5 Things People Should Actually Worry About Before a Family Shoot (Spoiler: Not Matching Outfits)

Let’s play a game: raise your hand if you’ve ever spiralled before a family photoshoot. 🙋‍♀️
The outfits. The hair. The snacks. The fear your toddler will show up acting like they just drank 3 Red Bulls.

First of all—you’re not alone. I’m a photographer and a mom, and I still panic like I’m preparing for a royal portrait and not just a fun, memory-filled hour with my kids.

But here’s the truth: you’re probably stressing about the wrong stuff.
So here are 5 things you should actually worry about before your photoshoot—and spoiler, none of them are about perfectly curated outfits.

1. Do the kids have snacks?

This is not a drill. Hungry kids = feral kids.
Throw some granola bars, gummies, or low-crunchy options into your bag (unless you want 12 photos of someone mid-chew).

Bonus points for post-shoot bribes. I’m not saying ice cream solves everything... but I’m not not saying that.

2. Are you giving yourself enough time?

Showing up flustered is a vibe—and not the one we’re going for. It’s like showing up to an airport only an hour before the flight - it can be done but it’s so much less stressful when you get there early, find your gate and then you can chill out!

Plan to be early so you can chill, breathe, and maybe even sip a coffee before you get out of the car and wrestle a small human into their shoes.

And if you’re late? Just let me know. It’s a photoshoot, not life-saving surgery. Just take a nice deep breath, we will get through it together!

3. Do you know what makes your kids laugh?

Silly songs? Animal noises? Doing “the worm” in public? (No judgment—I’ve done it.)
Knowing your kids’ comfort zone helps me get those sweet, genuine giggles without forcing anything. Let me know beforehand what their special interests are so I can tailor the photoshoot to their interests.

With this family, I knew they all had a shared interest of Lord of the Rings so I made sure to include some Lord of the Rings themed prompts (pretend one of you has the one ring to rule them all).

4. Have you managed your expectations?

I love you, but this isn’t a Disney movie.
Your toddler might cry. Your partner might blink in every photo. You might end up chasing your kid through a field.

And you know what? That’s okay. Those photos will be so much better than perfect ones.

The best thing to remember is to try to be in the moment. Stop trying to manufacture perfection because more often than not it will not work.

Being present makes photos into memories.

5. Have you reminded yourself this is supposed to be fun?

Like, actually fun.

Photoshoots don’t have to be stiff or stressful. My goal is to capture your people being themselves. That’s it.

So breathe. Show up. Be you.

And remember: no one cares if your outfits match.
(But if you still want to ask me what colour works with mustard yellow, I gotchu.)