Family photos have a bad reputation for being stressful and a battle! With a little preparation and an awesome laidback photographer, like yours truly, it doesn’t have to be. Follow these steps for beautiful stress free family photos!

So your session is scheduled, Great! What’s next?

Get Appointments Scheduled First.

If you plan on getting hair styled, makeup or nails done on the day of your session you will want to get those appointments scheduled right away. You don't want to risk there not being an appointment slot.

For haircuts and other major hair changes, I recommend getting these done at LEAST one week before your session just in case you need to make a follow up appointment for any corrections.

2. How to prepare outfits?

You will want to have outfits selected one week before your session. You will thank me later! For the little ones make sure you have at least one back up outfit. We have a lot of fun during our sessions and sometimes clothes can get dirty.

How to decide on what to wear?

Dress for the weather. If it’s chilly, layers photograph beautifully and help everyone stay comfortable throughout the session. If it’s windy, avoid short dresses and skirts.

Coordinate rather than match. Outfits that complement each other in color and style create a more natural, visually pleasing look than everyone wearing the exact same thing.

Keep things timeless. Try to avoid fast-moving trends and instead choose classic pieces that will look just as beautiful years from now. Earth tones, creams, muted shades, and soft pastels tend to photograph especially well in outdoor settings.

Incorporate texture. Fabrics like knits, linen, gauze, denim, and flowy materials add depth and movement to your images, helping your photos feel soft, natural, and visually interesting.

Choose well-fitting clothing. While it’s tempting to size up for growing kids, outfits that fit properly will look more polished and photograph more naturally, without extra bunching or bulk.

*Sage & Bloom Styling Tip If you are wanting to do outfit changes during your session, adding/removing layers is a quick and easy way to change a look without having to actually change. It's perfect for those that have busy toddlers!

Finally, don't forget the shoes!

A good pair of shoes completes an outfit. A bad pair of shoes can ruin an outfit and experience. Harsh but true!

Remember to keep them weather appropriate and comfortable. Also, keep in mind where your session will be. If your session is going to be downtown or a manicured area, then feel free to wear those heels or sandals. If your session is going to be out in the country or other unmaintained area, stick to close toed shoes or boots.. Thank you, Texas, for your stickers and thorns.

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Can I bring a family heirloom to my photo session?

Absolutely! Incorporating an heirloom like a special piece of jewelry, or an heirloom quilt is a beautiful way to commemorate a loved one. Just make sure you have these picked and ready to go a week before your session. Also, let your photographer know or even better send them a picture of your heirloom items so they can prepare!

3. Prepare your family for your photo session?

How do you prepare the kids for your family photos session?

Before the Photo Session

Be open and honest with your children and never surprise them with a photo session. Start talking about it right away. Describe what it will be like and how much fun it will be. Something like “We’re going to hang out with our friend Mandy at the park this weekend. We’re going to have so much fun playing and taking pictures!” works great for young ones.

Day of Photo Session

Make sure everyone is well fed and napped just before your session. Don't forget the snacks and bribes! Stick to snacks that don’t make a mess. Crackers, cheese sticks, and fruit snacks are great options. Stay away from messy snacks like cheese puffs or chocolate.

How do you prepare Dad for your family photo session?

Dads are usually the most difficult to prepare for pictures. Here are some tips.

Explain why it’s so important to have family pictures. Your kids will never be this young again. All he has to do is to play with the kids and love on his beautiful family to get lovely meaningful pictures. That’s it! Family photo sessions with Sage & Bloom Photography are not like other stiff traditional portrait sessions. He may even have fun!

4. Prep on Photo Day

Today is the day!

Relax and give yourself plenty of time to get ready. Plan ample travel time so that you can arrive a few minutes early to your photo session. Check hair, final outfit checks, straighten necklaces, remove bulky pocket items and hair bands from wrists.

And finally, let your photographer do the rest! I have lots of tricks up my sleeve that help me get the perfect photos. Have fun and enjoy the time you are spending with your family and let the kids be kids. There's no need to worry. We want it to be a fun and laidback experience for everyone, even you! Just sit back and relax and let me work my magic. I promise you will have beautiful photos.

Ready to plan your own outdoor photo session? At Sage & Bloom Photography, I specialize in relaxed, natural family and motherhood sessions that feel easy, connected, and true to your season of life. If you’re looking for an outdoor photographer who will guide you every step of the way while capturing genuine moments, I’d love to work with you.

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