Your Family Photo Day Survival Guide

Let’s be honest: the phrase “family photo day” can make even the calmest mom twitch a little. Between finding outfits, bribing kids, and keeping everyone from spilling something down their front seatbelt five minutes before arrival…it’s basically a high-stakes emotional sport.

As a Greensboro photographer (and mom myself), I’ve seen it all: missing shoes, sibling squabbles, and the occasional “discussion” between parent and child. But here’s the truth: family photo day doesn’t have to be chaos. With a few easy mindset shifts and prep tricks, it can actually be (gasp!) fun.

1. Start with Realistic Expectations

You know those Pinterest-perfect family portraits where everyone’s laughing on cue? Yeah…those are usually the three seconds between “stop touching your sister” and “don’t eat the grass.”Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for connection. The best photos happen in the in-betweens! A genuine laugh (or the real laugh between the fake ones), a quick snuggle, a shared look that says, we survived the car ride here.

2. Plan Outfits Early (But Keep It Simple)

A little planning goes a long way. Choose one patterned piece (like mom’s dress or daughter’s top – let’s call that the “Hero” outfit) and pull colors from that for everyone else. Think coordinating, not matching.Lay everything out together a week ahead: shoes, accessories, and yes, backup outfits for the little ones. Bonus points if you make your teens try their clothes on before photo day. (Trust me on that one.)

3. Snack, Nap, Repeat

The two most dangerous words in family photography? Hangry toddler. Bring mess-free snacks, water, and if your kids are younger, schedule around naps. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not juggling goldfish crackers between poses.

4. Let Your Photographer Take the Reins

You’ve done the hard work getting everyone there, now let your photographer handle the rest. We know how to coax out genuine smiles, hide the weird hand, and capture the in-between moments that make your family, your family.

If you’re still giving directions halfway through, you’re working too hard. Relax, laugh, and let the magic unfold.

5. Remember the “Why” of Family Photo Day

These photos aren’t just for Christmas cards or Grandma’s fridge. They’re for you. To remember this stage…the messy, beautiful, blink-and-it’s-gone stage, exactly as it is.

Someday, you’ll look back and be so glad you did it, even if you had to lint-roll cat hair off your kid’s sweater first.

Bonus Tip: Print the Photos

Don’t let your family photos live and die in your phone gallery. Hang them, frame them, make an album! Something tangible you can flip through long after everyone’s outgrown those outfits. (Future you will thank you.)

Making Family Photo Day Easy (and Beautiful)

A little planning goes a long way and that’s something I help every client with. From outfit coordination to wardrobe concierge support, my sessions are designed to take the stress out of family photo day so you can focus on what really matters: your people and your memories.For more family inspiration, check here or visit my Instagram. Ready to book? Click here!