15 Tips For Amazing Family Photos

I believe in photos. We take plenty of photos on our phones, but there is something really special about hiring a photographer to capture your family in this season of life. Yes, professional photos can be expensive. And yes, they can be a little stressful. But with the right prep, they are so worth it.

Here are my best tips to help your family photos turn out amazing.

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1. Find the right photographer

Spend some time looking through local photographers’ portfolios. Pay attention to lighting, editing style, and how they photograph kids. You want someone whose work you already love, so there are no surprises later.

2. Decide between a mini session or a full session

This choice really matters. Mini sessions are usually 20 to 25 minutes, while full sessions are closer to an hour.

Know your family. Some kids do great with quick sessions. Others need time to warm up. At our last shoot, Rowan cried with his fingers in his mouth for the first 20 minutes. We needed the full hour. Choose what works best for your crew.

3. Book your session in advance

I like having at least a month to plan. That gives you time to think through outfits, locations, and any last-minute details without feeling rushed.

4. Plan mom’s outfit first

Let’s be honest. Mom’s outfit usually takes the longest. Start with yourself.

I almost always recommend a dress, but comfort matters most. If jeans, pants, or even leggings feel more like you, wear them. Once your outfit is set, the rest of the family usually falls into place much more easily.

5. Skip the matchy-matchy look

Think coordinated, not identical. Matching shirts and jeans had their moment in the 90s, but now mixing colors and textures looks much more natural and modern.

For one shoot, I wore a burnt-orange floral dress, Brady wore a solid gray flannel, and Rowan wore a maroon button-down. It was more color than I usually wear, but it worked beautifully together.

6. Consider the location when choosing outfits

The location and outfits work together. One year, we took photos in a wooded area with lots of dark greens and browns, so we wore grays, whites, and blacks.

Another year, we were in a bright, open golden field, so warmer tones made more sense. Keep the setting in mind when choosing colors.

7. Make sure everyone is comfortable

If someone is uncomfortable, it will show in the photos. Make sure clothes fit well, shoes are easy to walk in, and nothing is itchy or annoying.

8. Choose a location your photographer knows well

I usually let the photographer guide this decision. They know where the light is best and which spots photograph well at certain times of day.

9. Think about your home decor

If you plan to hang these photos in your home, think about your decor and color palette. Our home is pretty neutral, so most colors work, but this can help narrow down outfit choices.

10. Give yourself plenty of time on photo day

Do not rush. Our last session was at 4:40 pm and was about 30 minutes away. I started getting ready around 2 pm while Rowan napped.

Take your time. Put on music. Light a candle. Do whatever helps you feel relaxed and confident.

11. Go in with low expectations

This one is big. Kids are unpredictable. Toddlers especially.

I also always have this unrealistic idea that our photos will look like a Free People ad. There are two problems with that. One, there are never kids in those ads. Two, I am not a model.

Trust your photographer. They know how to work with chaos, moods, and fingers in mouths.

12. Roll with the imperfections

Yes, those fingers might be annoying. But the photos go on. Sometimes the imperfect moments end up being the most real and meaningful.

13. Bring snacks and treats

Snacks are everything. We usually bring something special that feels like a treat. Mini gummy bears are a favorite. I like to involve the kids and explain why we’re buying them so they feel excited and included.

14. Have fun and be yourselves

Play, laugh, dance, and talk to each other. These photos should reflect your family’s personality, not stiff poses and forced smiles.

15. Communicate with your photographer

Share your ideas, concerns, and must-have shots. These photos are for you, and good communication makes a huge difference.

I hope these tips help you feel more prepared and relaxed going into your next family photo session. You’ve got this, even if someone cries, snacks are bribed, or fingers end up in mouths.