You booked family photos. Love that for you.
Now here comes the part nobody talks about: the mental spiral. Outfits. Hair. Snacks. Someone can’t find their other shoe. Someone is suddenly starving even though they “just ate.” It’s a whole thing.
This family photo session checklist is meant for real life. Not perfect life. Save it, screenshot it, or send it to the person who always asks, “What time do we have to be there again?”
Table of Contents
One week before your session
A little planning here makes the day-of feel so much calmer.
1) Pick outfits and try them on
Try everything on all at once, including shoes. Make sure your kids can move, sit, and be held without tugging at collars or whining about socks.
If something feels itchy, tight, or too fussy, skip it. Comfortable kids look happier. Comfortable parents do too.
2) Talk to your kids like they’re humans
Keep it simple: “We’re going to hang out together and take some pictures. You don’t have to act perfect. I just want you to be you.”
Try not to hype it up like a big performance. And if you say “You better behave,” it usually backfires. Ask me how I know.
3) Decide what matters most
If you have specific combinations you want (siblings together, mom with each kid, grandparents, etc.), make a quick note. You don’t need a detailed shot list, just the “please don’t forget this” stuff.
The day before
This is your future self’s best friend.
4) Set everything out
Make outfit stacks by person, including socks, shoes, and accessories. Put it all in one spot. Bonus points if you toss a lint roller in the pile.
5) Pack your session bag
You don’t need a suitcase. Just a small bag with the basics so you’re not digging through your car like a raccoon.
Pack:
- Wipes or tissues
- Water
- Brush or comb, hair ties, bobby pins
- Lip balm or a quick touch-up product
- Bug spray (Middle Georgia families, you already know)
- Band-aids (because someone always needs one)
- Neutral blanket (good for sitting, snuggling, quick breaks)
6) Plan food like it’s part of the schedule
If your session overlaps with dinner time, feed your kids before you leave. Even if it’s not a full meal, do something more than a single cracker and a prayer.
Day of session tips
This is the “let’s not arrive already frazzled” section.
7) Give yourself extra time
Aim for 30–60 minutes of wiggle room. Not because you’re slow, but because kids are unpredictable and somebody will need a last-minute bathroom break.
8) Right before you leave: quick reset
- Feed your kids (hungry kids do not care about your plans)
- Water for everyone
- Bathroom break, even if they “don’t have to go”
- Wipe faces and hands (especially after car snacks)
- Check pockets for rocks, toy cars, and random treasures
- Take off hair ties on wrists (they always end up in photos)
- Optional: swap out smart watches if you don’t want them showing
9) Keep outfits clean as long as possible
If you’ve got little ones, consider waiting to put them in their photo outfit until you arrive. Less car snack dust, less mystery stains.
10) Let your kids explore for a minute
If we’re meeting at a park or open field, letting kids walk around for a minute helps them settle. It burns off that “new place energy” and makes everything feel more natural.
11) Plan something fun after
One of my favorite tricks: tell your kids there’s something fun afterward. Ice cream, playground, movie night at home, whatever works. It gives the day a positive vibe, and honestly it helps parents too.
Snack guide for family photos
Snacks can save the mood, but choose wisely. We want quick, not messy, and not something that leaves stuff in teeth.
Okay snacks to bring
- Grapes (cut in half for little kids)
- Fruit snacks (quick and easy)
- Baby puffs or Cheerios
- Mini marshmallows (in moderation)
Snacks to avoid
- Chocolate (melts, messy)
- Crackers or goldfish (hello, teeth crumbs)
- Gum (very obvious when smiling)
- Long-lasting candies (takes forever, colors mouths)
If you’re worried your kids won’t “behave”
They don’t need to behave. They need to be themselves.
My job is to guide things in a way that keeps it moving, gives breaks when we need them, and takes the pressure off. You do not need to spend the whole session managing everyone. You get to show up and be with your people.
Bringing the dog?
Dogs are welcome in family photos as long as we plan for it.
Bring:
- Leash (and a backup leash if you have one)
- Treats
- Poop bags
- Small towel if it’s muddy
- Water bowl
Things to leave in the car
You don’t have to ban these, but keep them as a backup, not the first thing kids reach for.
- Tablets
- Loud toys
- Sticky candy
- Anything your child will refuse to put down once it comes out
Family Photo Session Checklist Wrap-up
If you take nothing else from this checklist, take this: you don’t have to earn good photos by having a perfect day. You just need to show up. The rest, we’ll handle together.
I’m a family and motherhood photographer serving Perry, Macon, Warner Robins, and families all across Middle Georgia.
