04/28/2026
I get family photos taken. And you know what, I’ve stressed about getting them taken before.
It’s totally normal.
Sometimes, as moms, the weight of planning family photos falls on our shoulders. From scheduling to planning outfits, to trying to avoid sickness/injury and making sure our kids “know what this means to you”, it can be a lot.
Here’s what I do to avoid all of that stress:
1. Plan a date in well in advance, where you know you have enough time.
I realize I need about a month or 2 to plan outfits and get my s**z together. Some like to plan it out a bit longer and I commend you for that 👏🏼
2. When planning outfits, start with the “hero” of the session.
This is a little hat tip to Joanna Gaines. When styling your *home*, she says to have one piece to focus on and then style the rest of the pieces based upon that. I think it’s the same with outfits. If there was an adorable dress you just had to get for your daughter, snag that one and coordinate the rest of the family around that.
Still not sure what to do? Ask your photographer! I personally have a style guide and link to style inspo that I send my families. They usually know what photographs best!
3. Tell your family what you’re doing. Let them know how it’s going to go and what the session entails. For my own family, I say “we’re going to go to a special place and take some fun pictures.” I’m sure the older my kids get that will change but for now, simple is best.
4. Expect that there could be a hiccup or two.
Tantrums. Outfit mishaps. Bad weather. I’ve dealt with it all. The fastest way to let the session go downhill is focusing on something bad that happened. Letting it roll off your shoulders is the best thing you can do. If you can’t control it, roll with it.
5. Let your photographer take the wheel.
There’s something liberating by just letting go and having your photographer guide everything. We can get caught up in controlling our kids behavior and making sure they “smile nice” but that’s not what we really want, right? We want connection, laughter and love. Let us take care of that and watch your session unfold. 🫶🏼✨
Mother
