For family photo day, I’d get the clothes, shoes, and bag ready the night before. That leaves fewer things to find when it’s time to head out.
Here’s what I’d set out, what I’d bring, and what I’d tell the kids before we meet.
Choose Your Outfits Before Photo Day
Start with something you want to wear. A dress you like, your favorite jeans, or the sweater you keep reaching for can help you choose colors for the rest of the family.
Lay the outfits out together to see how the colors, prints, and layers look as a group. Include shoes, socks, bows, and any other accessories. This is a good time for the boots you love to make an appearance.
Have everyone try on their clothes while there’s time to swap a piece that pinches or itches. Try sitting, walking, and picking up your child in your own outfit, too. You can text or email us if you want help choosing between pieces.
Pack Your Bag the Night Before
Pack the things your family will use:
- Wipes and a spare outfit for little ones
- Water and familiar snacks
- Diapers and any other care items you usually bring
- A favorite toy or comfort item
- Any extra layers or outfit changes you plan to use
Put the packed bag and everyone’s shoes near the door. If something needs to stay in the fridge overnight, leave yourself a note on the bag.
Bring a Snack for a Break
Choose something your child already eats and likes. Think about what travels well, what needs to stay cool, and what’s less likely to leave a mark on their clothes.
We can pause so your child can sit with you and eat. Keep the snacks and wipes where you can reach them. And pack something for yourself if you’d like a snack, too.
Tell Your Kids What to Expect
Tell them where you’re going and who is coming. For younger kids, you might say, “We’re going to take pictures together. We’ll meet the photographer, and we may walk or sit for some photos.”
A favorite toy can come along. Let us know if they’d like a photo with it. We can give children time to meet us and look around before we start.
For teens, talk through the plan together. They may have an outfit, pose, or photo with a sibling they’d like to try. Those ideas belong in the plan, too.
Tell Us Which Photos You’d Like
Think about the photos you’d like to have. That might include the whole family, the kids together, each child with a parent, and the parents on their own.
Share those groupings with us before your session. Tell us about anything that helps your kids settle into a new place, too. We’ll guide you through the photos and make room for breaks, walking, and playing.
Check the Details Before You Leave
Check the meeting place, drive time, and any weather message from us. Leave time for getting everyone into the car, buckling up, and bathroom stops.
If you arrive with a few minutes to spare, you can use them for water or a snack before we start. Let us know if travel is taking longer than planned.
Then grab your bag, any food from the fridge, and the shoes you set out. We’ll meet you there.
