What to Expect From a Family Photography Session

Booking a family photography session can feel a little daunting — especially if it’s been a while since you’ve had photos taken, or if you’re worried about how the kids will go.
I get asked all the time what actually happens during a family session, so I wanted to put it all in one place.

From how we prepare, to how the session runs, to what happens afterwards, here’s a clear, honest look at what to expect from a family photography session.

Before the Session: Simple Preparation

Once your session is booked, I’ll confirm the details around timing and location and be available to answer any questions along the way. There’s no big checklist or preparation required.

There’s no need to plan activities or rehearse anything beforehand. Family sessions work best when everyone arrives relaxed and ready to spend some time together.

What to Wear (Keeping It Simple)

Solid colours are always a great choice for family photos. They photograph cleanly and help keep the focus on connection, rather than clothing. Busy patterns or large logos can sometimes be distracting and tend to date more quickly.

Comfort is just as important — choose outfits that allow movement and don’t need constant adjusting. When everyone feels at ease, it shows in the images.

If you’d like more guidance, I’ve put together a dedicated What to Wear for Family Photos blog post that goes into more detail and offers practical suggestions to help you feel confident going into your session.

On the Day: How the Session Feels

Family sessions are relaxed and unforced. I’ll guide you into good light and natural positions, but there’s no expectation to hold stiff poses or keep everyone perfectly still.

Children are encouraged to move, interact, and be themselves. Some families chat the whole time, others are quieter — both are completely fine. Every session unfolds a little differently, and that’s part of what makes each one unique.

You don’t need to perform or “do” anything special. Simply being together is enough.

If the Kids Don’t Cooperate

By the time families arrive, most parents have already tried a little bribery — snacks, promises, or a quiet “you can have this after” on the drive over. That’s completely normal.

Children don’t need to perform or smile on cue for a session to be successful. In fact, the classic “say cheese” often brings out very unnatural smiles, and those moments rarely feel like your kids in real life.

I encourage children to just be themselves. Some images will include smiles, but I also love capturing quieter, more still moments — without forced expressions — as these often show the most personality. A thoughtful look, a serious face, or a moment of concentration can say just as much as a big grin.

The session is guided by the pace and energy of your family on the day. There’s no pressure to force anything, and often the best images come when everyone relaxes and lets things unfold naturally.

How Long a Family Photography Session Takes

Family photography sessions don’t run to a strict timeframe. When children are involved, it’s more important to work with what’s happening on the day than to rush through a set schedule.

Most sessions sit somewhere between one and two hours, but that can vary depending on the age of the children, the number of people involved, and the overall energy of the session.

If a child needs a moment — whether that’s a break, a cuddle, or time to reset — that’s completely okay. There’s no pressure to push through or force things to happen. Taking the time to regroup often leads to more natural and meaningful images.

At the same time, if it’s clear that we’re getting great moments efficiently, I’ll work with that too and wrap the session while things still feel positive. The aim is always to read the room and respond accordingly, rather than working to the clock.

After the Session: What Happens Next

After your session, I carefully review the images and complete the final edits with the same attention and care as the photography itself. Editing is a significant part of my process, and it’s where the images are refined to bring out the best in each photograph — in a way that feels natural, consistent, and true to your family.

Your finished images are delivered via an online proofing gallery, where you can download, share, and order prints. I offer both digital-only options and packages that include prints.

While digital files are practical, I do encourage printing your images. Printed photographs are a more reliable archival option and allow your images to be enjoyed as part of everyday life, rather than stored away on a hard drive or phone.

I’m always happy to help guide you through print options if you’d like advice on sizes, finishes, or what works best in your space.

What Makes a Family Photography Session Successful

A successful family photography session isn’t about perfect behaviour, tidy outfits, or everyone smiling at the camera at the same time.

It’s about giving your family the space to be yourselves, allowing things to unfold naturally, and trusting the process. Some sessions are lively, some are quiet, and many are a mix of both — all of that is part of your family’s story.

By slowing down, staying present, and letting go of expectations, you create room for images that feel honest, personal, and lasting.

Family photography sessions are designed to be relaxed, flexible, and centred around connection. There’s no pressure to perform and no need for things to look a certain way.

If you arrive open to the experience and allow your family to simply be together, that’s more than enough.