Capturing Joyful Moments: Tips for Your Family Session in North Carolina

A cold November family session of 8

"It's chaos, but I wouldn't have it any other way," Kari shared about her family of eight during our session. How did we make it happen? Here are three tips for planning your family session with a large family.

Embrace the Chaos: Finding the Right Time

There is never going to be the "perfect" time for a family photo session. To make this happen, you can't do it alone. I’m here to help with location, outfit planning, and more. All you need to do is coordinate schedules.

A part of my process is to help you make fewer decisions while listening to your vision. For this session, Kari wanted everyone to wear their new boots in a rural setting. You might prefer a studio session or an in-home shoot. Together, we will find what works best for you and your family.

Make It Fun: Engaging Your Kids

Your kids may be in different stages of life, but they will play together if you make it enjoyable. I have several prompts that work for different ages, helping kids enjoy the experience. This also helps you relax about their behavior.

I encourage my clients to engage with their children—play, cuddle, and interact. If you’re not showing up to have fun, you won’t enjoy the session, and the photos will reflect that.

Prepare Your Kids: Setting Expectations

PREP your kiddos beforehand. Explain what we will do and tell them about me. Ensure they get a good night's sleep before our session. Avoid planning a full day of activities before and after our time together.

Plan around nap times, and remember, you’re not chained to the golden hour timeframe. These photos were taken in the morning at 9:30 AM, proving that great moments can happen at any time.

Bonus Tip: Timing Is Everything

You don’t have to wait for a specific season to get your family photos done. While fall and spring are popular, we captured these photos around Thanksgiving because all the kids were together for the holidays.

We can work around any weather, season, or holiday schedule, especially if you are a blended family.

10 month old twin girls

mom + dad during their family session

the oldest daughter

the oldest two kiddos

the oldest daughter

the oldest 4 kiddos cuddling in the cold under a blanket

family session of 8

3 youngest kiddos cuddling in the cold during their family session

dad with one of his twin girls cuddling in the cold

2 middle girls during the family session of 8

mom and one of her twin girls during their family session of 8

family session of 8

the only boy in family of 8

two oldest kiddos

mom and dad during their family session of 8

Have you thought about getting family photos done but feel overwhelmed? Click here to begin. Let's create some magic this year!

xoxo

Virginia