Family Photo Tips & FAQs: What to Wear, When to Book & Where to Go
Booking a family session brings up a lot of the same questions, so I put together answers to the ones I hear most. If you don't see what you're looking for here, just reach out and I'm happy to help!
What should we wear?
I always tell families to lean toward coordinating, not matching. Pick two or three colors you all love and let everyone wear their own version of it, mixing textures and patterns keeps things looking natural instead of like a uniform. Solid colors and soft, muted tones tend to photograph beautifully, and I'd steer clear of super tiny busy prints, big logos, or neon. And don't stress about it too much, comfortable and confident always beats perfectly matched.
How do I get my kids to smile naturally for photos?
After 18 years as a photographer, and more recently photographing hundreds of kids each spring and fall for local preschool photo days, I've picked up quite a few tricks for this one. I truly believe the key is making kids feel comfortable. As a mom of 4 myself, I find most kids warm up to me pretty quickly, they can tell when someone genuinely enjoys being around them, and once they're comfortable, the real smiles come naturally.
A few go-to tricks: I get down to their eye level instead of looming over them, and I love playing the "don't smile" game, almost every kid cracks within a few seconds. That usually leads to a sweet, natural smile. For shy ones, I'll warm up through their siblings or parents first so they see it's safe to join in. And a specific compliment, a silly out-of-nowhere question like "who tooted?", or a quick chase or spin right before the shot almost always gets a more genuine reaction than "say cheese" ever will. Let's just say I'm not afraid to be the goofball, it helps them know they're safe to have fun too.
What's the best time of day for photos?
The best time for light is usually an hour or two before sunset as well as the hour after sunrise. This time gives us that soft, warm light that makes everyone look their best, and it can be a nice break from the heat, since in Texas even November is still warm. Most of my outdoor sessions are scheduled around one of those windows of time. For studio sessions, we're not at the mercy of the sun and weather, so we have a lot more flexibility on timing.
What's the most popular season for family photos?
Fall is by far the busiest season. The break from the blistering summer heat and that warm, golden light are hard to beat, and a lot of families love having updated photos ready for holiday cards. Because of that, fall dates fill up very quickly, so I always recommend booking a few months ahead if that's the season you're hoping for. Spring is a close second, thanks to bluebonnets and fresh green backdrops. And if your family notoriously can't get it together when life gets crazy in the fall, spring might just be your season. That said, every season here in the Spring and Woodlands area has something beautiful to offer, so don't feel like fall is the only option. We're surrounded by evergreens in The Woodlands area, so honestly, any month can be beautiful.
Where do we go for photos?
That depends on the look you're going for! I offer sessions both in studio and outdoors around the North Houston area, including some of my favorite spots in Spring, The Woodlands, Tomball, and Cypress. I've put together a full guide with my favorite locations and what makes each one special, you can check it out here. If you already have a location in mind that's meaningful to your family, I'm flexible to come to you.
How many people can we bring?
I offer two types of sessions, individual family sessions and extended family sessions, and they're priced differently. Whether it's just your immediate family, or you want to bring grandparents, siblings, and cousins along for an extended family session, just let me know your group size and which type you're planning for when you book, so we can plan enough time and make sure the location works well for everyone.
Will you pose us?
Yes, of course! I'll always give you something to start with and prompts along the way, so you're never just standing there left hanging, wondering what to do with your hands.
How far in advance should we book?
I'd recommend booking at least 4 to 6 weeks out, and even earlier if you're hoping for a fall date, since those go quickly. That said, if you're reaching out last minute, don't hesitate to ask, I'll always do what I can to fit you in if my schedule allows.
What if it rains or the weather isn't great?
Texas weather keeps us all guessing! If rain or unsafe conditions are in the forecast for an outdoor session, we'll simply reschedule to the next available date at no extra cost. I keep an eye on the forecast in the days leading up to your session and will reach out as soon as I can if we need to make a change.
A note to moms
I get that family photo day is probably not your favorite day of the year. Getting everyone dressed and somewhere on time with smiles on is an absolute feat, and let's be honest, a chore. Many husbands aren't exactly thrilled about this day either. But even with all the hassle that can come with a family photo session, my hope is that you have a little fun, and when you see the photos, you think to yourself that it was more than worth all the work you put in.
It's so often the mom who isn't in the photos, but is usually behind the scenes making life and memories happen every day. You deserve this moment in time where you get to be in the pictures too, proof of the love and care you pour out for your family every day. The kids grow in a blink, and pausing to capture the moment you're in right now is always worth it.
Have a question I didn't cover? Send me a message, I'd love to help you plan the perfect family session! Ready to get on the books? Head here to get your session scheduled.
