How to Prepare for Your Family Portrait Session


I'm looking forward to your upcoming family portrait session! To help everything run smoothly and get the best possible images, here are a few tips on what to expect and how to prepare.


Arrival Timing


Please plan to arrive about 5-10 minutes early so we can start right on time and keep things relaxed, especially if little ones need a moment to settle in before we begin.


What to Wear


Most family sessions take place at a park or beach, so outfits that feel natural, modern, and comfortable for those environments tend to photograph best.


A few general guidelines:


Choose neutral or soft tones (cream, beige, gray, olive, light blue) and mix in subtle textures

Coordinate colors rather than matching exactly

Avoid bold logos, busy patterns, or neon colors

Layers (jackets, light sweaters) add visual interest and flexibility

Comfortable shoes are a must, especially for sand or walking paths


If we're shooting at the beach, barefoot or simple sandals work great. For parks, clean sneakers, flats, or casual dress shoes photograph well. Wearing shoes that are easy to slip off is always a good idea if we'll be walking onto sand.


Leave the Extras Behind


If possible, leave phones in the car, or bring just one in a purse or bag for the group. Having pockets free of phones, wallets, and other bulky items makes a noticeable difference in how clothes sit and photograph, no odd bulges or awkward angles to work around.


A Tip for Your Eyes


Here's a small one that makes a bigger difference than you'd expect: try to avoid wearing sunglasses for about an hour or so before our session. It gives your eyes time to adjust to bright, sunny conditions, which helps you look more natural and relaxed in outdoor portraits instead of squinting through the first several minutes.


For Kids


If your children might need them, feel free to bring:


Small snacks (nothing too messy)

Water or juice

A favorite comfort item (we can keep it out of photos if needed)


The goal is for everyone to feel comfortable and have fun. Breaks are totally okay.


During the Session


I'll guide you through poses and prompts, but the best images often come from natural moments in between. Don't worry about perfection, laughter, movement, and personality always win.


Weather


Florida weather can change quickly, so I'll keep an eye on the forecast leading up to your session. If anything changes, I'll be in touch to make a plan.


If you have any questions at all before your session, don't hesitate to reach out. I can't wait to photograph your family and create images you'll enjoy for years to come.


Ready to book your own family portrait session?  Contact me or check out pricing/packages to get started.

Smiling couple in coordinating green outfits standing barefoot together on sandy beach at dusk.
Family of three poses on a tree-lined path draped with Spanish moss, with a wooden fence and lush greenery in background.
Family of four smiling together on sandy beach dunes at sunset with sea oats in background.
Happy interracial family of four posing together in a lush green wooded outdoor setting.
A couple shares a tender moment holding their baby under Spanish moss-covered trees in a green field.
Young woman in floral maxi dress posing on white sand beach dunes with sea oats and ocean in background.
Family of four smiling together outdoors surrounded by lush green trees and shrubs.
A smiling family of three poses on a waterfront dock at sunset, with a boat and palm trees in the background.
Couple sitting together on sandy beach dunes with sea oats, woman in blue dress, man in black shirt and red shorts.
Smiling young Black girl posing with hands on hips wearing white off-shoulder top and blue wide-leg pants in a park.
A happy family of three poses indoors, with a woman in white dress, man in navy blazer, and baby girl.
Happy family portrait with parents and baby sitting on stone steps in front of a classic building door.
Family of five posing on rocky beach with ocean backdrop under blue skies in matching white outfits.
Family of four smiling together outdoors in a lush green park setting for a portrait photo.
A smiling redhead girl in a floral dress sits on white sand dunes with sea oats at sunset.
A smiling young girl in a green dress sits on white sand beach dunes with coastal vegetation in the background.
A happy family with a baby poses by a rustic farm gate under Spanish moss-draped trees.
Young woman in floral dress sitting on sandy beach dunes at golden sunset with sea oats in background.
Three women in colorful dresses walk hand-in-hand along a sandy beach with ocean waves in the background.
Three women smile together on a white sandy beach with sea oats and ocean waves in the background.
Family of four walking hand-in-hand on a beach at sunset, wearing colorful summer outfits.
A family of three poses near a waterway at sunset, with a woman in white, a man in navy blazer, and a toddler.
Family photo of parents holding hands with toddler boy in suspenders on green grass outdoors.
Two teenage girls sitting on sandy beach dunes at sunset, wearing floral dresses and sandals, smiling together.