Family Photo Session Checklist

Your session is almost here! This is the quick version of everything you need to remember before heading out the door. Save or screenshot this checklist so you don't have to think about it on session day.

The Day Before

☐ Check the weather and plan accordingly

☐ Lay out everyone's complete outfit, including shoes and accessories

☐ Make sure clothes are clean, wrinkle free and ready to go

☐ Double check your session location and start time

☐ Pack anything you plan to bring with you

☐ Make sure everyone gets a good night's sleep, especially the kiddos!

Before You Leave

☐ Make sure everyone has eaten

☐ Have the whole family use the restroom

☐ Do a final hair and outfit check

☐ Remove hair ties from wrists

☐ Empty phones, keys, wallets and other bulky items from pockets

☐ Leave yourself enough travel time to arrive a few minutes early

Pack Your Photo Session Bag

☐ Water and any milk/formula your little ones may need

☐ Small, non messy snacks for kids if needed

☐ Comfortable walking shoes, if your photo shoes aren't practical for getting to the location

☐ Hairbrush or comb

☐ Chapstick or lip balm

☐ Hair ties, clips or bobby pins

☐ Wipes

☐ Makeup or anything needed for quick touch ups

☐ Extra clothes, depending on your session

☐ Diapers and diaper cover/onesie for little ones

☐ Any props or special items we've already discussed

☐ Bug spray, depending on the location and season

☐ A favorite small toy or comfort item for little ones, especially if they may need help warming up to a new person

Leave These in the Car

☐ Gum

☐ Phones, keys and wallets you don't need during the session

☐ Baseball caps or hats that aren't part of the planned outfits (not recommended)

☐ Extra bags and unnecessary belongings

☐ Anything you don't want accidentally making an appearance in your photos

Most Importantly...

Just show up.

You don't need perfectly behaved kids, perfectly styled hair or a family that magically knows what to do in front of a camera. That's my job.

Your job is to show up, love on your people and be yourselves. Kids might need a minute. Someone's hair might blow across their face. Somebody may decide they're done five minutes in. That's real life, and we'll work with it.

Need more than the quick checklist?

Read my Complete Guide to Preparing for Your Family Photo Session for all of my tips, tricks and session prep advice.

Still deciding what everyone should wear?

Check out my What To Wear To Your Family Photo Session