Tips For A Successful Family Photography Session

Most parents I know love the idea of capturing family photos. As your children grow, having beautiful portraits to look back on becomes an invaluable treasure. Family photos are one of the best ways to preserve memories, and your future self will appreciate having these snapshots to relive special moments. However, despite the best intentions, several obstacles can stand in the way of actually making it happen. One common concern is the fear that all the effort involved will result in photos that don't turn out as hoped.

After over a decade in the industry, I can confidently say that the key to successful family photos lies in the preparation. There are many factors to consider—location, wardrobe, moods, hunger, weather, and more. Much of the process involves working to minimize these variables, ensuring a smooth and successful session.

Location Scouting

My first tip for a successful family photography session is choosing the perfect location. When planning our session, I often start by selecting a location. For me, a great spot should offer privacy, be easy to access, and have a stunning view. Fortunately, southwestern Ontario is home to many beautiful locations that make the perfect backdrop for family photos.

I personally handle all the location scouting and will share the meeting spot with you. Depending on your family’s personality, I’ll choose a location that suits you best, whether it’s a peaceful beach, a wildflower field, or even a fun adventure in the city. Whatever the setting, I'll make sure it has great lighting for our session and creates the perfect vibe for your family.

Time of the day

In an ideal world, every photo session would take place during the golden hour on a warm, sunny evening. But as much as I wish that were always the case, it’s not always possible—especially when working with families with young children.

This leads me to my second tip for a successful family photography session: finding a balance between the best lighting and your family’s schedule. If your little ones are too young to stay up for a sunset session, we can opt for a location with more shade or adjust nap times to make it work. I’ll help coordinate everything to ensure your session still captures beautiful light and fits with your family’s routine. And don’t worry, when you work with me, you won’t have to figure this all out on your own. Your booking includes location scouting and scheduling assistance to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Wardrobe Coordination

Next, let’s talk about wardrobe—one of the most common questions I get and where we’ll spend a good amount of time preparing. Families often put a lot of thought into their outfits, as clothing adds personality and interest to the photos. Great outfits make for great photos, and fortunately, I’m here to help you with this part of the process! When you book with me, you’ll receive guides that will walk you through how to coordinate outfits for the best results. And if you need extra help, I’ve even done video calls to go through your closet together!

A general tip for outfit coordination is to choose 2 to 3 colors and ensure everyone’s outfits fit within that palette. Mix in different textures and accessories, but avoid overly distracting patterns or logos. For more specific guidance, feel free to grab my free "What to Wear" guide here.

Warm Clothes

One of my favorite tips for a successful family photography session is to make sure everyone dresses warmly enough. We all know that when we’re warm, we’re much happier and more comfortable during the session. There are a few ways to achieve this: You can add a stylish sweater or a dressy jacket to your outfit, or bring a blanket to keep cozy between shots or wrap everyone up in between photos. My personal favorite way to stay warm is by wearing thin wool base layers under your clothing—this helps keep everyone comfortable without sacrificing style.

Relaxed Atmosphere

When it’s finally time for your family photography session, creating a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere is key. My number one tip for a successful session is to foster an environment where everyone feels at ease and can just be themselves. When everyone is calm and comfortable, we’re much more likely to capture those candid, natural moments. The goal is to document your family in an authentic way, so let’s set the stage for success by keeping things relaxed and fun.

Props + Activities

Props can be a great way to help everyone feel more at ease, and they’re not just for decoration! Blankets, toys, family photos, or even a guitar can give everyone something to interact with, making the session feel more laid-back. Having something to focus on encourages fun and laughter, which results in more naturally candid moments. Feel free to bring along something that’s meaningful to your family—it’ll add an extra touch of personality to your photos.

Let Everyone Be Themselves

Sometimes, parents or partners will try to prompt family members with “Smile!” or “Behave!” but that often disrupts the flow of the session. I totally get that you want everyone to look their best, but forcing a smile rarely leads to the genuine, joyful expressions you’re hoping for. Instead, I’ll engage with your kids by playing fun games and activities, allowing their smiles to come out naturally. The same goes for adults or spouses—just let them be themselves! The real moments of connection and love are what you’ll want to look back on.

Keep the Kids Engaged

So, how do we keep the kids engaged and encourage those authentic smiles? It’s simple: we do kid things! A successful family photography session includes games, songs, running around, and exploring together. In the beginning, I’ll guide you through more dynamic prompts to help everyone release any nervous energy. Then, as things settle down, we’ll move on to more relaxed, cuddly moments to photograph.

Keep It Candid

One of my strengths is being able to tune into the energy of your family. I can sense what vibe you’re going for and guide you through prompts that feel natural. While I’ll offer gentle direction when needed, there will also be times when I take a step back to let your family’s true personality shine through. A successful family session is a balance between guiding you into candid moments and allowing those moments to happen naturally.

Snacks + Bribery

Let’s be honest—everyone performs better when they're well-fed. Before our session, make sure everyone has had a meal. After that, it’s a good idea to bring along a few snacks. Sometimes, a quick snack break helps reset the mood, and it can make a huge difference in everyone's energy and attitude, resulting in better photos afterward.

And yes, I’m not above using a little bribery, within reason! My approach is to keep things fun and engaging first, and then, if needed, use bribes as a last resort. If we start the session with rewards, it can quickly become the focus, especially with kids. So we’ll play games, have fun, and only use treats like a small bribe toward the end if necessary.

Good snacks to bring are those that won’t make a mess, like granola bars or apples. For the kids, snacks like goldfish, puffs, or small candies are perfect.

Embrace Imperfection

Finally, one of my favorite pieces of advice for parents is to let go of the idea of perfection. Life with kids is rarely perfect—it’s often a little chaotic, but it’s always full of love. A successful family photography session embraces that. When we shift our focus from aiming for flawless smiles to connecting and enjoying the moment, the results are always more authentic and heartfelt.

If you love the idea of naturally candid family photos, I would love to work with you. This stage of your life is beautiful just as it is, and I promise these photos will be treasures you'll cherish forever.