First off, let me just say: Thank you for trusting me with this incredibly special moment in your family’s life. There’s something so magical about capturing these precious stages of your journey, and I can’t wait to help tell your story through my lens.
I know the idea of a photoshoot can be a little daunting, especially when you have a family to wrangle, kids to entertain, and outfits to coordinate. But here’s the thing: It’s going to be fun! The process will be lighthearted, easygoing, and full of beautiful, candid moments. If you’ve booked me for your session, you’re already on the right track toward a relaxed, enjoyable experience. We’ll take it slow and let the day unfold naturally.
Let’s walk through the basics so you’ll know exactly what to expect when the big day arrives.
How to Prepare for Your Family Photoshoot
The key to a stress-free shoot is preparation. I’ll send you specific directions to our location in advance, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost. (And don’t worry if you’re unsure of what I look like—I’ll make sure you’ll recognize me!) My goal is to make sure everyone feels comfortable and ready to shine in front of the camera.
Pro tip: You may feel a little awkward during the first few minutes of the shoot. Trust me, that’s completely normal! The first 10 minutes can be a little weird until you and your family settle into the groove of it. But don’t worry—I’ll be there to guide you, prompt you, and make sure you feel confident and relaxed. I won’t ask you to do anything that doesn’t feel right or leave you unsure of what to do next.
Expect to play around with different prompts, but also leave space for you to express yourselves. It’s all about having fun, connecting, and making memories in an organic way. By the end of the shoot, you’ll be total pros!
What to Wear
I know this can be the part that stresses people out the most, but let’s take a deep breath. The number one rule? Comfort is key. You should feel like yourself, and that starts with what you wear. It’s tempting to buy something new and fancy, but often the best choice is something familiar that you feel great in.
Here are some tips:
- Fabrics: Flowing fabrics like linen, cotton, or wool look amazing in photos. They move beautifully, catch the light, and add texture to your images. Avoid stiff, starch-heavy garments—they don’t tend to photograph well and can be uncomfortable.
- Colours: Think earthy tones or neutrals. These look great in most outdoor settings and complement natural light. Avoid super bright, bold colours (like electric blue or hot pink) or large, distracting patterns. They can sometimes steal the focus away from you.
- Variety: If you can, bring 2-3 outfits to switch things up! You’ll get the chance to mix and match and find looks that feel great in different settings.
- Footwear: Choose shoes that are practical for the location. If we’re in a grassy field, boots or sandals might make more sense than heels. If it’s a beach shoot, barefoot is always a win!
- No Matching: A lot of families love the idea of everyone matching, but it’s best to avoid looking like one big monochromatic blob. You want to complement each other—not match exactly. Think of it as creating a cohesive look without everything looking identical.
If you need more help, I’ve got a What to Wear Guide ready to send over. Just ask!
Timing & Location
Now, let’s talk timing. The most beautiful light happens when the sun is low in the sky, either just before sunset or just after sunrise. This is when the world seems to glow, and it creates that perfect soft light we all love. However, we can work around your family’s schedule, especially with younger kids. I’ll chat with you about when the kids are most alert, and we’ll pick a time that works best for everyone.
If early mornings or late evenings don’t work for your family, no worries! In-home sessions are always an option, and I absolutely love capturing the beauty of everyday life. From making breakfast together to cozy family snuggles, home shoots allow for a relaxed, comfortable vibe and give you memories that are unique to your family.
What to Expect on the Day
Here’s the secret to a great shoot: relaxation. Give yourselves time to arrive, get ready, and feel calm. The more relaxed you are, the better your photos will turn out.
Things to remember:
- Bring snacks: Whether for kids or adults, snacks are a game-changer. They help keep everyone happy and cooperative.
- Don’t stress about perfection: Things might get a little messy—whether it’s a child’s tantrum or a sudden downpour of rain—but that’s all part of the beauty of family life. Embrace the real moments, and we’ll make magic out of them.
- Don’t forget the fun: I’ll encourage you to laugh, play, and really enjoy your time together. The best photos often happen when you’re just being yourselves.
- Get the kids excited: Show them pictures of what we’ll be doing. Let them know we’ll be playing games, and there might even be snacks involved. The more excited they are, the easier it will be to capture those natural, joyful moments.
Location, Location, Location
A great location sets the tone for the shoot, so if you already have a place in mind, awesome! If not, I have a list of go-to spots for all kinds of vibes—beaches, forests, urban areas, or even rustic countryside locations. We’ll work together to choose a place that fits your family’s personality.
When selecting the perfect location, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Look for somewhere that isn’t overly crowded or distracting. We want the focus to be on your family.
- The light should be soft and natural. A location with wide open spaces often works best, giving us room to move around.
- Make sure there’s enough space for the kids (and pets) to roam freely.
Family, Pets, and Props
If you’ve got a fur baby that’s part of your family, bring them along! Pets can add a lot of personality to the photos, but here are a few things to consider:
- Make sure the location is dog-friendly and check with me before bringing them.
- Bring treats, toys, and a lint roller to keep things in order!
- Make sure your dog has had a chance to run around and burn off some energy before we start. A tired dog is a happy dog.
As for props, feel free to bring meaningful items like a favorite toy, an instrument, or a picnic blanket. But keep it simple—let the focus be on your family, not the stuff. Less is more!
Kids Will Be Kids
Here’s the final piece of advice: Expect the unexpected. Kids can be unpredictable (and, let’s face it, sometimes a little wild!), and that’s completely okay. We won’t try to force perfection—we’ll work with whatever the moment brings. Sometimes the best photos come from spontaneous laughter, silly faces, or unexpected cuddles.
The Takeaway
The key to your photoshoot is simple: Embrace the moment. Forget about posing for perfect, shiny Instagram photos, and instead focus on creating memories that are authentic and real. The best moments are the ones that happen naturally—when everyone’s relaxed, happy, and just enjoying each other’s company.
I’m here to guide you through the process, so just focus on showing up as yourselves. We’ll let the magic happen, and I’ll be there to capture it all.
Thank you again for choosing me to capture this special time in your family’s life. Let’s make it unforgettable.
What to Expect at Your Family Photoshoot
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