How to prepare for a family photoshoot

One of the most common questions I get asked by parents when they contact me to book a family photoshoot is ”what shall we do to prepare?”. In this blog, I’ll be answering that question.

I aim to help you prepare for a family photoshoot as best as possible, whether you are already booked in with me or are considering it for the weeks or months ahead.

It can be a completely stress free (and enjoyable!) experience with a little bit of guidance and preparation.

How to prepare for a family photoshoot (and why it’s important)

It may be the first time you have invested in a family photoshoot with a professional photographer, so you don’t quite know what to expect. Or, you may be returning to capture your family as they grow. Either way I am here to help you every step of the way. 

I realise that it can be tricky to know how to prep for family photos, particularly if you’ve never had a professional photoshoot of family before. For this reason, I always give my clients tips and advice beforehand, some of which I’m sharing here.

It's important to me that you know what to expect from your family photoshoot experience in advance. I know from experience that this will help you to feel more relaxed and will help to bring out those natural smiles and expressions that I want to capture for you on the day.

With all that said, let’s get onto the tips!

1. Look at example portraits in my photo gallery

In advance of the photoshoot, it's worth getting everyone in the family together to look at my website. That way, you’ll all get an idea of my style of photography and the type of photos that I’ll be looking to create.

Knowing this, everyone will then be more aware of what is likely to be expected of them on the day of your family portrait session.

From the examples in my family gallery, you’ll see that I will aim to take some family portraits with you all looking to camera and I'll  create lovely relaxed photos showing you all interacting with each other too.

The backdrops to my portraits and the photos themselves will be natural and uncomplicated. We’ll go with the flow with a little gentle guidance from me when needed.   

2. Don’t feel you have to 'pose' for the photos!

I recommend that young school-age children be made aware of the plans for a photoshoot in advance, but don’t put too much pressure on them to perform for the camera. It’s their natural behaviour I’m keen to capture.

Rest assured, although kids of a certain age do tend to force a smile, or show an overly-cheesy grin when they see a camera, I can work around it!

If you have a young baby or toddler, they won’t need to be told about the photoshoot in advance. Just tell them that you’re going to have some fun at the park. They probably won’t even realise I’m there with you, capturing the fun!

Related reading: Celebrate your nearest and dearest with a large family group photoshoot

3. Plan your outfits

To create a cohesive look in the photographs, it's a great idea to plan your outfits so that all in the family group are wearing similar colours and clothes that work well together.

Choose colours that you love and that you like wearing in everyday life, but do try to limit the range of colours in your clothing to no more than three. That way, everyone will look coordinated but not in an artificial way.

If you would like your photos to 'pop' with colour, you could all wear an accent of bright colour if you wish. See the example below where the family incorporated a vibrant purple to great effect. Alternatively, stick to muted pastel colours, blues, greys or whatever suits your family's style and personality.

I’ve written previously about my suggestions for what to wear for outdoor family photoshoots in the Spring and Autumn. Do read those articles (links below) if they coincide with the season that your family photoshoot is planned for, as there are lots of great tips in there including clothing and colour ideas.

For studio shoots, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is! 

Related reading: Spring photoshoot outfit ideas

Related reading:  What to wear for an autumn family photoshoot?

4. What to bring to a family photoshoot

What should you bring with you? If we are exploring the great outdoors, the short answer is...just yourselves!

The more things you have with you, the more you’ll have to carry around, and potentially put down or leave somewhere, during the shoot.

I advise clients to not bring bags if possible. Since the photoshoot typically lasts less than an hour (or less than 30 minutes if you’ve booked a seasonal mini family photoshoot), things like coats and handbags can be left in the car or at home. You won’t need them.

If you have a young family and anticipate needing to bring snacks with you, or a small toy, then of course that’s fine to bring those along.

The other thing to consider is that we often carry all our mobile phones in our jeans or trouser pockets, but this bulks out the pockets and doesn’t look great, certainly not for photographs. If you can bear to be without your phone for a short while, again, leave this at home.  If not, I have room in my camera bag….

If we are in my studio, bags and phones are definitely allowed as there’s space to put them down. You can also bring a different of outfit for yourselves and your children as there’s more scope to change outfits, and try different combinations of clothes. You can also bring any other props that may suit the type of shoot we are doing - for example a special blanket for your baby, or their favourite toy. 

5. Other things to do before your family photoshoot

Other advice I would give on how to prepare for a family photoshoot:

• Ensure that anyone who needs a haircut has had this done at least a few days or up to a week beforehand.

• Mums, you may want to take the opportunity to get your hair and your nails done, and pamper yourself in advance of the shoot - you do want to look your best after all.

• Don’t forget that you may want to iron shirts and trousers as creases can be seen in the photographs. Remember, the portraits we create together may be hanging on your walls at home for many years to come. 

• Plan the journey as well. We’ll likely be meeting at a local location, not far from where you live, but do allow extra time for unanticipated traffic delays just to be sure that you arrive in good time. This will reduce any anxiousness you may feel about being late.

6. Ask me any questions you have

Finally, an open dialogue between you and I is part of the recipe for a successful session, so please do feel free to ask any questions as you prepare for your family photoshoot, however silly they may feel. No question is too small, honestly!

I’d also much rather you tell me if you’re worried or unsure about anything so that I have a chance beforehand to put your mind at rest.   



Here's a recent review from a family I photographed:

"Andrea has done some really beautiful family photos. We couldn't be happier. We'd never had professional photos taken before and our daughter who is quite shy wasn't keen. Andrea immediately put her at ease and made the whole process a really fun experience. We are so happy with the results which really capture Lucie's personality. Thanks so much!"

Book a family photoshoot with me today

As a Yorkshire family photographer, I love to venture outside and go to local beauty spots in and around Leeds, Harrogate, York.

If you’re looking for a photographer who specialises in natural outdoor family photoshoots in the area, I hope that these tips on how to prepare for a family photoshoot have been useful.

I’d love the chance to meet your family and create many precious and timeless portraits of you all, so do contact me today to enquire or book. Did you know you can also purchase a photography gift voucher for yourself or a friend or family member?

I look forward to hearing from you and to starting the planning of your fun family photoshoot together!

Andrea