Every year, I make it a point to get our own family photos taken.
Part of it is because I know how much I cherish having those images. Part of it is because—well—I’m a family photographer. But honestly? The biggest reason is this: I know how quickly things change. And having just a few photos of the four of us in this exact season always feels worth it.
That said, even though I do this for a living, preparing for family photos as a mom is a whole different experience.
I still have to:
- Convince people to wear real pants
- Navigate pre-teen moods and sports schedules
- Check the weather
- And manage the never-ending to-do list
So if you’re feeling even a little overwhelmed about your upcoming session—I get it. I’ve been in your shoes (literally).
In fact, experiencing family photos from the client’s perspective each year helps me stay grounded in what you might be feeling—the outfit stress, the mood swings, the mental checklist, the relief when it’s over.
That’s why I put this guide together: to walk you through how I prepare my own family for photos here in Pittsburgh, step by step. These are the exact things I do—big and small—that help make the process feel a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.
This isn’t about doing everything perfectly.
It’s about showing up, being present, and remembering why you booked the session in the first place.
What You’ll Find in This Guide:
(Click to jump to each section)
- What I Do Right After Booking
- How I Choose the Best Location
- How I Prepare Outfits for Everyone
- Getting Everyone on Board (Even the Reluctant Ones)
- What I Do 24 Hours Before the Session
- How I Set the Tone on Photo Day
- What I Regret and Will Change Next Time
- Final Thoughts + Key Takeaways
Free Resources Included:
If you’ve ever wondered what family photographers actually do when it’s their turn in front of the camera—this is for you.
What I Do Right After Booking
As soon as I book our session, I start a mental checklist. Not because I want to go overboard, but because I’ve learned that a little prep early on makes everything smoother later.
This part isn’t about outfits or posing—it’s about setting the tone and getting ahead of the chaos so we’re not scrambling the night before.
Here’s what I do right away:
- Clear our calendar. If our session is in the evening, I block off the day. That means no long outings, sports, or birthday parties. Even though it seems like kids have endless energy, being tired or overstimulated makes photos much harder.
- Schedule haircuts (especially for the boys). I aim for 5–7 days beforehand so it still looks fresh but not “just cut.” This year, I also booked a blowout for my daughter. She has sensory issues and getting her hair done can be stressful—having a pro do it removed that friction completely.
- Book nail appointments or set aside time to tidy up. This one’s usually for my daughter (and me, if I get to it). It’s easy to forget how much hands show up in photos, especially in cuddly shots.
- Book a dog grooming appointment (if applicable of course). Our Bernedoodle is part of the family, so we time his grooming to be in that “sweet spot” between too fresh and too scruffy. Sometimes I fear that everyone else is better maintained than myself sometimes.
(I admit a blowout felt a little “extra” but it really helped ease the day-of-stress — for both of us.)
How I Choose the Best Location for Our Family Photos
When it comes to location, I’ve learned to keep it simple.
I used to get caught up in trying to find the most epic spot—something scenic, new, or Instagram-worthy. But after years as both a photographer and a mom, I’ve realized:
The best location is the one where your family feels comfortable.
That usually means something close to home, familiar, and low-stress. Some of our favorite photos were taken in very ordinary places—open fields, quiet parks, trails we’ve walked before.
Here’s what I think about when choosing a spot:
- Is it easy to get to? Less time in the car means fewer chances for meltdowns or arriving frazzled.
- Does it have variety? A mix of trees, open space, and texture (like tall grass or rocks) makes the session feel more fun and gives us more photo options.
- What’s the lighting like? Soft evening light or open shade makes a huge difference—good light can make any spot look beautiful.
- What season are we in? Some spots look dreamy in the fall but feel sparse in spring. I try to think about what the space will actually look like the day of.
- Will these photos look good in our home? I picture the photos on our walls. Do I want light and airy? Earthy and warm? Neutral and timeless? The location plays a big role in setting that tone.
A quick note as a photographer:
Don’t feel like you have to figure this out alone.
A good photographer (hi!) will always help you choose a spot that photographs beautifully, fits your family’s vibe, and works for the season.
