Picture this: You’ve booked your family photo session, choosen the perfect outfits, and are ready to capture those priceless memories. Everything should go smoothly, right? Well, sometimes even with the best intentions, small mistakes can add stress to your day. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! As a seasoned family and newborn photographer, I’ve seen it all. And while no session is ever “perfect” (because life isn’t perfect!), there are a few common mistakes that families tend to make before their session that can easily be avoided.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the most common mistakes families make before their sessions and how you can avoid them for a stress-free, fun, and memorable experience.

1. Expecting Perfection

This is one of the most common pitfalls for families, and understandably so! When you’re investing in professional photos, you want everything to be flawless, right? But here’s the secret: the best moments aren’t perfect—they’re real. 

It’s easy to go into a photo session with high expectations, wanting the kids to behave perfectly, the weather to be just right, and everyone to look their best. However, when we let go of the idea of perfection, we open ourselves up to capturing genuine moments. Those candid giggles, the way your toddler clings to your leg, or the shy smile your baby gives—those are the moments that are pure magic!

Avoid the mistake: Go into your session with an open mind. Embrace the candid moments and remember that the little imperfections are what make your family unique. It’s those in-between moments that often turn into the most cherished photos.

2. Choosing Outfits at the Last Minute

Another common mistake is leaving outfit selection until the day before (or even the morning of) your session. Trust me, scrambling to throw outfits together last minute can add unnecessary stress. Choosing outfits that complement each other without being too matchy-matchy can take a little planning, but the effort pays off in the final images.

Avoid the mistake: Start planning your outfits a week or two in advance. Think about the color palette and how the outfits will work together. Earthy tones, soft pastels, and neutrals are great choices, and don’t be afraid to mix in textures like denim or knits. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask! As part of my client experience, I offer styling advice and even have wardrobe options for families to choose from. 

3. Not Preparing the Kids (or Yourself)

Kids thrive on routine, so introducing a new experience (like a photo shoot) without a little prep can sometimes lead to anxiety or meltdowns. Similarly, parents can unintentionally add to the stress by being overly concerned with how their kids will behave.

Avoid the mistake: Talk to your kids about the session beforehand. Explain that it’s going to be fun, and they’ll get to play, laugh, and spend time together. Tell them the photographer is their new friend and they get to show off their big smiles. Also, pack a few snacks, a favorite toy, or something comforting to help them relax if needed.

As for parents, the best thing you can do is take a deep breath and relax! Kids pick up on energy, so if you’re calm and having fun, they’ll be more likely to follow your lead.

4. Forgetting to Budget Time for Getting Ready

The day of your session can feel busy, and it’s easy to underestimate how much time you’ll need to get ready. Rushing through hair, makeup, and getting the kids dressed can leave you feeling frazzled before you even arrive.

Avoid the mistake: Give yourself plenty of time to get ready without feeling rushed. Start the day with a plan and allow extra buffer time for any last-minute hiccups. The more relaxed you are before the session, the better you’ll feel (and look) once you’re in front of the camera.

5. Worrying Too Much About the Weather

If you’ve booked an outdoor session, weather can be a concern. But here’s the thing: weather is unpredictable, and stressing about it won’t change what happens on the day of your session. Whether it’s overcast or sunny, I’ll work with the lighting to create beautiful images.

Avoid the mistake: Keep an eye on the forecast, but trust your photographer to make the right call. If we need to reschedule due to rain or unsafe conditions, we will. Otherwise, embrace whatever the day brings. Sometimes, even cloudy days or a slight breeze can create the most magical, moody photos.

Enjoy the Experience!

Ultimately, the key to a successful session is going with the flow and enjoying the experience. Your family’s unique dynamic, the candid moments, and the laughter are what make your photos special. By avoiding these common mistakes and preparing ahead of time, you’ll set yourself up for a fun and relaxed session.

Ready to book your family photo session? Let’s capture those beautiful, real moments together. Reach out today to schedule your session, and let’s make some memories!