Having photographed families for nearly nine years, I’ve learned a few secrets for making your photo session the best it can be. Here are three things to avoid in your photo session — and what to do instead — to ensure an amazing photo experience!
3 Things to Avoid in Your Photo Session
(and What to Do Instead)
1. Booking Last Minute
Life happens, and booking in advance isn’t always top of mind. Busy schedules, holiday planning, or simply forgetting can mean that those newborn photos or Christmas card sessions get pushed to the last minute. But here’s the reality: as a seasoned photographer, my calendar fills up quickly, usually a month or two in advance. I’m often fully booked for popular seasons like fall, spring and holidays. Last year, for example, my fall mini-sessions sold out weeks in advance, so when October hit, I couldn’t accommodate any more last-minute requests.
Booking in advance is especially important for timely photography needs like maternity, newborn, or military promotion/retirement events that only have a small window to capture. I always recommend booking newborn sessions three months in advance to ensure I can accommodate your due date.
What to do instead: Plan ahead! If you know you’d love family photos during the holidays or when extended family is in town, try to book as soon as possible — even a season ahead. The earlier you reach out, the more flexible and personalized I can make your experience.
2. Not Putting Thought Into What You Wear
One of the most crucial parts of a beautiful family photo is a well-coordinated wardrobe. What you wear affects the overall look and feel of your photos, and a little planning can make a world of difference. When outfits are mismatched, overly bright, or patterned in clashing ways, it can draw attention away from your family’s expressions and emotions. On the other hand, coordinating colors, textures, and styles can help make your photos look timeless, harmonious, and focused on you.
Here’s a great example of a family who coordinated their color pallet among everyone involved.
What to do instead: Take some time to plan outfits that complement each other without being overly matchy. Stick to a color palette of a few soft, neutral tones and add a pop of color if desired. Avoid logos and busy patterns that might draw the eye away from the people in the photo. I’m happy to provide guidance on outfits to make sure you and your family feel comfortable and look cohesive. And remember, you don’t have to buy new clothes for everyone—simple coordination with what you already have can work beautifully!
Want more tips? See these posts:
- What To Wear For Family Photos
- What to Wear for Engagement Photos
- What to Wear for Spring Family Pictures
- Family Photo Outfit Tips for Fall & Winter
3. Showing Up with a Bad Attitude
The best photos come from genuine smiles and connection, so a positive mindset is essential. I know life is busy, and it’s easy to feel rushed or stressed on the day of the session. But if you or a family member arrives feeling frustrated or tense, it can come across in the photos. Children especially pick up on moods, and they may feel less excited or cooperative if they sense your tension.
A lot of my images rely on interaction, having fun, and not always perfect “smile and look at the camera” poses. If you hope to have joyful candid images, go with the flow, play, have fun and don’t worry about looking at the camera or your toddler staying in place the entire time. I like photo sessions to unfold naturally – the results are always beautiful!
One of the most common mistakes I see parents make is trying to get their children to look at me or smile, even when the kids aren’t feeling it. It’s natural to want those classic smiles and eye contact — we’ve all been trained to “smile for the camera” — but I promise, I’ll guide you every step of the way! Even if it feels like your child isn’t cooperating, following my lead will help create beautiful, natural moments.
If a child isn’t in the mood for formal poses, I switch things up with fun games and candid shots instead. These spontaneous moments often capture genuine joy and personality, resulting in photos that you’ll love even more than a posed shot!
What to do instead: Approach your session with a spirit of fun and openness. Set aside any pre-session stress and focus on just being present with your family. Take a few deep breaths, play a favorite song in the car on the way over, or treat the session as a fun family outing. When everyone shows up relaxed and ready to enjoy the moment, it allows for a much more joyful and authentic experience, resulting in photos that capture your family’s true personality and happiness.
By following these things to avoid in your photo session, it can truly transform your session and ensure that you get the best images to cherish for years to come!
xo Melissa
Melissa Sheridan is a family and newborn photographer based in Alexandria, Virginia, capturing the heart of families across the Washington, D.C. area. Known for her bright, colorful, and candid style, Melissa creates timeless images that beautifully reflect each unique season in your family’s journey. Inquire with her for more information on booking your own photo session. To see more of her work, check her latest posts on Instagram.