Personally, I also love revisiting the spaces I use with clients—seeing them through my own family’s lens gives me even more appreciation for how they work. Some of my favorite places include Hartwood Acres, Phipps Conservatory, Mellon Park, Fern Hollow and more…
Want to check out some of my favorite and most popular locations for family photos in Pittsburgh?
Check out “10 Pittsburgh Family Photo Locations for Family Portraits”
How I Prepare Outfits for Family Photos
Let’s just go ahead and say it:
Planning outfits might be the most dreaded part of family photos.
Even as a photographer—who talks about this stuff all the time—I still feel the pressure. And as a mom? It’s a whole different story.
Every year, I promise myself I won’t overthink it. And every year… I find myself deep in my closet, pulling out options, returning packages to Amazon (hi again, Whole Foods return counter), and wondering if I’m making this harder than it needs to be.
But honestly? This is just part of my process. Over-preparing helps me feel prepared. I like seeing the textures, pairing tones, and holding things up side-by-side until it clicks. And when it finally comes together, it’s always worth it.
Here’s how I usually tackle outfit prep for our family photo session in Pittsburgh:
- Start with my outfit. I’ve learned that if I don’t feel good in what I’m wearing, it throws everything else off. I choose something I’m comfortable in and build the rest of the family around that.
- Shop the closets first—kind of. I always try to start with what we already have. That usually works for the boys (my son and husband are easy), but I typically end up buying something new for myself and my daughter. Whether it’s sizing or just wanting something special, I usually can’t resist a little refresh.
- Begin early—but not too early. Two to three weeks ahead gives me time to order, try things on, swap sizes, and return anything that doesn’t work. That buffer saves me from scrambling last-minute.
- Use my own What to Wear Guide. I made it for my clients, but it’s just as helpful for me! It keeps me grounded in the basics: coordinated, not matchy; neutral over loud; and above all, make sure everyone feels good.
Need a little extra help planning your family photo outfits?
I put together a free What to Wear Guide with tips, color palettes, and real examples to help you feel confident in your outfit choices. Grab it below ⬇️
Pro Tip: Lay Out All the Outfits Together
Before finalizing our outfits, I like to lay everything out together—side by side, in one spot—so I can see how it all works as a whole.
Then I ask myself:
- How will the kids look standing next to each other?
- Will any one outfit overpower the others?
- Do the tones feel cohesive when paired up?
Taking a quick photo of the full set helps too—and gives you time to adjust anything that’s not quite clicking. I’ve added some examples below from this year’s outfit planning process so you can see what this actually looks like in action.
One more tip: Protect the photo outfits like they’re sacred.
Seriously, it’s amazing what our kids can pull off in a short amount of time. Once the outfits are ready, I try to stash them somewhere safe until it’s go time.
Oh—and if you’re steaming anything (especially dresses with layers), give yourself extra time. My daughter’s dress this year took almost 30 minutes to steam and a few hours to dry. Totally worth it—but not something I’d want to be rushing through the day-of.
The biggest thing I’ve learned? Comfort wins. If someone’s outfit is itchy, stiff, or fussy, it’s going to show. So I aim for outfits that photograph well but also feel like us—because that’s what I want to remember.
Getting Everyone on Board (Even the Reluctant Ones)
Moving on to the next challenge—the people part. You can have the best outfits, the dreamiest location, and golden hour light—but if someone’s not in the mood? It’s game on.
As a family photographer, I always tell my clients: don’t put too much pressure on photo day. Talk about it ahead of time, keep it light, and try to make it feel like something fun, not forced.
And while I still stand by that advice… I also know it’s not foolproof. Even when you do everything “right,” someone can have an off day. In our house, that’s just part of the deal.
My kids are 9 and 11 now, which means we’re past the lollipop-bribery phase—but squarely in the “I don’t feel like it” era. They’re old enough to know what’s happening and also old enough to have opinions about it. And those opinions don’t always align with “let’s joyfully take photos in matching outfits.”
