Booking your family photoshoot is the exciting first step, but how do you actually prepare for the day itself? We understand that getting the whole family organised, dressed, and out the door with smiles on their faces can feel like a daunting task. However, a little bit of smart preparation goes a very long way in ensuring your session runs smoothly and results in beautiful, relaxed photographs.
Confirm Who is Attending
This sounds incredibly simple, but it is one of the most important first steps—especially if you are planning an extended family session! Double-check with grandparents, siblings, or any other family members to ensure they know the correct date, time, and location.
Once you have a final headcount, let your photographer know exactly how many adults and children will be attending. This helps us plan the right lenses, lighting setups, and spatial arrangements so we are fully prepared the moment you arrive.
Write a Short Group List
During the excitement and beautiful chaos of a photoshoot, it can be very easy to forget certain photo combinations. If you are bringing a larger or extended family, we highly recommend writing a brief list of the “must-have” groupings before the day.
Decide which combinations matter the absolute most to you. Common examples include: a shot of everyone together, just the grandparents with the grandchildren, individual household groupings, just the siblings, and a quick portrait of the parents or couples on their own. Sharing this list with us beforehand means you can relax knowing we will capture all the most important moments.
Plan Around the Children
When children are involved, they set the pace of the photoshoot. We strongly advise planning your session time around their natural routine—avoiding those notorious nap times or immediate pre-lunch slumps where possible.
A great tip is to avoid building up the photoshoot as a “test” or a stressful event that they have to behave perfectly for. Keep the tone light and fun! Pack a bag with a bottle of water, dry snacks (avoiding chocolate or things that stain!), and perhaps one small comfort item or toy to keep them happy and engaged.
Arrive Ready to Go
To make the absolute most of your booked time, try to arrive in your first outfits ready to shoot. While you can certainly do quick touch-ups or change layers when you arrive, full outfit changes in the car park or studio bathroom can eat into your valuable shooting time.
Always factor in a little extra travel time for traffic or last-minute delays. Arriving ten minutes early allows you to catch your breath, let the children settle into the new environment, and start the session feeling calm rather than rushed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child throws a tantrum on the day?
Please don’t panic! As experienced family photographers, we have seen it all. We never force children to sit still or smile if they are upset. We will simply change tactics, encourage some play, or focus on capturing candid, comforting moments between you and your child until they are ready to engage again.
Can we bring props to the photoshoot?
Yes, but we recommend keeping it simple. A beloved teddy bear, a special blanket, or a classic wooden toy can add a lovely personal touch. However, we suggest avoiding large or overly distracting props so that the focus remains entirely on your family’s connection.
How long does a typical family session take?
Most standard family sessions take between 45 minutes to an hour. This is usually the perfect amount of time to get a wonderful variety of groupings and candid moments before children (and dads!) begin to lose interest.
