I totally get it — you have a vision, you’re narrowing down your options for a Vermont family photographer, and you’re planning the family photo session of your dreams. You’re so excited… but you’re worried about three things (and no, I’m not talking about the ever-changing, unpredictable Vermont weather…). 

1. Outfits: With 5+ years in the biz under my belt, I know that this is almost always the #1 thing that stresses moms out as sessions get closer.
2. Meltdowns: Kids (toddlers especially, I totally get it!) go from happy to, like, really mad, in no time, and you’re worried you’ll spend more time managing moods and corralling your kiddos than connecting with them and authentically capturing the story you want to tell in your session. 
3. Timing: Balancing busy schedules, toddler naps, and the “best” lighting for your vision and vibe can feel like a major stressor.

These family session tips will help you tackle these three, prepare and plan for stress-free family photos because, yes, I promise it is possible!

Questions to Help You Plan Your Family Photos

Before every session, I ask tons of questions about what you want to see reflected in your final gallery and the kind of imagery you connect with. But these questions go beyond helping me curate your dream album. They also help us choose locations and activities your kids will actually enjoy, which is a key piece of a stress-free session. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

1. What games do you play with your family?
2. What does a typical Saturday afternoon look like? What about Sunday mornings?
3. Where are your kiddos happiest? Snuggled up on the couch? Exploring the outdoors?
4. What do you want to remember most about this season of life?

Showing up and hoping for the best can work, but it usually doesn’t. Planning a fun and stress-free family photo session starts with intentionally choosing activities and locations that your kids love and that keep them comfortable.

From there, the family photo tips below will help you prepare for your session so you can show up, stay present, and leave feeling more in love and connected with your family (vs feeling like you need a break!). 

Vermont Family Session Tips

1. Embrace the Photo Planning Process 

If your photographer is ~doin’ it right~, they’re communicating with you ahead of time and getting to know you and your family intimately. 

I send a Family Session Story Canvas with over 30 questions that help me get to know your family, kids, routines, and day-to-day. Then we work together and use this information to plan your session together. I love chatting with mamas on a call or in person after I’ve received your Story Canvas so we can create a lose plan (ex: where we want to start and finish the session etc). I need all my families to embrace this process so I can deliver a gallery they’re in love with and that represents their season of life in the most raw and real way.

If you’re just looking to book a photographer and show up with minimal communication or forethought, I’m not the photographer for you;) If you’re ready to dive into what makes your kiddos unique, the details you never want to forget, and the imagery that inspires you most, I’m your girl! 

2. Choose Your Location Wisely and Intentionally

Once we’ve nailed down the story you want to tell in your images, we need to choose a location that helps us tell it effectively. For a stress-free family photo session, this means a space where your kids feel comfortable. This could mean starting in your home and then finding magic in your backyard. But, it could also mean choosing a location they’ll find fun and exciting to explore.

No matter what, your location should help us bring out the sides of your children that you want to remember most. If they’re shy and snuggly, we’ll focus on the activities and locations that help nurture those quiet moments. If they’re goofy and outgoing, let’s head to a spot by the lake where they can flip and skip rocks.

3. Begin Planning Outfits Far in Advance

One of the most common questions I get is “what should we wear!?” and I totally get it — planning ONE outfit is hard enough… but planning your outfit, your kids’ outfits, and (let’s be honest), your partner’s outfit? Ya. That is a full-time job.

That’s why one of my top family session tips is to plan your outfits for your session as soon as possible after booking. Not only does this minimize stress in the few days leading up to your session, but it also allows you enough time to make confident, intentional outfit choices and collect pieces you love.

I send a Session Guide with tons of outfit inspiration, Pinterest boards, and places to shop. Then, I make myself super available through text, voice memo, FaceTime, email, and Google Meet to chat if you want specific suggestions or feedback on your choices.

Grab my go-to family photo tips for planning your outfits here! 

4. Go With Their Flow:

Your kids are on their own schedule, and one of my very favorite family photo tips is to get interested in what your kids are interested in and go with their flow. This creates a real connection between you and your littles. You want to capture their personalities, and this will happen best (and come through in images most effectively) if you let them be themselves vs. trying to “force” the moments you’re imagining.

5. Bring Snacks

If you have a toddler (or even a teenager, let’s be real), snacks are never a bad idea. I don’t think this one needs much convincing, explaining, or qualifying;) 

Choosing Your Vermont Family Photographer

Mamas often tell me, “I don’t know if my kids will last a full session,” and I ask, “Would they spend an hour going for a walk and looking for cool rocks and plants? Would they spend an hour on a playdate? What about helping you bake cookies before coloring at home?” 

Let’s do that.

Let’s do the things that get your kids smiling, laughing, interacting, and showing their personality—because those are the things you’re going to want to remember about this season of life.
Forget what you think a session should be. Choose a place your family loves, let your little ones take the lead, get interested in what they’re interested in, and I’ll do the rest. Learn more about Vermont Family Photography packages here!