Family photo sessions are a wonderful way to capture the essence of your family as it grows and changes. To ensure your session goes smoothly and the photos turn out as beautiful as you envision, preparation is key. As a family photographer, I’ve learned that having the right essentials on hand can make all the difference. Here’s a guide to help you pack for your session like a pro!
And don’t forget to pack these things the day before your session.
Top 5 Things to Bring to a Session
1. Snacks and Water
Pack non-messy, easy-to-eat snacks and water to keep energy levels up. Choose snacks that won’t stain their outfits or faces. The best snacks to bring that won’t melt or create messy toddler faces include:
- mini marshmallows
- veggie straws
- dehydrated yogurt
- gummies
- bite-sized rice crackers
- mini pretzels
- teddy grahams
Avoid snacks like chocolate, big crackers (the ones that leave crumbs), and liquids (juice boxes, yogurts, etc.) until the end of a session. Suckers are best as an after-session treat because they are sticky and there’s nowhere to put them if your kid no longer wants them.
Tip: Be sure to bring a number of each flavor equivalent to the number of kiddos. Kids love to have whatever flavor their sibling is having.
2. Baby wipes / Facial tissues
Little kids have boogers. It’s just a fact of life. Which means they will have boogers at your session. Wet or hard, doesn’t matter. But just cause it’s a fact of life, doesn’t mean we want them photographed. (I selfishly don’t want to photoshop them out either). Having tissues on hand is a must. Tissues are great for wiping little noses or cleaning small messes from snacks.
Baby wipes or wipes designed specifically for wiping noses are even better because they won’t irritate your kid’s nose, which can lead to their nose turning red. Don’t forget to have somewhere to toss those used tissues when you’re done. As a Leave No Trace Photographer, we won’t be leaving those behind.
One thing you may want to bring to a summer session is a sweat towel. That’s right. Living in Texas means our brows and hairlines get a little dewy during a humid summer session and you may want something to wipe that away in between photos.
3. Comfort items
Having a small comfort item can help younger children feel more at ease. It’s okay if your kid’s favorite toy or blanket makes it into your photos. It’s okay if your baby’s pacifier makes an appearance in your photos. Lifestyle family photos are about documenting your life in a beautiful but realistic way. Sometimes kid need their stuffed animal or pacifier or a book and if that happens during your session, you get the opportunity to document that stage of your kid’s life.
Your kid’s comfort items may not stay with them as they get older. There are some toys from our own childhoods that we hold onto to pass on to our future kids or we hold onto them to have as a keepsake. But many of our childhood toys get donated or tossed from wear and tear. As parents, you will be making that decision for your kids – which toys they keep and which they don’t. Not all of their favorites will make it into the Keep Pile. But you can document them through photos you take of them playing with their favorite toy.
4. Backup outfits and comfortable shoes
If you have little kids who are prone to falling often, spitting up, or running straight towards a body of water you may find yourself in need of a wardrobe change moment for your kids. I also suggest backup outfits (and a towel) if your session takes place at river/lake/ocean so you can have a dry, comfy kid on the drive home.
While it’s tempting to go all out with fancy shoes, make sure they’re comfortable for walking and posing, especially if your session is outdoors. I always recommend bringing a pair of flats or sneakers for walking between locations. I also suggest bringing extra comfy shoes for your kids, too. Sometimes having kids wear new, unbroken-in shoes is unavoidable for photos. This can lead to blisters mid-session. Bandaids and socks may not help, but a different pair of shoes might. Even if they aren’t brand new and cute.
5. A Positive Attitude
The most important thing you can bring is a positive mindset. It may sound cheesy but it’s true. Planning outfits can be stressful. Getting everyone into the car can be stressful. Car rides can be stressful. There are lots of opportunities for moments to put you and your loved ones in a bad mood before a session even begins. I can’t stress enough how important it is to let it all go once you reach your session. Put arguments on hold, stretch, and wiggle off the stress from the drive. Focus on why you are there and know that you’re going to have a distraction-free hour playing with your family.
Sessions are about capturing your family’s unique dynamic, so let go of perfection and focus on having fun together. I always tell my families that their parenting skills are not on display and won’t be judged. They can put discipline on the back burner. They can embrace their kid’s silliness or stubbornness.
Laughter and joy make for the best photos! And if you are the only ones smiling because your toddler is having a tantrum, your photos will turn out great. I promise.
Items I provide as Your Photographer
There are some things that you don’t need to worry about packing when you hire me for family photos. I make sure to have the following in my camera bag or with me for your session to make sure your family is safe and comfortable.
- Blanket – I have several blankets available for sessions that won’t clash with outfits and are meant to get dirty.
- Bug spray – living in south Texas means there will be mosquitoes at your session so I have deet-free mosquito repellents that are safe for you and your kids
- Fan – it’s hot in Texas for most of the year so I have a battery-operated fan for clients to use in between photos to help cool down
- Bandaids (and mini first-aid kit)- boo-boos happen so I have an assortment of bandaids for different ages and skin tones
- Speaker – instead of playing music on your phone, which your kid will want to hold, I have a Bluetooth speaker so we can play their favorite tunes
- Benedryl cream – one never knows when you may encounter ants or other bugs that bite or grasses that leave you or your kid itchy so I have cream for that!
By packing these essentials, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, enjoyable photo session and images you’ll treasure forever. If you have any questions or need more tips, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to help!
What’s your must-have item for family photo sessions? Share in the comments!