Here’s what I do to set the tone (even when I know there’s a 50/50 chance of a last-minute attitude shift):
- I talk about the session a few days in advance—not in a big way, but casually. Something like, “Hey, remember we have pictures Tuesday night,” or “I’m excited to get some photos of us this year!”
- I remind them it’ll be quick, and that yes—ice cream afterward is a very real possibility.
- I keep expectations flexible. Every year, someone is a little off. I just don’t know who until we get there.
- I focus on connection, not perfection. I tell myself (and the kids) that the goal is to capture us as we are. Not fake smiles or flawless behavior—but the real stuff.
And honestly? The real stuff is often the best stuff. Some of my favorite photos are the ones where someone is cracking a joke, making a weird face, or pulling their sibling into a spontaneous hug. Those are the moments I want to remember—and they only happen when we’re not trying too hard.
If your crew doesn’t love having their picture taken? You’re not alone. Just keep the mood light, let go of expectations, and trust your photographer to guide the flow. We’ve seen it all—and we know how to meet the moment, wherever your people are that day.
What I Do 24 Hours Before the Session
The day before our session is when it all starts to feel real. Outfits are finalized. The weather forecast has been checked (a dozen times). And I shift into final prep mode—not because I’m trying to be perfect, but because I know that just a little bit of prep can make a big difference in how the day unfolds.
At this point, I’m not doing anything major—I’m just tying up loose ends and giving myself space to stay calm.
Here’s what I usually tackle either the day of the shoot or the day before:
- Double-check outfits. I lay out everything: clothes, shoes, accessories, socks, even hair bows and backup options. I’ve learned the hard way that the missing sock or wrinkled shirt will strike when you’re already short on time.
- Steam dresses if needed. If something has layers or heavy fabric (like my daughter’s dress this year), I give it plenty of time to dry after steaming. Some dresses can take hours—so I don’t leave this to the last minute.
- Prep any last accessories. I gather the extras—lip gloss, tissues, hairbrush, lint roller, and yes, maybe a treat or two tucked in my bag just in case.
- Confirm the time and location with my husband. Not because he doesn’t know—but because I’ve learned that a gentle reminder can prevent confusion (and stress) later.
- Plan meals and snacks. If we’re shooting in the evening, I make sure we’ve had a solid lunch and a light snack before the session. Hunger + photos = never a good combo.
Most of all, I keep the day simple. No big errands, no major plans, and definitely no rushing. If I’m calm, the rest of the family usually follows my lead. And even if the day doesn’t go perfectly? At least I know I did my part to set us up well.
Want a handy way to prep for your session too?
I created a free Family Photo Prep Checklist you can print or screenshot—so you don’t have to remember everything last minute. It’s the exact list I use for my own family, and it’ll help you feel confident and ready, without the overwhelm.
How I (Try To) Set the Tone for a Low-Friction Photo Day
Heading into the session, I felt really good.
We had planned well. Outfits were ready. I had spaced out our day so it didn’t feel rushed or stressful. Everyone was fed and rested. I genuinely felt calm—and I was ready to roll with whatever the night might bring.
Over the years, I’ve learned how important my own energy is going into a session. If I’m flustered, it trickles down to everyone else. But if I stay relaxed, it gives the rest of the family permission to do the same. So I made a conscious effort to keep the mood light—no pressure, no rushing, no big expectations. Just: “Let’s go have some fun and take a few photos.”
I didn’t pack the day with anything extra. We gave ourselves plenty of time to get ready. I reminded the kids that we weren’t doing this to be perfect—we were doing this to capture a few memories from this season. I even remember feeling like, “Okay, we’ve got this.”
And honestly, I think that mindset helped set us up well—for the most part.
The part I didn’t realize at the time? I had prepped myself really well. But I hadn’t prepped everyone else emotionally in the same way. And when one of my kids started to struggle, the mood of the session spiraled.
(More on that in the next section, but a sneak peek of some behind-the-scenes working through it all.)
What I Regret and Will Change Next Time
Even with all the planning—and even with the calm mindset I brought into the day—there’s always something I learn after the fact. This year, it had less to do with me, and more to do with how I prepared everyone else.
