Let’s be real – after years of photographing beautiful (and sometimes chaotic) family sessions as a family photographer, I’ve made a few mistakes. The good news? You can learn from them and walk into your next family photography session feeling confident, calm, and ready to shine.
Here are five things I’ve learned the hard way as a family photographer – and how you can avoid them.
- Not Giving Enough Direction Early On – I used to assume families knew how to pose naturally. Spoiler alert: most don’t – and that’s totally okay! Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask your photographer for gentle direction. A little guidance goes a long way in helping everyone feel comfortable.
- Skipping the Pre-Session Prep Talk – When I didn’t go over clothing tips, timelines, or snack strategies, the session suffered. Pro Tip: Ask your photographer for a prep checklist – what to wear, what to bring, and what to expect.
- Rushing Through the Session – Trying to cram too many shots into a short window never works well – especially with little ones. Pro Tip: Clear your schedule before and after the shoot so no one feels rushed. A relaxed family = amazing photos.
- Ignoring the Light – Photographing under harsh midday sun? Guilty. The difference in golden hour light is night and day. Pro Tip: Book your session just after sunrise or before sunset for the dreamiest, most flattering light.
- Aiming for Perfect Over Real – Perfection isn’t the goal – connection is. I’ve learned to embrace the messy, giggly, chaotic moments. Pro Tip: Don’t stress if the kids are wiggly or someone sneezes mid-shot. Sometimes, that’s the photo.
Finally, your family photography session should feel like you – joyful, imperfect, full of love. If you walk in prepared with the right mindset, the results will be something you’ll cherish for years.
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