Choose something that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful. From there, build the rest of the family’s outfits around it.

As a side note, if you’re considering having someone do your hair and makeup, reach out to them as early as you can.

2. Prep Outfits in Advance

Don’t wait until the night before to throw outfits together! At least a week before your session, lay everything out together—shoes, socks, tights, cardigans, accessories—so you can see how it all looks and adjust if needed. During this time, you can even make a checklist for everything that you will need for pictures (every single piece of clothing, accessories, toiletries, shoes, etc). 

Then, the night before, do a final check:

• Make sure everything is clean, ironed, and ready to go

• Pack extra items like makeup for touch-ups, spare hair elastics, bobby pins, gel, and a small comb

• Double check you have gas in the car—no one wants to stress about stopping on the way!
  

3. Talk About the Session with Your Kids

Prepare your kiddos by talking about the session in positive, excited tones. Let them know what’s going to happen, and focus on how fun it will be to take pictures together. Avoid saying things like “you have to smile” or “just be good”—instead, tell them how special these photos are and how excited you are to hang them in your home.

You can even ask if there are any fun or silly poses they’d like to try! It helps them feel involved and more relaxed.

And just a gentle tip: try to avoid bribes if you can—sometimes they can add pressure instead of ease.

4. And Finally, The Day-Of To-Do’s 

Eat Well! 

Make sure everyone eats a good meal beforehand (yes, even you, Mom!). No one wants to be hangry while taking pictures. 

And because smiling while you’re hangry is hard, consider bringing a non-messy snack like goldfish crackers, fruit snacks, or anything small and easy to tuck in your bag. You know, just in case. 

Make sure everyone drinks plenty of water throughout the day but NOT right before your session time–no one wants to have to go to the bathroom during pictures. 

Plan for more time than you think you’ll need.

Give yourself a buffer so there’s no last-minute rush or stress. Aim to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early if we’re meeting at a location. This will help you avoid stressing out in traffic and save you from tears if you have to turn back for your son’s shoes. 

Get Dressed at the location!!  

Pack all of your outfits up (triple-checking that you have everything!!) and get dressed on site. This is key if you are a tad messy or have kids who are, well, kids. 

Let Go and Trust the Process

Once we start, let go of the pressure for perfection. Don’t worry if your toddler is a little wild or if your kids aren’t giving their biggest smiles right away. That’s completely normal—and I promise, it’s part of the magic.

I’ll guide you through everything, help you feel comfortable, and capture those real, in-between moments that tell your family’s story beautifully. 

I cannot wait to capture your family, as it is right now! See you so soon! 

If you have any questions or need help choosing outfits, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here for you every step of the way!

Still searching for your Utah Family Photographer? I would love to work together! Please inquire through this form here or follow along with my work on Instagram.