If you're wondering what to wear for your family photo session, you're definitely not alone—it's the question I get asked most often!

The good news is that you don't need perfectly matching outfits to create beautiful photos. In fact, it's better to coordinate rather than match. Choose a few complementary colors and let each family member wear something that fits their personality while still working together.

A few quick tips:

• Stick to a simple color palette with 2–4 coordinating colors.

• Choose comfortable clothing that you can move around in easily.

• Avoid large logos, graphics, and overly busy patterns.

• Add texture with sweaters, linen, denim, or layered pieces.

• Dress for the location and season of your session.

One helpful trick is to start with Mom's outfit first and build everyone else's look around it. This usually makes coordinating much easier.

Most importantly, wear something that feels like you. Family photos are about capturing genuine connections and real moments—not perfectly styled outfits. When everyone feels comfortable and confident, that naturally shines through in the photos.

Remember, years from now you'll be focused on the smiles, hugs, and memories in your images—not whether everyone's shirt matched perfectly.

If you're bringing little ones to your family photo session, you might be wondering how to prepare them—and whether they'll actually cooperate once the camera comes out.

First, take a deep breath. Kids don't need to sit perfectly still or smile on command to create beautiful family photos. In fact, some of the most meaningful images come from the giggles, cuddles, and little moments in between.

A few simple things can help your session go smoothly:

• Make sure they're well-rested

• Bring a favorite snack or treat

• Talk positively about the session beforehand

• Dress them in comfortable clothing

Try to avoid putting too much pressure on your children before the session. Instead of saying, "You need to smile and behave," tell them you're going to spend some time playing, exploring, and having fun together as a family.

It's also helpful to schedule the session around naps and mealtimes whenever possible. A well-fed, well-rested child is usually much happier in front of the camera.

And if your child has a shy moment, gets distracted, or decides they don't want to smile? That's completely normal. Experienced family photographers expect it and know how to work with children at their own pace.

At the end of the day, family photos aren't about perfection. They're about capturing your family's personality and the stage of life you're in right now. Sometimes the unexpected moments end up becoming the photos you'll cherish the most.

One of the questions families often ask before their session is, "What should we bring with us?"

The good news is that you don't need much! The focus of your session is on your family and the connections you share, not a long list of supplies or props.

That said, a few items can help make the experience more comfortable and stress-free:

• Water bottles

• A favorite snack for the kids

• A small brush or comb

• Wipes for quick cleanups

• A backup outfit for young children

• Any necessary medications

If you're bringing little ones, snacks can be a lifesaver. Choose something that won't stain clothing or leave colorful residue around mouths and hands right before photos.

For babies and toddlers, it's always a good idea to pack a few extra essentials just in case. A spare outfit, diapers, and wipes can help keep things running smoothly if an unexpected mess happens.

Many families ask about props, but in most cases, they're not necessary. The best family photos come from genuine interactions, laughter, hugs, and simply spending time together. If you do have something meaningful you'd like to include—such as a family quilt, a special heirloom, or your dog's favorite leash—feel free to bring it along.

Most importantly, bring a relaxed attitude and a willingness to have fun. The more you focus on enjoying the moment with your family, the more natural and meaningful your photos will be.

At the end of the day, you don't need to pack much. Just bring your family, a few simple essentials, and get ready to make some memories together.

One of the most common questions families ask before booking is, "How long will our photo session take?"

The short answer: most family photography sessions last between 45 and 60 minutes.

That may not sound like a lot of time, but it's usually the perfect amount. It gives us plenty of opportunities to capture a variety of poses, candid moments, and family interactions without anyone feeling rushed or worn out.

The exact length of your session can depend on a few things:

• The age of your children

• The location of the session

• The size of your family

• Whether outfit changes are included

For families with young children, shorter sessions often work best. Little ones tend to have shorter attention spans, and keeping the experience fun and relaxed is usually more important than spending hours in front of the camera.

Don't worry about trying to fit everything into a specific timeframe. Your photographer will guide you through the session and make sure we capture a variety of images along the way.

Many families are surprised by how quickly the time goes by. Once everyone settles in, the session often feels more like a family outing than a photoshoot.

At the end of the day, the goal isn't to spend the most time taking photos—it's to create beautiful images that capture your family's personality and connection. Whether your session lasts 30 minutes or an hour, there's plenty of time to create memories you'll treasure for years to come.

Absolutely!

In fact, I love including family pets in photo sessions whenever possible. They're an important part of the family, and some of the sweetest moments happen when your furry friend joins in on the fun.

Whether it's your dog, cat, horse, or another beloved pet, including them can make your photos feel even more personal and meaningful. After all, they're part of your family's story too.

If you're planning to bring a pet, here are a few things that can help the session run smoothly:

• Bring a leash and waste bags

• Pack a few favorite treats

• Bring water for your pet

• Consider bringing a helper

Having a friend or family member come along can be especially helpful. Once we've captured the photos that include your pet, they can take them for a walk or keep them occupied while we finish the rest of the session.

It's also a good idea to make sure your pet has had some exercise beforehand. A quick walk or play session can help them feel more relaxed and ready for their close-up.

Don't worry if your pet isn't perfectly trained or doesn't sit still for every photo. Some of the best images come from natural interactions—snuggles, tail wags, curious looks, and the genuine connection they share with your family.

At the end of the day, family photography is about capturing the people (and pets!) you love most. If your dog greets you at the door every day, curls up beside you on the couch, or joins your family adventures, I'd be thrilled to include them in your session and help preserve those memories for years to come.

Absolutely!

When you receive your final gallery, you'll have the freedom to print your photos wherever you'd like. Many families enjoy printing images themselves to create albums, wall art, holiday cards, and gifts for loved ones.

You also have the option to order prints directly through me. I work with a professional, high-quality photo lab that produces beautiful prints with accurate colors, sharp detail, and materials designed to last for years.

If you choose to print on your own, just keep in mind that not all print labs are created equal. While some offer excellent results, others can produce prints that look darker, less sharp, or have colors that don't match what you see on your screen.

A few things that can affect print quality include:

• Paper quality

• Color accuracy

• Print sharpness

• Overall durability

If you're unsure where to print your images, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always happy to recommend trusted labs and printing options that will help your photos look their best.

At the end of the day, I want you to enjoy your images for years to come—whether that's through a framed wall portrait, an album on your coffee table, or prints shared with family and friends. If you ever have questions about printing, I'm just a message away and happy to point you in the right direction.

If you're worried about feeling awkward in front of the camera, you're definitely not alone.

In fact, this is one of the most common concerns I hear from clients before their session. The good news? Most people feel this way, and you don't need to know how to pose or act in front of a camera to get beautiful photos.

My job is to guide you every step of the way.

During your session, I won't expect you to stand perfectly still and smile at the camera the entire time. Instead, I'll give you simple prompts and directions that help create natural interactions and genuine moments with your family.

A few things to remember:

• You don't need modeling experience

• I'll guide you through posing

• Focus on your family, not the camera

• Natural moments make the best photos

Most families tell me they feel nervous for the first few minutes, but once we get started, those feelings quickly fade away. Before long, you're focused on laughing with your kids, cuddling your little ones, or enjoying time together instead of thinking about the camera.

And honestly, some of the best photos happen in between the poses—the little laughs, the hugs, the playful moments, and the genuine connections that can't be staged.

So if you're feeling a little camera shy, don't worry. I've got you covered. My goal is to make your session feel relaxed, fun, and stress-free so you can simply enjoy spending time with the people you love most.

At the end of the day, you don't need to be photogenic or perfectly posed. You just need to show up as yourself. That's where the magic happens.