Tips to Prepare for a Stress-Free Family Portrait Session

Getting ready for family photos can sometimes feel like a lot. There are outfits to choose, kids to get ready, things to remember, and somehow everyone still needs to make it out the door on time.

After photographing families for over 18 years throughout Elk Grove and the greater Sacramento area, I’ve learned that a little preparation can make a big difference. You don’t need everything to go perfectly for your family portrait session to be a great experience. Prepare for the things you can, give yourself a little extra time, and let me guide you through the rest.

Here are a few simple ways to make getting ready for your family portrait session easier for everyone.

Getting Ready for Your Family Portrait Session

Plan Outfits Early

Choosing what everyone will wear is often one of the biggest sources of stress before family photos, so give yourself plenty of time. Choose outfits early enough that everyone can try everything on and make sure it fits comfortably. Don't forget to check shoes and accessories too.

A few days before your session, make sure everything is clean, pressed, and set aside together so you aren't searching for something at the last minute.

Need a little help deciding what everyone should wear? My 5 Outfit Tips for Picture-Perfect Family Photos walks you through simple ways to coordinate your family's outfits without making everyone match.

Pack the Essentials

A day or two beforehand, gather anything you'll need during your session. Depending on your family, that might include water, a few non-messy snacks for younger children, wipes, a hairbrush, or small touch-up items. Keep everything together in one bag that you can grab on your way out the door.

Make sure everyone has eaten before getting dressed for photos. For younger children, having water and a simple snack tucked away can also be helpful if they need a quick break during the session.

Not sure what should go in your bag? I've put together 7 Must-Haves to Bring for Family Photos so you can get everything ready without worrying that you've forgotten something.

Finally, give yourself more time to get ready than you think you'll need. Starting a little earlier gives you room for the unexpected and helps everyone arrive feeling calmer instead of rushing into the session.

Preparing Your Kids for Family Photos

Keep the conversation about family photos simple and positive. Let your kids know you'll be spending some time together, exploring, playing, and taking photos along the way. Try not to spend the days before your session reminding them that they need to behave, smile, or listen perfectly. That can make photos feel like something they need to perform for before you've even arrived.

You can also make photos part of a fun family outing. Plan something everyone enjoys afterward, like getting ice cream or going out for dinner. It gives the kids something fun to look forward to without making the session itself feel like a test they need to pass.

For younger children, think about their normal nap and rest schedule too. A well-rested child will usually have a much easier time than one who is tired or has just woken from an unexpected nap in the car. When possible, plan ahead so your child has a little time to wake up and settle in before photos begin.

If possible, keep the rest of your session day fairly relaxed too, especially with younger children, so they aren't already worn out when it's time for family photos.

Arriving at Your Family Portrait Session

If you know your child usually needs a little time to warm up to a new place, plan to arrive a few minutes early. Let them look around, get comfortable with their surroundings, and settle in before we begin. Not every child needs that extra time, so do what works best for yours.

Once you're there, try to relax and go with the flow. You've done the preparation and gotten everyone to the session—that's the hard part! Kids may need a minute to warm up, someone may get silly, and everything may not go exactly as expected. That's okay. You don't need to manage every moment or worry about making everyone behave perfectly.

During Your Family Portrait Session

Once we start taking photos, let me take the lead. You don't need to remind your kids to smile, look at the camera, or behave perfectly. I'll guide everyone throughout the session and let you know when I need everyone looking at me.

Instead, focus on enjoying your family and let me guide you through what to do along the way. Some of my favorite moments happen between the more traditional family portraits, when everyone is relaxed, laughing, playing, and simply enjoying being together.

And if your child needs a little extra time, gets silly, or isn't interested in what we're doing for a moment, don't worry. I'm used to working with kids and can adjust as we go. The best thing you can do is stay relaxed and let me guide your family through the session.

Family photos don't have to feel overwhelming. A little preparation before your session can help everyone arrive feeling more relaxed, but once you're there, you don't have to worry about making everything go perfectly. That's where I come in.

Ready to learn more about what it's like to work with me? Explore my Family Portrait Experience to learn more about my sessions, see recent family portraits, and find out how to get started.

If you want to see check out some family sessions see below: