How to Make the Most of Your Family Photo Session: Advice from Real Families

As a professional photographer, I offer numerous advice and session preparation tips. But this time, I wanted to hear directly from the people who matter most—my clients. So, I asked them one simple question: Based on your experience, what advice would you give to someone getting their first professional photo session?

Over one hundred of my clients graciously responded with thoughtful, practical advice rooted in real-life experience. Whether you’re planning a maternity, newborn, or family session, their tips will help you feel more confident, relaxed, and ready to make the most of your time in front of the camera.

1. Trust the Process (And Your Photographer)

One of the most frequent pieces of advice? Let go and trust your photographer.

“Trust the process, Lana knows what she is doing!”

“Let the master do their job. Relax and trust.”

When you trust your photographer, you allow yourself to be present. We know how to find the light, guide you into natural poses, and capture the subtle expressions that convey everything. You don’t need to worry about where to stand or what to do with your hands—that’s our job.

Here’s what trusting the process looks like:

• Let your photographer guide the flow of the session, including poses and transitions.
• Don’t be afraid to move, laugh, or pause for cuddles—these moments often become your favorites.
• If a child is having a hard moment, don’t stress. We’ll work around it and capture the beauty in between.

“Lana has an amazing eye. Just let her do her thing and you’ll love the result.”

“She captured so many moments I didn’t even realize were happening. Trust that she sees what you don’t.”

2. Make It Fun and Enjoy the Moment

Your photos will reflect your energy. If you’re having fun, it shows—and it sets the tone for the whole session.

“Have fun because this is a very special moment.”

“Relax and enjoy the process. Your kids will feed off your energy.”

Your session should feel more like playtime than picture day. Families who laugh, tickle, and connect during their session walk away with the most heartfelt images.

Here are some ways to keep the experience joyful:

• Think of your session as a chance to bond as a family, not just a photo op.
• Be silly with your kids. Whisper jokes, play games, or spin around.
• Let go of the idea of everyone looking at the camera. Candid moments tell your story best.

“The best photos we got were when we stopped trying to pose and just played together.”

“We just played, and laughed, and it felt like magic—not like a photoshoot at all.”

3. Plan Your Outfits Ahead of Time

Coordinating outfits can elevate your photos, but they don’t need to be complicated. Don’t forget to consider footwear—it’s often overlooked but can make a big difference in comfort and consistency.

“Take advantage of Lana’s link [to styling service] to coordinate outfits. It helped us a lot!”

“Be careful about the colors you choose. There are helpful tips in the [session prep] guide.”

Clothing should enhance your family’s connection, not draw attention away from it. When everyone feels good in what they’re wearing, it shows in the photos—they look relaxed, confident, and like themselves.

Styling tips from experienced clients:

• Stick to soft, neutral, or earthy tones—they photograph beautifully and have a timeless feel.
• Avoid logos, text, or overly busy patterns.
• Lay everyone’s outfits out together before the shoot to check how they coordinate.
• Consider practical footwear, especially if your session involves walking in an outdoor location. Bring a backup pair just in case.
• For maternity sessions, choose a dress or outfit that makes you feel beautiful and allows for movement.

“I would advise bringing extra shoes in case something gets dirty or uncomfortable.”

4. Don’t Overthink or Stress

We know it’s easy to get caught up in wanting everything to be perfect, but most clients agreed that the best thing you can do is let go.

“Don’t stress too much. Let it unfold naturally.”

“Do not overthink things. Let personalities shine!”

Perfection isn’t the goal—connection is. If your toddler runs off mid-shot or your baby fusses, it’s okay. These are real, beautiful moments of your life.

How to stay relaxed:

• Practice some deep breathing if you feel nervous before the session.
• Focus on interacting with your partner or kids rather than posing.
• Trust that what feels chaotic in the moment can look magical in the final photos.

“I was worried about my toddler acting up, but the photos captured our family perfectly—chaos and all!”

“Even if it doesn’t go perfectly, it’s great practice—and you can always try again!”

5. Be Prepared and Manage Your Time

Preparation can make or break the session experience, especially with young children or newborns. My clients often said that a bit of planning went a long way in creating a smooth, enjoyable session.

“Plan outfits well in advance, give yourself plenty of time to get ready.”

“Make sure you pick out your clothing way in advance!”

What being prepared looks like:

• For newborn sessions, have a clean pacifier, swaddle, extra clothes, and a full belly ready to go.
• For outdoor family sessions, bring snacks, wipes, water, and consider bringing a comfort item for the kids.
• Arrive early so you’re not feeling rushed. Build in extra time for last-minute wardrobe adjustments or diaper changes.
• Practice posing with your kids at home in front of a mirror in your planned outfits. Make funny faces and laugh together to get everyone comfortable.
• Review poses in the photographer’s sample gallery to see what feels natural for your family. It can help you feel more prepared and relaxed during the shoot.
• Consider how you plan to use your photos (e.g., wall art, holiday cards, gifts) and let your photographer know so they can help you achieve your vision.

“Giving ourselves a cushion of time helped us stay calm—and enjoy the session more.”

Top Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best advice can’t replace experience. Fortunately, our clients have shared some helpful “lessons learned” to help you avoid common pitfalls:

• Waiting until the last minute to plan outfits: This often leads to stress or last-minute shopping.
• Trying to control every detail: Sessions go best when you go with the flow.
• Forgetting about naps and meals: A hungry or tired child is more challenging to photograph.
• Not reading the prep guide: Several clients mentioned how helpful the guide was—use it!
• Expecting young kids to sit still: Instead, plan for movement and interaction.

“I wish I had read through all the prep tips ahead of time—it would’ve saved me a lot of stress.”

Quick-Start Session Checklist

Before your session, run through this list so you can relax and focus on making memories:

• An extra pair of shoes (especially for kids or outdoor sessions)
• Outfits picked, coordinated, and packed
• Snacks, water, wipes, and backup clothes (especially for kids)
• All prep info and guides from your photographer reviewed
• Full bellies and well-rested kiddos
• Leave with plenty of time to arrive early
• Most importantly: bring your love, laughter, and connection

Final Thought: Relax—You’ve Got This

You’re not just getting photos. You’re preserving a season of your life—tiny toes, baby kicks, bear hugs, and laughter. Our goal is to make it easy for you to document these fleeting moments with beauty and heart.

“I was nervous but ended up having so much fun. Now these are the photos I treasure most.”

“It went better than I imagined. My kids had fun, and the pictures feel like us.”

As one client put it, These are the memories that matter most. Just show up as you are, and the magic will follow.

So breathe deep, hug your people tight, and know that we’ll take care of the rest. Let’s make something beautiful together.