Let's be honest… getting the entire family ready for pictures can sometimes feel like a bigger task than the actual photo session! Between coordinating outfits, getting little ones dressed, making sure everyone is in a good mood, and hoping the weather cooperates, it's easy for moms to feel a little overwhelmed.


As a professional family photographer with more than 20 years of experience, I've learned a few things along the way that can make your family photography session a much more enjoyable experience. My goal is always to create beautiful, timeless images of your family while making sure you actually enjoy the process along the way.


Whether we're photographing your family in my natural light photography studio in downtown Ada, Oklahoma, or heading outdoors for a beautiful sunset session, here are my five favorite tips for a stress-free family photo session!


  1. Let Kids Be Kids


This is probably my biggest piece of advice for families with little ones. Don't expect your children to act perfectly, sit still, and smile at the camera for an entire session. That's just not realistic, and honestly, I don't want them to!


Of course, I'll make sure we get that traditional, everyone-looking-and-smiling-at-the-camera Christmas card photo, but after we've captured that, I love letting everyone relax, have fun, and interact naturally. Some of my absolute favorite images of little ones are the candid ones — the genuine giggles, silly expressions, sweet cuddles, and unexpected moments that show their little personalities.


Those are the images that often become the most treasured because they capture what your family is really like right now.


So don't stress if your toddler isn't cooperating perfectly or your kids want to be a little silly. Sometimes those unplanned moments make the best family photographs.


2. Let Me Help You Plan Your Outfits


If there's one thing I hear from moms over and over again, it's, "What in the world are we all going to wear?"


I completely understand! Coordinating outfits for an entire family can feel overwhelming, but it's also one of my favorite parts of preparing for your session. And if you'd like a little help, I'm always happy to make that process easier.


We'll start with a phone consultation to talk through colors, styles, and the overall look you're hoping to achieve. We'll consider the season, location, and how to coordinate everyone's outfits so they complement one another without looking too matchy-matchy.


I'll even share some of my favorite local and online boutiques to give you shopping inspiration.


Then, a few days before your family photography session, I like to connect one more time to finalize everything and put those finishing touches on everyone's outfits.


My background in fashion merchandising and years of helping clients with wardrobe styling make this one of the things I truly enjoy. I want everyone to feel comfortable, confident, and beautifully coordinated in your family portraits.


3. Come Prepared, But Don't Stress


A little preparation ahead of time can make a HUGE difference on picture day. My best advice is to get as much done the night before as possible so you're not rushing around at the last minute.


Here are a few simple things to check off your list:


Lay out and iron everyone's outfits. Make sure everything is clean, wrinkle-free, and ready to go.


Pack a little bag for the kids. Bring a few favorite snacks, water, wipes, and maybe a small toy if needed.


Make sure everyone gets plenty of rest. Well-rested little ones are usually happier and more willing to participate.


Take care of the little details. Clean, neatly trimmed nails in neutral or natural colors photograph beautifully.


4. Don't Worry About How You'll Look in Pictures. That's My Job:)


I know this is a big one for moms!


Throughout your family photography session, I'm constantly paying attention to the little details. I'll adjust hair, smooth outfits, help with flattering poses, and make sure everyone is positioned in the most flattering way.


I'll guide you through the entire session so you never have to wonder what to do or how to stand.


My goal is to help you look and feel your very best while creating beautiful, natural-looking family portraits.


And moms, please don't sit out of the pictures because you're worried about how you'll look. Your children deserve to have beautiful photographs with you, too. Years from now, those images will mean more than you can imagine!


5. Most Importantly… HAVE FUN!


This might sound like the simplest tip, but it's probably the most important!


Do your best to relax, let go of expectations, and enjoy this special time with your family. Laugh together, cuddle your babies, play with your children, and just be yourselves.


Your family doesn't have to look perfect to create beautiful photographs. In fact, some of the most meaningful images come from the moments when everyone forgets about the camera and simply enjoys being together.


I promise I'll take care of the photography details. You just focus on making memories!


Let's Make Some Beautiful Family Memories!


Family photographs are about so much more than having everyone dressed up and smiling at the camera. They're about remembering this season of life, the personalities of your children, the way your family loves one another, and all those little moments you never want to forget.


At Courtney Morehead Photography Studio, I want your family photography experience to be enjoyable from beginning to end. From helping you coordinate outfits to guiding you through your session, I'll take care of the details so you can simply enjoy being together.


I offer family photography sessions in my beautiful natural light studio in downtown Ada, Oklahoma, as well as outdoor and on-location family sessions throughout Oklahoma.


Whether you're looking for timeless studio portraits, beautiful outdoor family pictures, or updated Christmas card photos, I'd love to help you create something special.


Ready to plan your next family photography session?


Contact Courtney Morehead Photography Studio to start planning your session. I can't wait to capture your family just as you are!

Family of five in a golden grassy field at sunset, with parents, a girl in a blue dress, a toddler and a young boy smiling.
Smiling bearded dad in a blue polo carries his young son on his shoulders in a sunlit meadow with green trees behind.
Family of five with a mother, father, two young children and a baby sitting together in a golden grassy field at sunset.
Smiling family of five playing together in a sunlit golden meadow, with a dad lifting a baby while a mom and two kids laugh.
Happy family of five sitting together in a golden grassy field at sunset, with parents, two young children and a baby smiling and laughing.
Family of five in a golden grassy field at sunset, parents holding a baby while a girl twirls and a boy runs nearby.
Smiling woman in a white lace dress holds a laughing barefoot baby in a plaid romper in a golden grassy field at sunset.
Family of five holding hands in a sunlit golden meadow, with a mother, father, two young children and a toddler in soft coordinated outfits.
Smiling young boy in a tan polo and jeans holds hands with two adults while walking through a golden grassy field at sunset.
Family of five in flowing dresses and casual clothes holding hands while walking through a golden meadow at sunset.
A smiling family of five holds hands and walks through a golden grassy field at sunset, with parents, two young children and a toddler.
Smiling toddler in a plaid romper holds hands with a woman in a flowy dress and an older boy while standing in a sunlit grassy field.
Three smiling children sit together on a white blanket in a golden grassy field at sunset, with colorful wildflower bouquets beside them.
Smiling woman in a white dress sits in a golden grassy field holding a pink and yellow bouquet as a little boy leans in to kiss her nose.
A man in a blue polo twirls a smiling young girl in a flowing pale blue dress in a golden grassy field at sunset.
Smiling couple embracing in a sunlit wildflower field at golden hour, the man in a blue shirt and the woman in a white dress.
Family of four holding a white blanket above them in a golden grassy field at sunset while two children look up and laugh.
Smiling couple embracing forehead to forehead in a sunlit wildflower meadow at golden hour during an engagement photo session.
Couple holding hands walking through a golden grassy field at sunset, she wears a flowing cream dress and he wears a light blue shirt.

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