How to Prepare for Your Family Photo Session: The Ultimate Guide

Have a family photo session coming up? The good news: it doesn’t have to be overwhelming to prepare for it. The even better news? I’ve rounded up my best blog posts on things to consider as you prepare for your family pictures. Read on for help choosing a location, selecting wardrobe, and getting your family on board for the BEST family photo session you’ve ever had!

Location

Best Outdoor Photo Locations in Portland

Wondering where to take pictures in Portland? I work closely with my clients to recommend locations that will suit their family best, so they never have to do the research on their own. However, if you’re just looking for photo location inspiration before booking, check out my list of the best outdoor photo locations in Portland to see if there’s anything that resonates with you!

Favorite Places to Take Pictures in Portland

I scout all of my locations in advance to make sure they’ll photograph in a light, airy way. I also look for locations that will also have plenty of room for your family to enjoy their session! Natural areas are my favorite, and you’ll usually find me photographing families in Lake Oswego, Beaverton, and Champoeg State Park near Wilsonville. If you’re up for an adventure, family photos at the Columbia River Gorge offer PNW-perfect views. This Cascade Locks family photo session, this Rowena Crest wildflower session, and this summer session near Beacon Rock are my favorite Columbia River Gorge family sessions.

What to Wear for a Family Photo Session

Client Closet & Personalized Wardrobe Styling

Deciding what to wear for your family photos can be super stressful and time-intensive, but it doesn’t have to be. I take care of this for my clients by offering both a client closet to borrow wardrobe from, as well as designing personalized style boards with shopping links.

Ideas for What to Wear for Family Photos

If you’re looking for more inspiration for what to wear for family photos, I have a ton of blog posts about this! Check out any of these for wardrobe inspiration:

Spring Family Picture Outfits

What to Wear for Fall Family Photos

What to Wear for Maternity Photos

Where to Shop for Family Photo Session Clothing

If you’re looking for local stores to shop at for photo session clothing, I wrote a post about the best boutiques for baby clothing in Portland to help with that!  I love that we have local shops that carry my favorite brands for children’s photo session outfits like Rylee + Cru and Noralee.

For mamas, I love this recent post from Portland stylist Grace of Builtgracefully about her 3 favorite brands to shop for family photos. You can also read about my recommendations on where to shop for dresses for family pictures here!

How to Prepare the Kids for a Great Family Photo Session

What’s the MOST important thing you can do to ensure you have a great family photo session? If you only do one thing, get your family on board and keep it POSITIVE! Talk up how much fun it will be to check out a new place. Take the day before your session easy, so no one is overtired. Your positive, relaxed approach to the photo session will reflect in the photos! For more ideas on how to make sure this session is your best ever, read through my 5 Ways to Have a Great Family Photo Session!

What next?

I hope this was helpful for you as you plan your family photo session! If you’re in need of a Portland family photographer, head over to my website and see if we’re a good fit. Or, save this article for later by pinning the image below!