Planning a family photo session can feel a little overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time, but I;m here to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible! Over the years, I’ve gotten a lot of questions about how family sessions work, so I’ve put together a list of some of the most common ones to help you feel prepared and excited for your session. Let’s dive into the FAQs about family photography with me, Hannah from Alabama!

What Should We Wear for Our Family Photos?

One of the most common questions I get! Choosing outfits can be tricky, but I always recommend starting with something comfortable and true to your personal style. Beyond that, here are some things to consider:

Neutrals are a good base for family photos! You don’t have to be a sad beige family, but neutral tones and soft, muted colors can really help skin tones remain bright and help reflect light.
Coordinate, but don’t match— think about complementing colors and textures that work well together without being too “matchy-matchy”.
Avoid large logos or overly busy patterns, as they can be distracting and dominate the focal point

If you’re unsure, feel free to send me a few outfit ideas and I’ll be happy to help you finalize your choices!

2. How Long Does a Family Session Last?

I offer three different portrait sessions for families: mini, full or extended sessions. Your family’s needs will help determine how much time would be the best fit for you and your hopes for the photo session.

During the fall, mini sessions are my most popular and most frequently booked! Mini family sessions are quick and energetic and only last 20-30 minutes, perfect for families looking to squeeze in the annual portrait update during the busy holiday season.

Otherwise, full 1 hour sessions are pretty standard. A standard full hour session gives us plenty of time to capture a variety of shots. If there are young children involved, I always work at their pace to keep things fun and low-stress.

3. Where Will the Session Take Place?

I love shooting in beautiful outdoor locations, and I’m happy to help you pick the perfect spot. Whether you’re in the South or on the coast of California, or anywhere else, we’ll choose a location that suits your family’s personality— a park, downtown or even your home!

As a traveling photographer, I’m also available to capture your family in special locations all around the United States. Please reach out to check my travel calendar and to start brainstorming!

4. What Happens if the Kids Don’t Cooperate?

Don’t worry—this happens more than you think! My approach to family photography is all about embracing the real, authentic moments, so if your kids are feeling shy or energetic, we roll with it! I always take time to let little ones warm up to the camera, and we’ll play games, run around, and have fun to bring out their natural smiles. I’ll guide your family through the session so everyone feels comfortable, and we capture those genuine connections.

5. What Time of Day is Best for the Session?

The best time for outdoor family sessions is usually during “golden hour,” which is the hour or two before sunset (or just after sunrise). The lighting is soft and flattering at these times, which helps create those dreamy, natural images. If we’re shooting indoors, mid-morning is often ideal for natural light sessions in your home. I’ll work with you to find the perfect time that suits your schedule and the look you’re after.

6. How Should We Prepare for Our Session?

Here are a few tips to ensure everything goes smoothly:

Make sure everyone is well-rested and fed before the session to keep the energy up.
If you have young children, bring along snacks, water, and any favorite toys or comfort items that might help them feel more at ease.
Don’t stress too much about the “perfect” shot! The best photos come when you’re relaxed and enjoying the moment. Just focus on having fun, connecting and playing with your family.

7. Can We Include Extended Family or Pets?

Absolutely! If you’d like to include grandparents, cousins, or even your fur babies, I’m happy to accommodate. Just let me know ahead of time, and we’ll make sure we capture both larger group shots and individual family moments. Pets are always welcome in sessions—just bring along some treats or toys to keep them engaged and possibly an extra set of hands if the pets are not going to be actively involved in every frame.

8. How Will We Receive Our Photos?

After your session, I’ll carefully edit your images and deliver them to you via an online gallery. You’ll receive high-resolution, beautifully edited photos that you can download, share, and print as you like. I offer a shoot-and-share model, which means you will receive every single edited image from the session as well as have the flexibility to create prints, albums, or wall art from your favorite shots.

9. When Will We Receive Our Photos?

I send a handful of edited images from your session as a “sneak peek” straight to your inbox within 2 days following your session (usually the evening of!).

You can expect to receive your fully edited gallery within 2-3 weeks after your session. I take great care in editing each image to ensure you’re getting the best quality photos, so busier times of year might have longer turn-around times for completed galleries.

10. Do You Travel for Family Sessions?

Yes! While I’m based in Huntsville, AL, I love traveling for family sessions and am often available for shoots in other parts of the country, including the San Luis Obispo area of California. If you have a special location in mind, whether it’s a beach, mountains, or your family’s favorite vacation spot, I’d be thrilled to capture your family there!

Ready to Book Your Session?

I hope these answers help you feel prepared and excited for your family photo session! Capturing authentic moments and real connections is what I’m all about, and I’d love to work with your family to create beautiful memories you can look back on for years to come.

If you have any other questions or are ready to book your session, feel free to reach out! Let’s create something special together.

With love,

Hannah from Alabama

Your Lifestyle Family Photographer