How to Prepare for Your Family Photoshoot | Tips for the Best Family Photos
After photographing families for over 17 years all around the world, I can promise you this: the best family sessions are not about perfectly behaved kids or flawless outfits (I promise). They’re about connection, comfort, and a little bit of preparation.
If you’ve booked your family session (or you’re thinking about it), here’s exactly how to prepare so you feel confident, relaxed, and excited — not stressed.
Preparing well can lead to the best family photos you’ll cherish forever.
What to Wear for Your Family Session
Let’s start with the big one — outfits. Your outfits will greatly affect the quality of your best family photos.
The goal is coordination, not matching. Think complementary tones rather than everyone in the exact same white shirt and jeans. I always recommend starting with one outfit you absolutely love (usually mom’s), and then building the rest of the family around that.
Here are my tried-and-true tips:
Keep in mind that the best family photos come from genuine moments, so stay relaxed (whatever that may take).
Choose 2–3 main colors and mix in neutrals. Cream, tan, soft gray, muted blues, olive, soft blush, rust — these photograph beautifully and feel timeless.
Avoid neon colors, large logos, or super busy patterns. If one person wears a pattern, let the rest of the family stay more solid and simple.
Add texture. Sweaters, linen, knits, layers, dresses with movement — texture brings dimension to your photos. Textures in your clothing will enhance the visual appeal of the best family photos.
Dress for movement. If you can’t comfortably sit, squat, hug, or lift your child in your outfit, it will show. Trust me on this!
For moms especially — wear something that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. If you’re adjusting your outfit all session long, you won’t feel relaxed and that will also show in your photos.
And yes, bring backup shoes if you’re walking to a location. Better yet, bring shoes you can easily slip on and off. We can always slip into the cute ones once we’re there. This is a great tip for beach photos or photos in a large grassy area.
Where to Shop for Elevated Family Photo Outfits
Once you know what not to wear, the next question is usually: Okay… so where should we actually shop?
If you’re wanting outfits that feel timeless, elevated, and cohesive (without looking overly trendy), here are some of my favorite go-to stores for family photo styling.
Nordstrom is one of my favorites for polished, flattering pieces that photograph beautifully. Their dresses, soft sweaters, and neutral-toned blouses are often perfect for sessions. I love Nordy’s because they have a great section for not just adults, but for the entire family.
Anthropologie is wonderful for flowy dresses, subtle prints, and soft textures. If you love movement and a slightly romantic feel, this is a great place to start.
Madewell and Everlane are excellent for clean lines, high-quality basics, and elevated neutrals.
J.Crew and Banana Republic offer polished but relaxed pieces that feel timeless and photograph well.
Gap and Gap Kids consistently carry soft, neutral basics that coordinate beautifully without being busy.
Zara and Zara Kids can have beautiful elevated pieces with a European feel — especially for fall and winter textures.
H&M sometimes has surprisingly great neutral options at affordable price points — just focus on simple silhouettes.
If you’re shopping for a cohesive look, I recommend starting with one outfit you absolutely love (usually mom’s), then building the rest of the family around those tones and textures.
Lay everything out together on a bed before the session. Seeing it as a full palette helps you catch anything that feels too bold or out of place.
And remember — quality over quantity. You don’t need brand new outfits for everyone. A few well-chosen, well-fitting pieces in complementary tones will always photograph beautifully.
If you’re ever unsure, I’m always happy to look at outfit options and give guidance. Styling is one of the easiest ways to elevate your final gallery — and I want you to feel completely confident walking into your session.
What to Bring for the Kids
Even if your children are angels most of the time, sessions are unpredictable. Having a few essentials on hand can save the day. Don’t forget to pack items that can help make the best family photos happen smoothly.
Here’s what I recommend packing:
Non-messy snacks (think crackers, fruit snacks, or something dry — nothing that stains or leaves bright colors on faces)
Water bottles or cups with water in them. Don’t bring juice as it can show if spilled on clothing.
Wipes (for faces, hands, unexpected spills)
A small brush or comb
Hair ties, clips, or bobby pins (maybe an extra bow or hairspray)
Chapstick – because no one likes chapped lips
An extra outfit (especially for toddlers or babies) – trust me on this. We don’t want a major blowout in their cute outfit.
If your little one is attached to a comfort item, bring it. We can always tuck it away between shots, but having it nearby can help them feel secure. I do love taking photos of their special comfort item. It’s a great way to capture what they are loving in that moment.
And one important note: try not to bribe too heavily. I promise I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve. I’ve photographed hundreds of families — I know how to pivot when kids need a minute.
What to Expect Before the Session
Before your session, we’ll talk through location, timing, and wardrobe. I typically shoot during golden hour (that dreamy hour before sunset) because the light is soft, flattering, and magical. Being prepared will ensure the best family photos are captured without stress.
The day of your session:
Feed everyone beforehand.
Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early so no one feels rushed and you have time to park and get settled.
Build in margin time — rushing is the fastest way to start a session stressed and I don’t want that.
And one more thing: your kids do not need to be prepped with “you better behave.” Let them know we’re going to have fun and take some pictures together. That’s it. Let me do the rest.
What to Expect During the Session
This might surprise you, but I’m not going to ask you to stand stiffly and smile at the camera for an hour or however long your session is. Relax and enjoy the moment for the best family photos during our time together.
I will guide you into natural movement. I’ll prompt you to walk, snuggle, play, whisper something silly, tickle your kids, hug a little tighter. Some of the most beautiful images happen between the poses.
Your kids might run. They might twirl. They might decide they’re done for a few minutes.
That’s okay.
I allow space for that. Some of the most meaningful photos come from real moments — the way your daughter grabs your hand, the way your son leans into your shoulder, the way you laugh when everything feels slightly chaotic.
Trust me. I’m watching for those.
What to Expect After the Session
After your session, I carefully go through your images and hand-edit each one with intention. My editing style is timeless and true-to-life so your images feel beautiful now and 20 years from now.
The joy of seeing your loved ones in the best family photos is unforgettable.
You’ll receive your gallery where you can download, print, and share your images. I always encourage families to print their photos and hang them up to look at throughout the year. These are not meant to live only on your phone or computer — they are meant to be held, framed, and passed down.
And if you need help choosing images for albums or wall art, I’m always happy to guide you.
My Biggest Tip of All
Ultimately, it’s about capturing those moments that create the best family photos.
Let go of perfection.
Your kids do not have to perform. You do not have to be a “Pinterest family.” The most important thing you can bring to your session is presence.
Be there with them. Hold them. Laugh with them. Smell their hair. Soak it in. Be in the moment. I want your session to be fun and memorable.
The best family photos sessions aren’t about proving anything or being perfect. They’re about preserving what this season of life feels like — even if it’s messy and loud and fleeting.
In the end, the best family photos will tell your family’s unique story.
And that’s the magic.
If you’re ready to book your family session or have questions about how to prepare, I would love to help you plan something beautiful and meaningful for your family.
For ideas on what to wear for the season you are going to book, I’ve created some helpful advice on what looks best for every season.
What to wear for summer family photos
What to wear for spring family photos
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