Guest Post by PBA Erin Cruise
Family photo sessions are one of those things that sound simple in theory - get everyone dressed, smile, snap a few photos, done. But if you’ve ever been the mom coordinating the outfits, wrangling toddlers, bribing with snacks, and trying not to sweat through your nice dress… you know it’s a little more complicated than that.
But here’s the truth: your family photo session doesn’t have to be a high-stress production. It can be joyful. It can be relaxed. And most importantly, it can feel authentic to you and your family while still resulting in beautiful photos.
As a photographer who’s worked with hundreds of families, I’ve learned that the best sessions aren’t the ones where everyone’s perfectly posed. They’re the ones where families are comfortable, connected, and open to letting their kids just be kids. So whether you’re prepping for a mommy and me session, your yearly family portraits, or just want to capture your current season of life, here are my top tips for having a smoother, more authentic experience - with plenty of candid moments along the way.
Trust the Process, Savor the Moment
Mommas, you have one job during photo sessions and that’s to have fun with your family! You don’t need to have all the poses figured out, or remind your kids to smile every two seconds. Your role is simply to be in the moment - to laugh, to play, to hold your little ones close, and enjoy the process.
When you’re relaxed and engaged, your kids will feel it too, and that’s when the most beautiful, genuine moments unfold. Whether it’s a spontaneous giggle, a close cuddle, or a sweet glance between you and your partner, those are the kinds of memories that truly shine in photos. Even that classic “everyone smiling at the camera” shot we know and all love, will often happen naturally when everyone’s having a good time.
And remember, you’re not doing this alone. Your photographer will be there to guide you through the whole process. A great photographer knows how to gently direct your family while keeping the energy light and comfortable. They’ll help draw out your natural dynamics and capture the spirit of your family without forcing anything. When you can trust them to lead, you get to focus on what matters most: having fun and making memories. (We’ll talk more about choosing the right photographer for your family later on!)
Coordinated, Comfortable, and Camera-Ready
Coordinated outfits can absolutely elevate the look of your photos, but it’s important that everyone feels comfortable and confident in what they’re wearing.
Start by thinking about comfort. If your child is tugging at a scratchy sweater or shivering in short sleeves, it’s going to be tough for them to relax and enjoy the moment. Choose clothing that feels good on, allows for movement, and makes sense for the weather, because let’s be honest, a freezing kid isn’t going to be in the mood to smile, no matter how cute their outfit is.
Confidence matters, too. When you feel good in what you're wearing, it shows in your body language and your smile. Pick something that makes you feel like the best version of yourself, no need to match your family perfectly, but aim for colors and styles that complement each other.
Need outfit ideas? Pinterest is your best friend. Search for "family photo outfit ideas" and you’ll find inspiration for every season, color palette, and age range. Save a few looks you love, and use them as a starting point to build your own.
Pro tip: Lay everything out a few days before, do a quick try-on, and make sure no one has mysteriously outgrown their shoes overnight.
Set Your Kids Up for Success
A little preparation goes a long way, especially when it comes to helping your kids be ready for the session.
For younger children, start talking about the session a few days in advance. Keep it positive and simple: “We’re going to take some fun family photos together!” or “We’ll play, snuggle, and maybe even dance a little.” Tell them about the location and what you might see there. If you’re excited, they’ll be excited!
On the day of your session, pack like you would for any other family outing. Bring water, non-messy snacks (think: crackers, cheerios or fruit snacks), and anything that helps your child feel comfortable. If there’s a favorite stuffed animal, small toy, or blanket that brings them peace, it’s more than welcome. Sometimes just having something like that nearby can ease nerves.
Does your child have a favorite song? Ask your photographer if you can play it during the session. Music can work wonders for loosening up the vibe and getting natural smiles.
And finally, remember this: not every moment needs to be camera-ready. If your child is feeling shy, overwhelmed, or needs a break, that’s okay. The best sessions are the ones that meet your family members where they’re at, and a good photographer will roll with it.
You know your child best. Trust your instincts, bring the things that make them feel safe and happy, and know that some of the sweetest moments come from just letting them be themselves.
Choosing the Right Photographer
Choosing the right photographer is the key to ensure a smooth, joy-filled photo session. That doesn’t just mean someone who takes beautiful pictures (though that’s a must!), it also means someone whose style, energy, and approach align with what you’re hoping to capture.
Spend some time browsing portfolios. Do their images feel relaxed and joyful? Do they show a range of real moments: snuggles, laughter, connection? Can you picture your own family in those photos? Does their editing style match your preferences?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions before booking:
- - How do you typically guide a session?
- - What’s your approach with young kids?
- - Do you help with posing or keep things more candid?
The more aligned you are with your photographer’s style and vibe, the more confident and relaxed you’ll feel on the day of the session.
And once you’ve booked? Help your photographer get to know your family! Let them know things like:
- - Your kids’ names and ages
- - Any personality quirks or sensitivities (like shyness, high energy, sensory needs, etc.)
- - If there’s a particular photo or types of photos you’re hoping for. (I’m always happy when clients send me their Pinterest boards with all of their ideas! I can’t promise we’ll be able to achieve every single one but it helps me know how to better prepare and direct the session.)
Sharing those kinds of details helps your photographer show up prepared to capture the things that matter most to you. They’ll come into your session with a clear vision and a better understanding of how to make your family feel at ease.
When you love their style and vibe, you can see your family in their photos, and you feel confident in their ability, you’ll be able to trust them during the session. Having your trust will allow them to do what they do best!
Frame It, Print It, Gift It
You’ve made the effort, coordinated the outfits, showed up, snuggled, laughed, and had those beautiful moments captured and now the gallery hits your inbox. What’s next? Well obviously you download your favorites, and you might post them or share them with family and friends. But then are they just going to sit on your phone forever? Nope. Consider printing them.
Printing your photos turns those fleeting memories into family heirlooms that your family can enjoy for years to come. Whether it’s a framed print on your nightstand, a gallery wall in your hallway, or a photo book your kids flip through with sticky fingers, having your images out in the open keeps the memories alive.
You don’t need to go big or overthink it. Start with a few favorites, a moment that captures your family’s bond, a silly expression you never want to forget, or that one perfect hug. There’s something incredibly special about walking past a photo on the wall and instantly remembering how it felt to be in that stage of life.
And hey, with Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect opportunity to turn those moments into a meaningful gift. A framed print, a custom photo book, or even a small album filled with your favorite images makes for a heartfelt way to celebrate everything this season represents.
Feel free to drop the idea to your partner or kids (ahem, maybe even send them a link), or go ahead and gift it to yourself. This chapter in your family’s life deserves to be seen and celebrated.
Some Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, a family photo session isn’t about perfection. It’s about pausing time for just a moment to capture the connection, the love, and the beautiful chaos that shows who your family truly is.
With a little preparation, the right mindset, and an equipped photographer, your session can feel less like a chore and more like a celebration. Show up in clothes that feel good, bring along the things that will help your kids shine, trust your photographer to guide the way, and most of all, enjoy yourself.
These moments aren’t just for a photo album or a social post, they’re for you and your kids (and maybe even your grandkids someday) to look back on.
So go ahead momma, be in front of the camera for once. Be present. Create memories. Celebrate this chapter of motherhood. You’re doing an incredible job, and I wish you all of the joy that being a parent will bring for years to come.
