Check list to prepare for your family photography session
I’ve been a mom getting my own family ready for photos for decades now, so trust me—I get it. As a photographer, I keep my sessions stress-free, fun, and relaxed. Once you're on location with me, we always have a great time. But as a mom, I know the real stress happens before you even arrive—the planning, the outfits, the coordination. That’s why I’m sharing the timeline I’ve used for years to keep things as stress-free (and dare I say, even fun?) as possible!
The secret? Start early. I know it might sound a little wild, but planning at least a month ahead makes all the difference. My checklist kicks off four weeks before your session (or even earlier if you’re an overachiever like me and booked two months in advance!).
1 to 2 Months Before Your Family Photography Session
Start planning your outfits one to two months before your session. I know—it feels early! But whether you're shopping your closet or ordering new pieces, there are always little tweaks to make, and trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute.
Personally, I love styling my own family for photos. I’m all about online shopping, and my go-to stores are Banana Republic, GAP, and Old Navy. I’m not one to break the bank on outfits, and these brands make it easy—if you buy from their current collection, everything already coordinates. Pro tip: I always choose versatile basics we can rewear and, most importantly, something comfortable enough that my husband won’t complain. I also order at least a month in advance to allow for shipping delays, returns and exchanges.
If you want a more eclectic look, start with Mom’s outfit. That’s right—Mama picks first! Choose something you love and feel amazing in, whether it’s a dress, skirt, or jeans, and build the family’s outfits around it. If you’re looking for elevated, timeless options, Reformation is my favorite for beautifully tailored dresses. I usually recommend avoiding bold patterns, but if you do go with one, keep it subtle and make sure the colors tie into the rest of the family’s outfits for a cohesive look. If that gorgeous stylized, dramatic dress is what speaks to you look no further than Joyfolio or Reclamation.
Pro tip: Shoes are part of an outfit! Do not get caught with a gorgeously crafted family ensemble and find yourselves in old tennis shoes! And do not underestimate how shoes, hats, belts can add to a look.
1 to 3 Weeks Before Your Family Photography Session
Your outfits have arrived—yay! Now, lay them all out on a bed together. This is the first step to making sure the colors blend the way you envisioned. I’ve done this before and realized I went overboard on one color or needed to swap out a piece for better balance. If something isn’t working, now’s the time to tweak things! You might need to make an in-person trip for adjustments, especially if you originally ordered online.
Next, do a trial run with the whole family. Have everyone try on their outfits to check fit and comfort. Sometimes it’s a quick size swap, but other times, a kiddo might not love the feel of a fabric (I’ve had two sensory-sensitive kids, so I totally get this). If your child is uncomfortable, find an alternative that fits the vibe but also respects their comfort. Trust me—forcing a kid who hates tights into tights (I was that kid, by the way!) or making a jeans-averse kid wear stiff denim is a recipe for disaster in photos. The goal? Cute and comfortable. A little compromise goes a long way for a stress-free session!
5-7 Days Before Your Family Photography Session
This is when we finalize the location! When you book, you'll get an email with a welcome page and links to session details, including my top recommended locations. I’m always discovering new, stunning spots in Colorado, so I update my list regularly. If you have a location in mind, I’m totally open to suggestions! When you filled out your family questionnaire, you shared your location preferences, and when we check in over email or a quick call, I’ll recommend spots that match your vision. We don’t choose the location earlier because many of my favorite places change with the seasons—and I want your session to be absolutely perfect.
This is also when we lock in the exact session time. We typically aim for golden hour, about an hour before sunset. Since sunset times shift throughout the year, I wait until the week of your session to determine the best timing. Colorado’s mountains add another layer of complexity—two spots just ten minutes apart can have a 90-minute difference in when the sun dips behind the peaks!
Finally, now’s the time to add accessories or last-minute outfit tweaks. If it turns out to be colder than expected, consider cozy add-ons like stylish hats, scarves, or even a chic coat that complements your existing outfits. One of my favorite family sessions was on a snowy day, and we made red the statement color—tying it all together with peacoats, scarves, and hats. Accessories can make your session feel even more polished while keeping everyone comfortable!
The Day of Your Family Photography Session
Alright, today is the day! You’ve done all the prep—picked out the cutest outfits, made adjustments for comfort, grabbed those perfect accessories, and locked in the time and location. Now, it’s time to take a deep breath and relax.
The best thing you can do today? Keep things low-stress. Make sure everyone is well-rested and has had a solid meal (trust me, hungry kids—and spouses—are no fun at photo sessions). A couple of hours before, pack a small bag with the essentials: baby wipes for messy faces, water for hydration, and snacks for little ones who might need a boost.
When it’s time to get ready, set the mood. Play some relaxing music, keep the energy light, and give gentle reminders. As a former kindergarten and special education teacher (and a mom of 22 years with two kiddos on the spectrum), I know that plenty of advance notice makes a world of difference. Casually mention the session at breakfast, again after lunch, and then give a heads-up when it’s almost time to get dressed. Little reminders help kids ease into the process—and let’s be honest, they help husbands too!
Aim to arrive about 10 minutes early if possible. No need to stress if things don’t go exactly as planned, but that extra time helps with last-minute hiccups.
Once you arrive? It’s your turn to relax. You’ve done your part—now let me take over! I’ll guide you through the session, keep things fun and engaging, and make sure we capture those beautiful, natural moments. Your only job is to enjoy the time with your family.
After Your Family Photography Session
You did it! You showed up, looked amazing, and had a fun, relaxed session with your family. Now, what’s next?
Within 24-48 hours, I’ll post a sneak peek of your session on my instagram stories if you choose to share on social media and my website—because I know how exciting it is to get a little preview! Then, over the next two to three weeks, I’ll carefully edit and perfect your full gallery. My goal is to make sure each image reflects the beauty, warmth, and connection that makes your family unique.
Once your final gallery is ready, you’ll receive an email with a link to view and download your images. This is also the perfect time to start thinking about how you’d like to display your photos—whether that’s framed prints, a custom album, or even a holiday card. I’m happy to offer recommendations on high-quality print labs to ensure your memories look just as stunning in print as they do on your screen.
Most importantly, take a moment to celebrate! You’ve just invested in beautiful, lasting memories that your family will cherish for years to come. And if you had a blast (which I hope y
I’ve put together a prep checklist to go along with this blog! You can print it out, stick it on the fridge (that’s where all my important family reminders go!), and check things off as you go. Because let’s be real—as a mama, I live for a good checklist. I hope this makes your session prep easy and stress-free!
