How to Prepare for a Family Photo Session

March 9, 2026

How to Prepare for Family Photos | 5 Simple Tips from a Family Photographer

Preparing for family photos can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be!

As a Northern Virginia family photographer with over ten years of experience, I guide parents through the process of how to prepare for a family photo session every week. Over the past decade, I’ve learned that the best sessions are not the most “perfect” ones. Instead, they are the ones where families arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy time together.

So if you’re wondering how to prepare for a family photo session, keep reading!

1. Plan Your Outfits Early

First, plan your outfits well in advance.

One of the biggest mistakes I see families make is waiting until the last minute and that thing you ordered on Amazon that you hoped would fit does not. As a result, parents often feel rushed the day before their session. The last thing you want to be doing the week of your session is going shopping hoping to find the perfect piece to complete the look.

How to prepare for family photos | Tips from Melissa Sheridan, Northern Virginia Family Photographer

Instead, start planning a few weeks ahead. This gives you time to choose pieces that coordinate well and feel comfortable.

To help my clients, I send a wardrobe guide and lookbook filled with outfit inspiration. I also offer a client closet with dresses available for sessions.

Most importantly, choose clothing that feels natural for your family. When everyone feels comfortable, photos look more relaxed and genuine.

Want more tips on what to wear? Check out these posts:

2. Keep the Day of Your Session Calm

Next, try to keep the day of your session simple and under-scheduled if possible.

Sometimes families schedule too many activities before photos. For example, kids may come straight from sports practice, birthday parties, or long outings. Then by the time the session begins, children are often tired or overwhelmed and so not into the session.

family photo at Manassas National Battlefield, Northern VA

Instead, plan a slower day for your family if possible. Give everyone time to get ready without rushing.

I also recommend a few simple things:

Feed your kids before the session
Bring a small snack or favorite toy if needed
Leave extra time for getting ready

When families arrive calm, the entire session feels easier.

3. Don’t Expect Perfect Behavior from Kids

Another important tip is to adjust expectations. Many parents worry their children won’t behave perfectly for photos. However, kids rarely act differently just because a camera is present. And honestly, they don’t need to!

Old Town Alexandria Family Photo Session | Melissa Sheridan Photography

Family sessions are designed for movement, play, and personality. The goal is not perfect behavior. Instead, the goal is connection. Some of the best images happen when kids are simply being themselves.

4. Trust the Process During Your Session

At the beginning of every session, I always say the same thing.

It may feel a little awkward at first. After all, most of us are not used to being in front of the camera.

So we start with a few simple posed photos. This helps everyone ease into the session.

bright and airy family photo at Green Spring Gardens by Melissa Sheridan, Northern Virginia Family Photographer

Then, we transition into more natural moments using prompts like:

walking together
kids running into dad’s arms
playful movement and interaction

If a child needs a break, that’s completely fine. We can pause, explore another part of the location, or simply reset.

Because of this flexible approach, families usually relax quickly.

5. Let Your Family Be Exactly Who They Are

Finally, remember the most important mindset shift: your family does not need to be perfect.

If your child is shy, clingy, talkative, or full of energy, that’s okay! Those things are part of your family story.

I once photographed a cherry blossom mini session where a two-year-old was upset for most of the session. His mom later emailed me worried the entire session had been wasted. However, the photos were beautiful. In fact, she loved them so much she later booked a full family session!

Moments like this happen all the time. What feels chaotic in the moment often becomes the most meaningful images.

So instead of aiming for perfection, focus on being present with your family.

The Secret to Beautiful Family Photos

I hope you found these five tips on how to prepare for a family photo session useful!

The best family photos are not stiff or overly posed. Instead, they’re honest. They show the way your child hugs you – they show laughter, movement, and connection.