Preparing for your family session doesn't need to be stressful! To help you feel confident, relaxed, and ready for your shoot, I have put together my top tips for wardrobe, timing, and making the experience fun for everyone.

A young man gives a child a piggyback ride in a grassy field with mountains in the background.
Two children share a sweet hug under a wooden pergola surrounded by blooming flowers in soft natural light.
A woman and two girls in matching orange dresses smile together outdoors in a field.

Wardrobe + Styling


  • Stick to a soft, neutral color palette. Almost any color works wonderfully, but it looks best when the tones are soft or washed out.
  • Create depth and visual interest by mixing and matching fabrics like linen, cotton, lace, or even velvet.
  • Avoid any large logos, and start by picking one outfit you love first—then build everyone else's wardrobe around it!
  • Say no to sneakers and athletic shoes, which can look clunky and date your photos quickly. Instead, opt for "business casual" options like dress shoes, boots, heels, or nice sandals.
  • Before we begin shooting, remember to empty your pockets, remove hats (and fix any hat hair), and take off smartwatches or hairbands from wrists.
  • Make sure the children's outfits are comfortable. Uncomfortable kids = grumpy photos!
Family of four enjoying a sunny outdoor photoshoot in a desert field, mom in floral dress, dad in white shirt.
Two young siblings smile and laugh together, a blonde girl and dark-haired boy, standing in front of adults outdoors.

Timing


For outdoor sessions, I may ask to bump our start time to catch the best light early in the morning or right before sunset- we'll throw something on the schedule when you book, and I'll reach out if we need to tweak our schedule!


Especially with little ones, prioritize a good night's sleep and a full tummy. Always try to schedule your session around your child's natural nap times!

A smiling mother in a pink top holds her laughing toddler daughter in a white dress outdoors among green trees.

During the session

(for families with littles)


  • Mom sets the tone in 99% of family sessions. If you are stressed, the kids will feed on that energy. Breathe, relax, and have fun-your pictures will turn out infinitely better for it!
  • Bring water, snacks, and fun (ideally neutral-colored) props. Treat the session like a grand adventure!
  • I get the forced, smiling posed shots out of the way right at the start. Most kids max out after about 5 minutes, and that is totally okay!
  • Don't stress about standing still. Once the initial posed shots are done, we will transition into fun family games and candid movement that capture your true connection.
  • If things don't go exactly to plan, don't sweat it! Kids are unpredictable, and I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve to work with grumpy moments and still create magic.
Two young sisters sitting on a blanket outdoors, older girl in green dress hugging baby sibling with mountains in background.
A happy young family with a baby enjoys a sunset beach moment, with dad kissing mom on the cheek.
Four children holding hands in a circle outdoors near a mountain lake surrounded by pine trees.

during the Session

(For extended families)


Extended family shoots are a blast, but they require a little extra strategy to keep everyone happy and moving smoothly! Here is how we will flow through your session:


  • We always start with everyone together. This is usually the trickiest part- especially with little ones involved- so hang in there, we will conquer it right out of the gate!



  • Next, we will photograph the family with the most antsy children, followed closely by sweet portraits of grandparents with their grandchildren.


  • From there, we will naturally transition into smaller family groupings and play a few fun prompted games to keep the energy high and prevent meltdowns.


Extra Tips for Success:


  • Have a specific grouping you want prioritized? Just let me know beforehand—I am always happy to accommodate!


  • Because prime blue hour lighting only lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, we have to move quickly. Please stay close by and ready to hop in so you get the full, gorgeous extended family gallery you deserve!
Four women in white tops and jeans smile together on a sunny beach, posing for a family portrait.
Large family of ten posing together on a path outdoors during a bright day in coordinated neutral outfits.
Happy family of six posing together on a sunny beach, parents holding children in white tops and denim.