Fall is approaching, which means it’s almost time for the annual family photoshoot. Cue the sighs and eye rolls and “do we have to?” from the family. I get it! No one wants to get dressed up in uncomfortable clothes and stand still with a fake smile while the photographer does their thing. Plus it’s hard to find the time to put outfits together so everyone looks good (not to mention the effort it will take to keep your kids from goofing off the entire time). But family photos don’t have to be boring or stressful! While it may never be your family’s favorite thing to do, I have some tips to make things a little easier on everyone for photo day!

Choose comfortable clothes that reflect personal style for everyone in the family

I’ve heard from so many of my families how choosing wardrobe for their session is one of the most stressful things but it doesn’t have to be. Ultimately, you want everyone to be comfortable in something that they feel like they look good in. I wrote a blog post about this not too long ago but if you’re in TL;DR mode, the short version is to find something that you love for yourself and build the rest of the family wardrobe around that, using colors from your chosen outfit (or complementary colors, if you’re going with something solid). Stay away from itchy things (like lace) for kids unless you have a child who isn’t bothered by it. If you have kids (or husbands) who are particular about what they want to wear, include them in the discussion or have them bring an extra outfit to take a few pictures in when you’re done with family photos. Everyone wants to feel like they look good and wearing comfy clothes that fit their style will go a long way toward getting everyone’s buy-in.

2. Fill out my questionnaire and schedule your phone consultation so we can make this session perfect for your family

My questionnaires are designed to learn all about your family so that your session best reflects you all and your special relationships with each other. After I get your questionnaire back, we will have a quick phone call to discuss details (like location) and plan activities for your session. Sometimes, especially if the kids are older, we don’t need to plan much. I always have a few fun “games” to get everyone laughing and connecting (that even the teenagers seem to have a good time playing). But if you have little ones, bringing a few activities to your session will help keep them engaged. Bubbles and reading books on a blanket together are easy and require little prep ahead of time. No matter what age your kids are, be prepared to get close (like, really close). The families I photograph aren’t afraid to hug and snuggle and be themselves with each other.

Family of six playing games in a field in Odessa

3. Be prepared to relax and let me take care of everything

My sessions are relaxed and super chill because this is what creates images where families are connecting in a beautiful, authentic way. Unless it’s a safety issue, just let your kids be kids. If I feel like the session isn’t going the way I want it to, we’ll change course and do something else. There’s no need to threaten time-outs or even bribe with ice cream…it just adds pressure, which can make the images seem forced. Enjoy spending time with your family and don’t worry if your two-year-old refuses to look at the camera. Trust me to get images you will love and remember that some of the best pictures are when you are looking at each other, not at me.

My mission with every family photo session is to make it as fun and stress-free as possible. I am available to help with whatever you need, from helping with wardrobe to choosing a location to deciding on activities for your family. By preparing so much ahead of time, all that’s left to do on the big day is just enjoy your people. Really. That’s all you have to do.