Preparing for Your Family Photo Session
You’ve booked your session, chosen your outfits, and picked the perfect location. Now comes the question: “What should we bring?”
The key to a successful, stress-free photo session is being prepared without being over-packed. Here’s your complete checklist for what to bring – and what to leave behind.
The Essentials: Always Bring These
1. **Water Bottles
Even short sessions can make everyone (especially kids!) thirsty. Hydrated = happy faces.
Pro tip: Bring water bottles with a straw or sports cap to avoid spills on outfits.
2. **Backup Outfits
Especially for little ones! Pack a complete backup outfit in case of:
- Diaper blowouts (it happens!)
- Spills or stains
- Last-minute wardrobe malfunctions
- Kids refusing to wear what you planned (also happens!)
3. **Hair Supplies
- Brush or comb
- Hair ties and bobby pins
- Travel-size hairspray
- Small mirror
Why: Wind, car rides, and active kids can wreak havoc on hairstyles. Quick touch-ups between spots make a big difference.
4. **Phone and Car Keys
Seems obvious, but in the excitement of gathering everyone, it’s easy to leave these behind! Plus, your phone is handy for checking our meeting spot or getting directions.
5. **List of “Must-Have” Shots
Have specific poses or groupings you want? Jot them down! Examples:
- “All the grandkids with Grandma”
- “Just the siblings”
- “Dad with each kid individually”
Pro tip: Keep it to 3-5 “must-haves” so we have time for natural moments too.
Helpful Extras: Great to Have
6. **Small Snacks
For longer sessions or sessions with young children, small snacks keep energy up.
Best choices:
- ✅ Goldfish crackers, pretzels, dry cereal
- ✅ Fruit pouches (less messy than fresh fruit)
- ✅ Granola bars
Avoid:
- ❌ Chocolate (melts and makes a mess)
- ❌ Juice boxes (sticky if spilled)
- ❌ Anything with red/purple dye (stains!)
Pro tip: Save snacks for between outfit changes or locations, not during photos.
7. **Jackets or Sweaters
Even if it’s warm during the day, outdoor sessions at sunrise or sunset can get chilly. Bring layers everyone can wear between shots.
8. **Stain Remover Pen or Wipes
A lifesaver for unexpected spills or mystery stains discovered right before photos!
9. **Tissues and Hand Wipes
For runny noses, sticky fingers, or quick cleanups. Unscented is best (won’t trigger allergies).
10. **Band-Aids
New shoes, active kids, and outdoor locations sometimes = blisters or scrapes. A couple of band-aids can save the day.
For Baby & Toddler Sessions
11. **Diapers and Wipes
Always bring extras – more than you think you’ll need.
12. **Pacifier (if they use one)
Even if you’re trying to wean, having it on hand can calm a fussy baby for those perfect shots. We can edit it out if needed!
13. **Favorite Small Toy or Lovey
Something comforting for babies or toddlers, especially if we’re in an unfamiliar place.
Pro tip: Choose items that won’t be distracting in photos (avoid loud or super colorful toys).
14. **Baby Wipes (extra pack)
Beyond diaper changes – they’re great for wiping hands, faces, and unexpected messes.
15. **Change of Clothes for Yourself
If you have a baby, there’s a good chance you’ll end up with spit-up, drool, or worse on your outfit. Pack a backup shirt!
Optional Props & Personalization
16. **Meaningful Props (if desired)
Props can add personality, but less is more! Good options:
- Family heirloom (grandma’s quilt, special blanket)
- Sports equipment (if sports are a big part of your family)
- Musical instruments
- Favorite books
- Seasonal items (pumpkins in fall, flowers in spring)
What to avoid:
- Too many props (distracting)
- Overly trendy items (won’t age well)
- Anything too large or cumbersome
17. **Pets (if discussed in advance)
Some families want to include their furry family members! Just coordinate with me ahead of time so we can plan.
Bring for pets:
- Leash
- Treats
- Water bowl
- Someone to handle the pet between shots
The Secret Weapon: Bribes & Incentives
18. **Special Treat or Small Reward
Let’s be honest – sometimes you need leverage with kids! Bring a special treat they can have AFTER photos as motivation.
Good options:
- Their favorite candy (for after the session)
- Promise of ice cream stop afterward
- Small toy they’ve been wanting
Pro tip: Let them know about the reward before we start. “When we finish taking beautiful pictures, you get ___!”
19. **Screen Time Promise
For older kids, sometimes the promise of extra iPad/video game time afterward is the best motivation!
What to LEAVE at Home
❌ Large Diaper Bags
Bring essentials in a small bag. Large bags are hard to keep out of frame and create clutter.
❌ Sippy Cups (during photos)
We’ll take breaks for water, but sippy cups in hand during photos are distracting. Hand to me or a helper to hold.
❌ Pacifiers (during photos for older babies/toddlers)
If possible, we’ll try photos without it first. We can use it to calm, then remove for shots.
❌ Loud or Electronic Toys
They’re distracting during the session and create focus issues.
❌ Stress & Pressure
I know you want perfect photos, but kids pick up on parental stress! Take a deep breath. We’ll get great shots, even if it takes some silly dancing and creative bribery. 😊
Special Situations
Extended Family Sessions
When grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins are involved:
- Share the checklist with everyone ahead of time
- Coordinate one point person for timing and grouping questions
- Bring a grouping list (this helps SO much with large families)
- Extra time – Let me know if it’s a large group so I can schedule appropriately
Multiple Outfit Changes
Planning to change outfits during the session?
- Bring outfits on hangers in garment bags
- Pack in order you’ll wear them
- Ask about changing location – Some locations have facilities, some don’t
- Add time – Each change adds 10-15 minutes
Day-Of Checklist
Print this and check off as you pack!
For Everyone:
- Coordinated outfits (on hangers)
- Backup outfit for kids
- Comfortable shoes (if changing for photos)
- Hair supplies
- Water bottles
For Young Kids/Babies:
- Diapers and wipes (extra!)
- Snacks (non-messy)
- Small comfort toy
- Pacifier (if used)
- Backup outfit for yourself
Nice to Have:
- Stain remover pen
- Tissues and hand wipes
- Band-aids
- Jackets/layers
- Special reward/treat for after
- Any meaningful props (if using)
Don’t Forget:
- Phone & car keys
- List of must-have shots
- Directions to location
- Positive attitude! 😊
Arrive 10 Minutes Early
Use those extra minutes to:
- Let kids explore the location (burns energy!)
- Do final outfit and hair checks
- Use the restroom
- Take a few deep breaths and get excited!
What I’ll Have
Don’t worry – I come prepared too! I’ll have:
- Professional camera equipment (and backups!)
- Reflectors and lighting if needed
- Posing prompts and ideas
- Silly songs and jokes for kids
- Patience and flexibility
- Backup location ideas if weather changes
The Most Important Thing to Bring
Yourselves – exactly as you are!
Perfect, matching smiles aren’t the goal. Real connection, genuine laughter, and authentic moments – that’s what makes photos special. Bring your real family, quirks and all, and we’ll capture the magic.
Questions Before Your Session?
Still wondering what to pack or prepare? Contact me anytime! I’m happy to talk through your specific situation and make sure you’re ready for a fun, successful session.