How to Prepare for a Family Portrait Session

Family portraits are one of the few photographs most households actually print and keep. They are also the sessions that can go sideways: a toddler decides he is finished after five minutes, someone has forgotten their shoes, and the one teenager would rather be anywhere else. The good news is that a little planning removes most of these problems. These family portrait session tips walk you through what to do in the weeks before, on the morning itself, and during the shoot.

Step 1: Decide what you want from the pictures

Start with a simple question: where will these photographs live? A large print above the fireplace needs a different approach from a set of casual images for a family album or a card to send relatives.

Talk it through with your photographer. Agree whether you want formal, posed groups, relaxed lifestyle shots or a mix. Mention any particular combinations you need, such as grandparents with each grandchild, siblings together, or a couple alone. Writing a short list of must-have shots keeps the session focused and means nobody is missed.

Step 2: Choose the right time and place

Time of day

For outdoor sessions, soft light in the morning or late afternoon is more flattering than harsh midday sun. Your photographer will usually advise on timing. If you have young children, though, think about their routine too. Book around nap times and meals. A well-rested, fed child is worth more than perfect golden light.

Location

Pick somewhere that means something or that simply works. Options include:

• A local park or woodland: Space for children to move and plenty of natural backdrops.
• The family home: Familiar and relaxed, which helps shy children. Good for candid, everyday moments.
• A beach or countryside spot: Beautiful but check access, parking and the weather.
• A studio: Controlled light and no weather risk, useful in winter or for very formal portraits.

Consider practical details. Is there a toilet nearby? Is the walk from the car manageable with grandparents or a buggy? Is permission needed to photograph there?

Plan for the weather

Ask your photographer about a backup plan, whether that is an alternative date or an indoor option. Overcast days can be excellent for portraits, so a bit of cloud is not a disaster.

Step 3: Sort out what everyone will wear

Clothing choices affect the whole feel of the pictures. The aim is a cohesive look without being matchy-matchy.

• Pick a colour palette. Two or three complementary colours, such as navy, cream and soft green, work better than everyone in the same shade.
• Avoid big logos and loud patterns. They pull attention from faces and can date a picture quickly.
• Mix textures, not just colours. Knitwear, denim, linen and cotton add depth.
• Make sure everything fits. Clothes that pinch, gape or ride up are noticeable and uncomfortable.
• Think about the setting. Bright colours might clash with a green park, while neutral tones may blend into a sandy beach.
• Bring a spare outfit for little ones. Spills happen.

Lay the outfits out together the day before to see how they look as a group. Check shoes too, since they appear in full-length pictures. Layers, such as cardigans and scarves, are handy for changing the look mid-session.

Step 4: Prepare the children

Children are the biggest variable, and the way you talk about the session shapes their mood.

1. Explain it simply. Tell them it is a fun morning with someone who takes pictures, not a test.
2. Skip the bribes that become pressure. Offering a treat for “good behaviour” can add stress. A promise of a small celebration afterwards works better.
3. Pack snacks and drinks. Choose tidy ones that will not stain clothes or faces, and keep them for breaks.
4. Bring a favourite toy or comfort item. It can calm a wobbly moment, and the photographer can often work it into a picture.
5. Let them move. Short bursts of activity between posed shots help restless children settle.
6. Allow extra time. A session with toddlers should never be rushed.

With teenagers, involve them in the planning. Letting them choose an outfit within the palette, or suggest a location, makes them more willing to take part. For babies, keep the room warm if you are indoors, and time the session after a feed.

Step 5: Look after yourselves

Parents often forget themselves. Get a good night’s sleep if you can, drink water and eat before you go. Feeling hungry or hurried shows in your face. Have a simple haircut or grooming done a few days earlier rather than the day before, so you have time to feel comfortable with it.

If you are anxious about being photographed, tell the photographer. It is very common, and they will know ways to help, such as starting with children’s pictures while you settle in.

Step 6: Pack a small kit

A compact bag helps you handle the unexpected.

• Wet wipes, tissues and a small towel
• Hairbrush, hair ties and clips
• Lint roller for dark clothing
• Water and tidy snacks
• Sun cream or an umbrella, depending on forecast
• Spare socks or shoes, particularly for beaches and muddy parks
• A fully charged phone, for contact and for any reference pictures you want to share

Step 7: On the day

Arrive a few minutes early so nobody is rushing. Greet the photographer, talk through the plan and mention anything they should know, such as a child who needs extra warm-up time.

During the shoot, try the following:

• Follow the photographer’s lead. They will suggest poses and moves; trust them.
• Be present rather than posed. Playing, hugging and laughing produce the pictures families love most.
• Don’t give commands to children from behind the camera. Constant “smile!” or “look here!” can create forced expressions. Let the photographer manage attention.
• Stay flexible. If a child needs a break, take it. Often the best pictures arrive after a reset.
• Keep it moving. Short sessions with plenty of variety suit children better than long periods of sitting.

A few poses that tend to work are walking together holding hands, a group sitting on a blanket, parents lifting or cuddling children, and relaxed shots of everyone looking at one another rather than the lens. For guidance on easing stiffness in front of the camera, our article on posing naturally may help.

Step 8: Afterwards

Ask the photographer when you can expect your gallery and how you will receive it. Choose a few favourites to print or put into an album, since images stored only on a device are easy to forget. Back up the files in more than one place.

If you have questions about usage, print sizes or copyright, raise them with the photographer. Our session FAQs cover the common ones.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Overplanning the poses. A rigid script leaves little room for natural moments.
• Outfit surprises on the day. Try things on beforehand.
• Cramming too many requests into a short session. Prioritise.
• Ignoring the youngest or oldest family members’ comfort. Seating and rest breaks matter.
• Comparing yourselves to images online. Every family is different, and your photographs only need to look like you.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a family portrait session last?

It varies with the age of the children and the setting. Many photographers suggest around an hour for outdoor family sessions, with shorter ones for babies and toddlers. Ask your photographer for their recommendation.

What should we wear for family photos?

Choose a coordinated palette of two or three colours, avoid large logos and bold patterns and make sure everything fits comfortably. Layers and different textures add visual interest.

How do I get my toddler to cooperate?

Schedule the session after a nap and meal, bring a favourite toy, allow breaks and accept that a few shots may be of them in motion. Playfulness works better than insisting.

Should we do it at home or outdoors?

Both work. Home is comfortable and familiar, which suits younger children. Outdoors offers variety and natural light. A studio is dependable in poor weather.

Final thoughts

A good family portrait session comes from clarity, comfort and flexibility. Decide what you want, choose practical timing and clothes, prepare the children gently and let the day unfold. You are not aiming for perfection, just a genuine record of your family as it is right now.

Hiring a Photographer: What to Know Before You Book
How to Pose Naturally in Front of a Camera