How to Prepare for Your First Professional Family Session (A Step-by-Step Guide)

If your idea of a professional family photo session involves stiff smiles, awkward poses, and stressing about unpredictable kids - I hear you, mama. That little voice in your head probably has a whole list of reasons to delay booking: “I’m not a photo person,” or “What if the kids melt down?” or “We’ll do it once life’s less chaotic” (spoiler: that day doesn’t exist).

But here’s the truth: a photo session isn’t about perfection. It’s not about perfect outfits, perfect smiles, or perfectly behaved kids. It’s about connection. It’s about being present with your loves and capturing how that feels right now - stories told not by how you looked, but how it felt to be held, giggled at, or tackled mid-photo (it happens!).

Let me walk you through how to prepare not just for a photo session, but for a fun, relaxed, memory-making experience that truly reflects your family. This one's for the mums who want to bottle up the now, exactly as it is.

your kids aren’t wild and you’re not too awkward

One thing I hear from parents a lot before their first shoot? “We’re not really photogenic” or “Our kids might not cooperate.” Totally normal! Honestly, some of my most beautiful sessions have started with a bit of chaos, laughter, or kids doing the complete opposite of what we asked. Like Claire's little girl - just barely walking - who kept tipping herself sideways into her mum's lap giggling to herself. Did it make for the “perfect” pose? Nope. Was it completely magical? Absolutely.

The point is, your family is already enough as you are. My approach is gentle and playful - I rely on prompts, not poses, to photograph your connection. Our focus won’t be on smiling at the camera, but on smiling at each other.

If your child is a bit shy, needs some warm-up time, or is neurodivergent, know that I’ve got experience with it all. Every kid is different, and every personality is welcome in front of my lens.

Alright, let’s get into the practical stuff!

How to Prepare for a Relaxed, Beautiful Family Photo Session

1. focus on connection, not the camera

This is my number one tip - please don’t stress about looking at the camera. I’ll guide you when I need those “look here” shots, but the rest of the time? I want you to focus completely on your kids.

• Cuddle your baby

• Chase your toddler

• Giggle with your big kid

• Whisper something silly

That’s where the magic is. The best expressions come when you're emotionally connected, not when you’re trying to get your most “camera ready” face.

2. keep the kids comfortable - snacks and sleep go a long way

This one's especially important if we’re doing a sunset session - which I absolutely love because the golden light is dreamy, but yes, it’s also late for little ones. Here’s how we make it work:

• Shift nap times a little on the day of the session

• Offer a pre-session dinner or snack (full bellies = happy moods)

• Bring along a few favourite snack items and a drink (the non-messy type)

• Pack cozy layers if the weather calls for it (beach breezes are no joke)

And listen, even if bedtime gets a bit wobbly that night, they’ll bounce back - I promise. Plus, being at the beach with both parents focused just on them? That’s a whole experience kids LOVE.

3. let go of “getting it right”

Here’s the truth: trying to get “perfect” photos turns the whole thing into a job. Which is not what we’re doing here. What I really want to capture is your family’s energy, your love, and the way your chaos still feels like home.

I’ve seen it all - the toddler meltdowns, the sand-eating babies, the big kid who wants to show me every seashell he’s ever found. I always give my attention to your kids first. I get down at their level and become their buddy so they feel comfortable just being their awesome selves with me.

If your child has a wild moment, we roll with it. If mum feels a bit self-conscious, we work with angles and prompts that encourage confidence and natural interactions. It’s all part of the plan.

4. trust the process

Sessions unfold in waves. Moments of big belly laughs giving way to tender cuddles, energetic kids calming for a breath of quiet. As parents, the best thing you can do is be in it with them - fully present and willing to roll with whatever happens. That connection shows up in every photo.

So trust me when I say: you don’t need to rehearse anything. Just show up, love on your people, and let me handle the rest.

Why This Experience Matters So Much (Spoiler: It’s More Than Just Photos)

This era with your young kids? It flies. I know you’ve heard that before, but gosh it’s true. And when you’re in the thick of baby wipes, school lunches, late-night cuddles, and a million mismatched socks… it can be hard to remember the beauty in the now.

But when I take photos of you looking at your kids the way only a mum can, I’m not just snapping a picture. I’m helping tell a story your kids will one day look back on and have all the feels. The kind of story where they’ll see themselves deeply loved.

So if you’ve never done a session like this before, or if you’ve done ones that felt stressful or awkward - I’d love to show you a different way. A fun, relaxed hour together that lets your family’s real magic shine.

Ready to Capture Your Beautiful Chaos?

If you’re in Ocean Grove or anywhere across the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, or Geelong region and thinking "Maybe this is the year we finally do it" - I’d love to help you prepare for a session that feels like you. Whether it’s at the beach, at my secret fairy forest location or in your home, I’m here for the honest, fully-you kind of storytelling.

Check out more about my packages, booking and current availability, or reach out with any questions. Your story is waiting to be told.

Let’s make some beautiful memories together.

Big hugs,
Jo x