I showed up ready to roll with the punches. I was calm, realistic, and truly excited. But in hindsight, I realized I didn’t set the same tone for my husband. I didn’t give him the usual pep talk or ask him to help carry the emotional energy of the day. And without that little bit of intention, we weren’t on the same page when challenges crept in.
Then, almost right away, my son started making silly faces and saying he didn’t want to participate. And instead of brushing it off or trying to lighten the mood, I felt myself stiffen. I didn’t yell or scold—but I did start telling him to stop (in a nice way but it was still routed in dissappointment). I expected him to shake it off and move on. He’s nine now, after all.
But here’s the part I’m still sitting with: I forgot for a moment that nine is still just a kid. I let my expectations take over, and I think he felt that. The disappointment, the pressure, the subtle shift in energy—it showed up in his body language, and it carried into the next part of the session.
Looking back, I wish I had taken a deep breath and remembered what I tell my own clients all the time: sometimes you just have to let the moment pass. I wish I had cracked a joke instead of correcting him. I wish I had remembered that this wasn’t defiance—it was just a kid, being a kid, on a day that felt a little different than usual.
Next time, I’ll prepare all of us a little more. Not just with outfits and snacks and schedules—but with expectations. I’ll remind us that this doesn’t need to be perfect, and that moods happen. And when they do, I want to meet them with lightness and grace.
Because we really were ready. I just forgot that readiness includes a little room for the imperfect moments, too.
(Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at Rachel Rossetti capturing the in-between moments unfolding as my son took a break.)
Final Thoughts + Key Takeaways
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from all this, it’s that you don’t have to do everything perfectly to have a meaningful, beautiful session. And just know that all the best planning in the world can’t always control all the variables — and that’s OK.
Things might go off schedule. Someone might have a meltdown (grown-ups included). The weather might not cooperate. But none of those things disqualify your session from being a success.
The real magic happens when you show up as you are—prepared, yes—but also present, flexible, and open to whatever unfolds.
Here are a few reminders I carry with me every year:
✔️ Hire a great photographer
A seasoned family photographer will do more than take pretty pictures. They’ll work with the light, adapt to your kids’ moods, and help guide the session in a way that feels relaxed and enjoyable. We’re trained to find the good stuff—even in the messy moments.
✔️ Control what you can
Choose outfits that feel good, prep your crew the best you can, and plan ahead so that the day doesn’t feel rushed. The more you prep before photo day, the more freedom you’ll have to be present during it.
✔️ Let the rest unfold
Some of the most meaningful photos I’ve ever taken for clients have come from the unplanned, imperfect moments. A real laugh, a quiet cuddle, or even a little chaos—it’s those in-between moments that tend to matter most. And while we haven’t gotten our photos back yet, I have no doubt some of the best ones will come from the same kind of magic.
Want a little help getting organized?
I pulled everything I do for my own family into a simple, printable checklist to help you prep for your own session with confidence (and way less stress). It covers everything from timing and logistics to all those tiny details that tend to sneak up last minute.
Click here to download the Free Family Photo Prep Checklist
Need outfit ideas too?
Don’t miss my What to Wear Guide—it’s the same one I use when dressing my own family, and it’s packed with helpful tips and real-life examples to make the process easier.
Get the What to Wear Guide here
Whether I’m the one photographing your family or not, just know—I’m rooting for you. You’ve got this.
And if I am the one behind the camera? I’ll be there for all of it.
The calm. The chaos. And every sweet moment in between.
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from all of this, it’s that you don’t need to do everything perfectly for your session.
I’m so thankful for the photographer we’ve worked with for years—Rachel Rossetti. It’s always a treat to be on the other side of the camera and to experience what I guide my own clients through. She has such a calming presence and beautiful eye. If you’re curious, you can check out her work here.
Ready to Book Your Own Family Session?
If you’re thinking about scheduling family photos and want a relaxed, meaningful experience that captures the real connection between you and your crew—let’s chat!
I’d love to help you plan a session that feels easy, natural, and totally you. Whether you’re looking for updated portraits, playful moments with the kids, or something that just captures this season of life—we’ll make it happen together.
