How to prepare for your outdoor family photo session
If you’re feeling a little nervous about your upcoming family photos—you’re not alone. It’s completely normal to wonder if your kids will cooperate, if your outfits will come together, or if it will all feel a little awkward. But take a deep breath—you don’t have to have it all figured out.
As your Erie family photographer, my goal is to give you everything you need to feel prepared for your outdoor family photo session—without overwhelming you in the process.
This guide will help you (and your family) feel more at ease by walking you through how to prepare, what to expect, and why perfection isn’t the goal. Instead, we’ll focus on making your time in front of the camera feel relaxed, meaningful, and even fun.
Because yes—it really can be fun.
And I’ll be there to guide you every step of the way, so you can show up as you are and enjoy the experience. A little preparation now can go a long way toward easing any stress or worry you may be feeling about your family session.
How to prep your family for photos
You know your family best—and that includes knowing how much (or how little) to share ahead of time. Some people feel more at ease when they know exactly what’s coming. Others do better with a simple, low-key explanation.
Here are a few ways to help everyone feel comfortable and ready for your outdoor family photo session:
Keep it simple for the kids
There’s no need to rehearse or give a long talk about how they’ll need to “behave.” Simply let them know you’re meeting a new friend—that’s me—who will take photos of your family with her big camera at the park (or other session location). And that on the way home, you’ll stop for ice cream (or another favorite treat) to celebrate.
While it’s tempting to coach them to smile or remind them to look at the camera, we’re not after stiff expressions—we want the real stuff: the laughter, the snuggles, and those moments happen when they’re just being themselves, not thinking about smiling on cue.
Help the adults feel confident
Let’s be honest—sometimes the grown-ups are more nervous than the kids. If your partner or family members are feeling unsure, let them know there’s no pressure to pose or perform. I’ll guide everyone with easy, playful prompts so you can simply enjoy being together.
It can help to talk ahead of time about using gentle redirection rather than discipline if the kids get distracted—both while you’re getting ready and during the session. A quick, lighthearted reset keeps the mood upbeat and helps avoid anyone getting grumpy. The most meaningful photos happen when everyone’s relaxed, engaged, and having fun together.
What to prep ahead of time
When you’re prepared, you feel more relaxed. Let’s do what we can to avoid a last-minute scramble trying to get everything pulled together. A little planning now will set you up for a smooth, enjoyable experience on the day of your outdoor family photo session.
- Outfits ready to go — Make sure everyone is happy with what they’ll be wearing. Have items washed and pressed ahead of time, and set them aside until it’s time to get dressed.
- Hair and makeup time — Schedule time to get yourself ready so you don’t feel rushed.
- Travel plan — Know exactly where you’re going and how long it will take to get there.
- Bag of essentials — Pack anything you think you might need: a favorite toy, blanket, wipes, a secret stash of non-messy snacks for an emergency, diapers.
- Adjusted routines — If needed, shift meal or nap times so no one arrives hungry or cranky.
- Treat after the session — Plan something everyone can look forward to, no matter how the session goes. This isn’t a “reward for behaving”—it’s simply part of making the day feel special.
- Laughter cues — Think of things that always make your kids laugh. This works especially well for getting natural expressions during their individual photos.
Recommended snacks:
- Grapes (cut in half)
- Apple slices
- Cheerios
Messy snacks:
- Chocolate (melts and stains)
- Berries (stains clothing and fingers)
- Crackers (sticks to teeth)
How to have a carefree family photography session
It’s completely normal for parents to worry that their kids won’t cooperate during the photo shoot—that they’ll refuse to smile or follow directions. But here’s the thing: sometimes kids have other ideas, and that’s okay.
If the expectation is that they must behave perfectly in order to get a treat afterward, they may start to see the session as something to dread. Or they might worry about doing the “wrong” thing, which can lead to stiff smiles instead of relaxed, genuine expressions.
The best thing you can do is show up with a carefree attitude. I know this is easier said than done—especially if anyone is feeling unsure. But as a mom of four, I can promise you I’ve pretty much seen it all.
This doesn’t mean it’s a free-for-all. The best family photography sessions happen when parents are able to go with the flow—redirecting their kids instead of disciplining. Laugh when they make a silly face instead of scowling. Catch and twirl them when they want to run off. Play along with their curiosity.
Make it a game: You’re the cutest thing I’ve ever seen, and I’m the world’s coolest parent.
The goal is to keep the energy light so no one shuts down because they got in trouble, or feels self-conscious about their smile—or about “not doing it right.” The most memorable photos are often the ones where things aren’t perfect—where someone’s hair is windblown, a little hand is reaching for yours, or the laughter is too big to be posed. That’s the beauty we’re here to capture. And when everyone feels relaxed, the photos reflect it—full of joy, movement, and connection.
What to expect at the family photo shoot
Give yourselves time
Most of us feel a little nervous or uncomfortable in front of the camera at first. Give yourself—and your family—at least 20 minutes to get settled, especially if anyone doesn’t do well in unfamiliar situations. I’ll ease you into it, and before long, you’ll be relaxed and enjoying this time together.
Show your love
Pick up your kids or wrap your arms around them. Give them kisses and cuddles. Embrace your partner, gaze lovingly at them—steal a smooch. Laugh and snuggle. Do all the things that help me capture the joy, love, and connection of your family—whatever feels most natural to you.
Make room for fun
I’ll guide you every step of the way with playful prompts. They’re not meant to be followed exactly—think of them as starting points that naturally unfold and let personalities shine through. I want you to be yourselves, letting go of perfection and simply enjoying the moment.
Gently redirect
This one is worth repeating: I don’t expect your kids to be perfectly behaved during our time together. If they say something silly or have their own ideas, a gentle redirection with a smile keeps the mood light. A scolding can quickly change the energy, and the goal is to keep everyone relaxed and engaged.
Mix it up
Most family sessions last about an hour. While I always make time for a few traditional “everyone smiling at the camera” shots, we’ll also capture a variety of combinations—each parent with the kids, just the kids together, each child individually, and the parents alone. This mix gives you a gallery that feels complete, tells your family’s story from every angle, and gives everyone a little break. You’ll be surprised how quickly the time goes—and how much fun you have along the way.
Embrace the chaos
Sessions—especially with big families or young kids—often feel a little hectic. One child wants to be held, the other doesn’t; you’re giving cuddles while your partner is redirecting. You might even wonder if we’re getting anything good.
Here’s the truth: that lighthearted chaos is part of what makes your session unique. Those in-between moments—the giggles, the twirls, the off-script interactions—often create the most heart-tugging photos. All you have to do is stay present, keep smiling, and let the moments unfold. 🙂
Let’s recap!
Here’s what to remember when thinking about how to prepare for your outdoor family photo session:
- Keep it light — Share just enough with your kids to get them curious and excited, not stressed.
- Be ready ahead of time — Outfits, snacks, and travel plans sorted before the big day.
- Redirect, don’t discipline — A gentle reset keeps everyone in the moment and enjoying themselves.
- Enjoy the chaos — Those little in-between moments often turn into the photos you treasure most.
Before you go…
One of the most common questions I get is, “What should we wear?” Your outfit choices can make a big difference in how your photos feel, and the good news is—you don’t need to overthink it.
I’ve put together a guide that walks you through choosing outfits that feel good, fit well, look good on camera, and reflect your family’s personality. You can read it here: What to wear for your family photos.
