Family Photography Tips: Top 3 Questions I Get About Family Photography (And My Honest Answers)

As a Raleigh-based family photographer (and a mama myself), I’ve had the honor of capturing everything from quiet newborn snuggles to wild toddler twirls, and I’ve learned one important truth along the way:

It’s totally normal to feel a little nervous before your session.

Whether it’s your first time in front of the camera or your fifth family photo shoot, there’s usually a mix of excitement and hesitation that comes with being photographed. You want the experience to feel easy and fun, but it’s also easy to second-guess things like “What if my kids don’t cooperate?” or “What on earth do we wear?”

So today, I’m sharing my most-requested family photography tips, real questions I get from families all the time, and the honest answers I love giving. My hope is that it helps you feel a little more confident (and a lot more at ease) heading into your session.

And if you’re in the Raleigh area and are thinking about booking a family session, or just want to chat through what it could look like for your crew, I’d love to connect. You can reach out to me here or follow along over on Instagram for more inspiration, behind-the-scenes peeks, and gentle encouragement.

Now let’s get into it!

Q1: “What if my kids don’t cooperate?”

This is the most common question I hear, and let me just say:
Your kids are not expected to be perfect.

Not only is it okay if your child is shy, silly, wild, or wiggly, it’s part of what makes your session beautiful. My approach to family photography is all about capturing connection, not control. I won’t force stiff smiles or ask them to sit still for long stretches. Instead, we’ll play, explore, snuggle, and let them lead the way.

Some of my favorite images come from unprompted moments: a giggle mid-spin, a toddler running full speed into a hug, or a quiet, tired snuggle at the end of the session. These are the real, joy-filled pieces of your family story, and they’re absolutely worth capturing.

If you’re looking for family photography tips, here’s one of my biggest: let go of perfection and embrace presence. Your job is just to love on your people. I’ll take care of the rest.

So if your little one has big feelings that day? We’ll hold space for them. That’s the magic of lifestyle photography.

Q2: “What should we wear?”

This one comes up every single session, and I totally get it. Choosing outfits can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dressing a whole family.

Here’s my go-to advice:
Keep it soft, simple, and true to you.

Neutral tones, muted earth colors, soft pastels, and cozy textures (like cotton, linen, or knit) always photograph beautifully. I usually suggest avoiding loud patterns, logos, or anything too matchy-matchy, coordinated, not identical, is the goal.

Barefoot babies in rompers? Yes. Soft dresses that flow when you move? Absolutely. Comfortable outfits that allow you to pick up your toddler, snuggle your baby, or spin your child around in a laugh-filled moment? That’s the sweet spot.

And if you’re still unsure, when you book with me, I offer access to my client wardrobe for mamas and littles. Filled with pieces I’ve personally chosen because they photograph beautifully and feel great to wear.

Plus, I’ve put together a style guide full of my favorite places to shop—the same spots I visit when I’m adding to the client wardrobe. It’s packed with recommendations for mamas looking for a session-day dress, the perfect little romper for your baby, or a relaxed, classic outfit for your husband. Whether you’re pulling from your closet (or mine!) or shopping for something new, we’ll make it easy and fun.

If you're gathering family photography tips and feeling stuck on wardrobe choices, just know you’re not alone—and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. We’ll make sure your outfits reflect your family’s vibe while keeping the focus right where it belongs: on the connection between you.

Q3: “Will you tell us how to pose?”

In short: yes, but not in the way you might think.

I won’t leave you standing awkwardly wondering what to do with your hands. But I also won’t ask you to freeze into a stiff pose and smile at the camera for 30 minutes straight. Instead, I’ll gently guide you with natural prompts that encourage movement, play, and connection.

Think:
“Whisper something silly in their ear.”
“Wrap your arms around her and breathe in close.”
“Let’s have a tickle pile right here on the blanket.”

It’s less about posing and more about being together. You don’t have to perform. Just show up, love your people, and let the moments unfold. I’ll be there to capture the magic that naturally happens when you feel safe, seen, and at ease.

One of my favorite family photography tips? Don’t overthink the pose—lean into the moment. The most meaningful photos come from real connection, not perfect posture.

Bonus Question: “Can we include grandparents or pets?”

Yes and yes. Absolutely.

Some of the most meaningful, heartfelt images come from the presence of grandparents in a session. There’s just something extra tender about watching generations come together in an extended family photoshoot! A grandparent’s gentle touch, the way they light up holding the newest little one, or the quiet pride in their eyes as they watch their family grow.

These aren’t just sweet moments, they're legacy images. The kind your children will look back on and say, “That was Grandma’s laugh,” or “That’s how Grandpa always held me.” It’s such a beautiful way to honor where your story began.

And pets? They’re family, too. From loyal pups who follow your toddler everywhere to the cat who always claims the softest corner of the couch, animals are part of your home’s heart. They bring comfort, joy, and their own quirky little personalities into the mix.

One of my favorite family photography tips is to include the people and pets who matter most. If your dog is your baby’s first best friend, or your kids can’t imagine a day without their furry sidekick, I absolutely encourage including them. Sessions should reflect real life, and if your real life includes a wagging tail or a gentle paw, that deserves to be remembered, too.

Family Photography Tips: Every Family Is Different, And That’s the Magic

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to family photography.
Some sessions are full of big, joyful energy. Others are slower, softer, and more snuggly. And most are a mix of both.

That’s the beauty of this work, it’s about your unique connection. Your rhythms. Your love.

If you’ve been thinking about booking a session, wondering if your home or your schedule or your toddler’s mood will be “right,” I hope this blog gives you permission to take a deep breath and say yes anyway. Because the real magic? It’s already happening in your everyday life.

And I would be honored to help you capture it!

Want a little more guidance as you start dreaming about your session? Don’t forget to grab my free guide with some of my favorite places to shop for photo-friendly outfits, for mamas, littles, and everyone in between. You can grab it right here, and when you do, you’ll also get my best family photography tips, seasonal inspiration, and early access to future sessions!

You don’t need perfect. You just need to show up, and I’ll take care of the rest!