Family photos are more than just pictures—they’re heirlooms. They’re the images that will hang on your walls, fill your holiday cards, and be treasured in albums for years to come. To help you feel totally prepared (and excited!) for your upcoming session, I’ve put together this guide with tips on what to wear, what to expect, and answers to some of my most frequently asked questions.

What to Wear

Your outfits set the tone for your photos and truly make a difference in how your images look and feel once displayed in your home. Family photos are meant to be timeless—images you’ll still love just as much in ten, twenty, or even fifty years. That’s why I recommend keeping things simple, classic, and cohesive.

Start With Mom

Here’s the truth: if mom feels beautiful and comfortable, the entire session flows better. She’s usually the one planning, coordinating, and making sure everyone gets dressed—so she deserves to feel amazing.

• Long, flowy dresses are universally flattering and photograph beautifully. They allow for movement (twirls, walking, snuggles) and bring a soft, romantic feel to your images.
• Comfort matters. Choose something that you can sit in, pick up kids in, and move around in without feeling restricted.
• Confidence first. If you love what you’re wearing, it will show. Start with mom’s outfit first, and then plan the rest of the family around it for a cohesive look.

Timeless Styling Tips

Stick to light neutrals, pastels and muted tones. Think creams, soft blues, sage, blush, white, or gray. These tones feel timeless and won’t date your images. Light colors complement your photos, while dark or vibrant colors can add distraction/heaviness to the photo.

Coordinate, don’t match. Choose 2–3 colors and build everyone’s outfits around that palette. Mix them throughout your family. Example: mom in a cream dress, dad in light tan chinos and a muted blue shirt, and kids in soft neutrals with textured knits. Don’t be afraid to throw a subtle pattern in there, too!

Think about your walls. Before choosing outfits, think about where you’ll display these images. Choose tones that will complement your décor so your artwork feels seamlessly styled in your space.

Keep it simple. Solid colors, subtle patterns, and timeless textures always photograph beautifully. Linen, cotton, knits, or lace add beautiful depth without distraction. Avoid large logos, neon colors, or busy patterns that can distract from your family’s connection.

Comfort is key. Especially with kids, being comfortable is more important than being perfectly styled. If they can run, play, and snuggle without a fuss, that’s a win.

Recommended Shops

Here are a few of my go-to places where clients always find beautiful, session-friendly pieces:

For Mom:

• The Shop Worth Collective
• Baltic Born
• Nothing Fits But
• Vici Collection

For Dad:

• H&M Men
• J.Crew / J.Crew Factory
• Banana Republic
• Old Navy
• Gap

For Kids & Babies:

• H&M Kids
• Noralee
• Zara Kids
• Old Navy
• Gap

Putting It All Together

Think of styling as building a palette:

• Start with mom’s outfit (a long, neutral-toned dress).
• Add dad in complementing tones (chinos + a soft button-up).
• Dress kids in comfortable, neutral outfits that coordinate but don’t match exactly.
• Add texture through layers (cardigans, knits, swaddles for babies).

When in doubt, send me photos of your outfit choices—I love helping clients pull their looks together. I have a Pinterest board with lots of outfit inspiration and color palettes to choose from. You can find that here!

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection. Outfits should feel comfortable, timeless, and true to you so that your family’s love and personalities shine through.

What to Expect

One of the biggest worries parents have is, “What if my kids don’t cooperate?” Let me take that weight off your shoulders right now: I don’t expect kids to be “perfect.” I expect them to be kids! Wiggly, curious, silly, shy, loud—it’s all part of the beauty of your family. I love children, and I’m endlessly patient. My job isn’t to force smiles, but to create an environment where your family can relax, connect, and have fun together. That’s when the magic happens.

Here’s a peek at how things usually flow:

1. Before your session: I’ll be in touch with any last-minute details (like weather, timing, or location specifics). You don’t have to worry about memorizing poses or prepping the kids—we’ll keep it simple.
2. During your session: We’ll start with a few “all together” formal family photos, then ease into more playful prompts and candid moments. Think tickle fights, walking hand-in-hand, snuggles, or chasing waves—those little interactions make for the most heartfelt images.
3. After your session: Within a few days, I’ll send sneak peeks your way so you don’t have to wait too long. Your full gallery will be ready in about 3–4 weeks.

Parent tips to keep kids happy:

• Bring a favorite small snack (nothing messy!) in case they need a little break.
• If your child has a special toy or lovey, don’t be afraid to bring it—it often helps them feel secure and sometimes even makes its way into the sweetest photos.
• Try not to stress if they’re acting wild or shy—I promise I’ve seen it all, and I know how to work with it. Your only job is to enjoy your family; I’ll handle the rest.
  

Why Printing Matters

We live in such a digital world, but nothing compares to holding your photos in your hands or seeing them framed on your walls. That’s why I encourage you to think about prints before your session—even when choosing outfits. Your family’s images deserve to be enjoyed daily, not just scrolled past on your phone.

I offer high-quality prints, albums, and wall art directly through your gallery so you don’t have to fuss with figuring it out later. Trust me, it makes the process so easy.

FAQs

What if my kids don’t cooperate?

That’s totally okay! I don’t expect kids to sit still and smile the whole time. In fact, I embrace the chaos—it’s usually when the sweetest and most genuine moments happen.

What happens if the weather is bad?

We’ll keep an eye on the forecast and make a call together. I’m always happy to reschedule if the weather isn’t cooperating.

Can we include pets?

Yes, absolutely! Just let me know ahead of time so I can plan accordingly.

What time of day is best?

I usually recommend starting sessions in the evening, about 2 hours before sunset. This is when the light is softest and most flattering.

When will I get my photos?

You’ll receive sneak peeks within a few days and your full gallery in about 4 weeks.

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Quick Pre-Session Recap

• Wardrobe – Keep it simple, coordinated, and comfortable. Choose colors you’ll love seeing on your walls.
• Kids – Don’t stress about cooperation! Bring a small non-messy snack + their favorite toy or lovey just in case. I’ll handle the rest.
• Timing – Plan for evening sessions (2 hours before sunset) for the best light.
• Mindset – Relax, have fun, and love on your family. The best photos come from genuine moments, not perfection.
• Afterward – Expect sneak peeks in a few days and your full gallery in 4 weeks. Prints + albums are available directly through your gallery.
  

That’s it! The goal is to keep your session easy, relaxed, and stress-free. If you have any questions at all, I’m just an email away—I’m here to make this a fun and beautiful experience for your family.