imagine you've finally booked your family photo session.
You’ve found a photographer, scheduled your family photo session date, and have a general idea in mind for your family photo session wardrobe plans. So it’s basically coasting from here, right? Welllll…. not so much - but I promise it’s for a good reason.
For better or for worse, looking back at a photo transports you right back to the moment it was taken. So if you and your crew are feeling frazzled, stressed, and pressed for time at your family photo session, that’s not only going to show up in your photos, but also impact your enjoyment of those images each and every time you see them. (The good news is that showing up relaxed-ish, prepared, and giving yourself grace for handling those inevitable curveballs the best you can will also be relived 🙌🏼 And, I've got just the thing to help you make this happen.)
As they say, and ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So with that mindset front and center, keep reading for a rundown on all the things you’ll need to ensure smooth sailing and high vibes heading into the day of your family photo session.
Here's your high-vibe family photo session checklist:
general family photo session preparation
- Clear your calendar: make sure your family photo session date is relatively light on other engagements
- Complete your family photo session pre-session questionnaire and/or consultation w your photographer
2 weeks+ before your family photo session:
- Have your wardrobe lined up, including accessories (with backup options available for everyone, just in case)
at least one week before your family photo session:
- Decide on a handful of non-stainy, non-crumby snacks and buy them (fruit snacks, fruit leathers, dried fruit, etc.)
- Drink lots of water daily leading up to your family photo session (your hair and skin will thank you!)
- Make sure your schedule is still breezy for the your family photo session day, and move any nonessential engagements
- Wash, dry, and hang all clothing you plan to wear for your family photo session
the day before your family photo session:
- Pack a bag with:
- Extra clothes
- Snacks
- Wet wipes
- Sanitizer
- Water bottles
- Toys (If your kids have neutral/textured toys that will photograph well, bring those! Other suggestions are any highly meaningful toys like loveys or blankets. Sensory-seeking kiddos can benefit from carrying a small fidget or trinket in their pocket.)
- Put that bag in the car 😉
- Pack any wagons, strollers, and/or baby carriers that you plan to bring
- Keep drinking that water!
- Go to sleep at a reasonable hour
The day of your family photo session:
- Say nice things to each other all day 😊 (Truly! Look for the little things you appreciate and communicate them out loud when you see them.)
- Make sure little ones get their naps
- Make sure everyone is fed before the session, then dressed
- Leave with plenty of time on the clock
- Especially if your little ones struggle with rebounding after car naps, make sure to build in some buffer time
Setting aside the intention to connect and be fully present the entire day of your family photo session has a super awesome byproduct of actually FEELING that connection with your family instead of faking it and going through the motions. With some preparation and mindset work on the front end, your family photo session can transform from a stressful "obligation" to a beautiful opportunity to spend some quality time with your family while creating beautiful art. Click below to download your pre-session checklist! (And, if you haven't booked your family photo session yet, you can do that here.) Can't wait to see you and create some art with you and your crew 💫)
