A heartwarming series of intimate moments between parent and child lying together in cozy brown sweaters on white bedding.
A young chess player contemplates their next move while sitting at a wooden chess board with pieces.

 

family

session

TIPS AND TRICKS

 

If you’re receiving this , it means your family session is officially on the books...yay!

We’re thrilled to be part of your day and to help create vibrant, lasting memories.


This guide will walk you through what to expect before, during, and after your session. Whether we’re indoors or outdoors this will help  with  outfit tips, timing, kid-friendly pointers, and day of logistics.


Take a few minutes to read through so we can make your experience relaxed, fun, and effortless.

We can’t wait to see you!

A series of three casual studio portraits showing tender family moments against a light background.
A person in a gray sweater stands next to someone wearing brown while sharing a warm embrace.
A loving moment shared between mother and children wearing brown sweaters on a white couch.
Woman consoling upset child sitting on chair in four progressive emotional stages against white background.

let's dive in



When it comes to planning your family session, choosing the right outfits can feel overwhelming! Especially if you’re considering a bold print.


As photographers, we often get asked whether bold prints work well in family photos. The answer is yes!!! They absolutely can! Bold prints can add vibrant color, personality, and fun energy to your photos, especially when styled with intention. In this post, we’ll share how to wear bold prints in your family photos, when they work best in the Arizona landscape, and how coordinating the rest of the family’s outfits can create stunning images you’ll treasure for years to come.
Family wearing earth-toned clothing poses together among desert plants at golden hour.
A great example is this beautiful family of five. The mom is wearing a bright bold color, while her daughter stands out in a printed dress. The dad and the youngest child are framed together by wearing similar tones (not matching exactly), and the middle child adds balance to the portrait with a different tone that still fits the overall palette. This is an excellent example of how to combine colors; in this case, fall/winter tones.
Parent in rust velvet dress snuggles smiling toddler wearing denim and casual dark shirt outdoors in nature.
A family shares a joyful moment together outdoors among trees on an autumn afternoon.
Family of five poses together on a desert hiking trail during golden hour wearing coordinated fall outfits.
A family poses together in a desert landscape during golden hour with cacti and trees in the background.
Family dressed in rustic boho clothing poses together on a scenic desert path at sunset.
Family of four smiling together on outdoor path during golden hour with cacti and desert plants in background.
A candid family portrait shows playful interaction between family members on a desert trail at sunset.
Outdoor portrait against desert plants showing a rust-colored velvet maxi dress in warm sunlight.
A mother in a brown velvet dress hugs her small child on an outdoor path during a photo session at golden hour.
Toddler in brown sweater and jeans stands on wooden block holding hands with parents in autumn outdoor setting.

 

CHOOSING YOUR Outfit


Think rich colors, flowing fabric, and a pattern that made a statement without overwhelming .

But here’s the secret:


When you decide to wear a bold print, the key is to balance it with the rest of the family’s outfits. Bold prints can absolutely shine, but if everyone else is also wearing loud patterns, your images can start to feel chaotic.


The goal is for the focus to stay on your family’s connection, not just your clothing.

 

A vintage black and white photo shows people playfully interacting outdoors in a field on a sunny day.


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HOW TO MAKE A BOLD PRINT WORK IN FAMILY PHOTOS:



Coordinate, Don’t Match:

Instead of dressing everyone in prints, pull solid colors from your bold pattern for the rest of the family. If your dress has navy, soft pink, and gold tones, your partner and kids can wear solid outfits in those complementary colors.


Lean on Neutrals:

Neutral tones like cream, taupe, gray, and dusty blue photograph so beautifully and let your bold print be the subtle star of the session.


Keep Other Patterns Subtle:

If someone else really wants to wear a pattern, make sure it’s small and not competing. Think tiny patterns, delicate stripes, or simple textures.


Choose the Right Setting:

In Arizona, we are blessed with the most beautiful soft, natural landscapes, open desert fields, open valley views.

These muted, organic backdrops create the perfect canvas for bold prints to truly shine. Whether it’s vibrant florals or striking patterns, bold prints pop effortlessly against Arizona’s earthy tones without ever feeling too heavy or busy.

A family wearing coordinated white and blue outfits poses together against a rocky outdoor backdrop.
Woman in white t-shirt and dark skirt poses in front of large granite boulders and dried grasses in outdoor setting.
Couple posing together against rocky mountain backdrop during scenic outdoor photo session.
Family portrait session on rocky desert terrain during sunset showing playful poses and coordinated casual outfits.
A couple and a child walking together on a scenic coastal path with ocean views and autumn foliage.

Lake pleasant location

A couple shares tender moments together in a desert landscape during golden hour in matching pink and blue outfits.
Smiling grandparent and grandchild embrace outdoors against backdrop of desert brush and cloudy sky.
A family stands together on a desert trail with mountains and blue sky in the background.

Suggestions to have a SUCCESSFUL family session

outfit Stress? Not on Our Watch

Pick your final outfits at least a week before your session!

It’ll save you from last-minute stress (and those “oh no, my zipper’s broken!” moments right before you walk out the door). Give yourself time to feel relaxed, prepared, and excited for picture day!

Happy Feet, Happy Photos

Comfy, walkable shoes make all the difference! Especially since most of our family sessions are outdoors. You’ll want to be able to move, chase, and play with ease!


Love your heels? Bring them along! You can rock your comfy shoes on the way to our spot, and once we’re there, we’ll help you swap into those gorgeous heels before the magic starts.

Let the Kids Be Kids!

Before your session, skip telling your little ones to “smile,” “look at the camera,” or “behave” That can actually make it harder to capture those genuine moments. Getting natural smiles is my job, and some of the best shots happen when kids are just being their wonderfully chaotic selves. Instead, tell them this is a one-hour family adventure where they get to have fun, explore, and simply enjoy being together, We'll just happen to be there to guide the way.

Full Bellies, Happy Smiles!


Family photo sessions often land at tricky times for kids, especially in summer and fall since we usually schedule them 1–2 hours before sunset.

That can sometimes overlap with dinner, and trust me, hungry kids are rarely happy models! Even if it spoils their appetite later, give them a hearty snack before they change into their photo outfits, and bring a few extra snacks along.

A well-fed kid is a camera-ready kid!


SUGGESTIONS TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL FAMILY SESSION

STay hydrated and avoid spills

Bring at least one water bottle with a secure, non-open top (trust me, I’ve seen too many accidental dumps!).

Even if your family isn’t big on water bottles, I can almost guarantee your preschooler will suddenly get “thirsty” mid-session… usually as a stalling tactic.

Bring a little "carry-all"

Even if your kids are long past the diaper stage, a small bag can be a lifesaver.

It’s perfect for stashing snacks, water, keys, phones, and sunglasses during your session, so they don’t end up forgotten next to a cactus! yikes!

Say goodbye to screens

We totally get it! devices can be lifesavers on the way to your session, but once we start, plan to leave all kid gadgets and toys in the car. Yes, that one baby-laugh video might crack up your three-year-old, but unless you want the device in every photo, it’s best to skip it. In my experience, once a toy, phone, or tablet makes an appearance, it’s glued to your child for the rest. of. the. session.

Layers Are Your Best Friend

Weather can be unpredictable

Weather can be unpredictable in places in Northen Arizona, so dress in layers you can easily add or remove. A cozy cardigan, a stylish jacket, or a soft scarf not only keeps everyone comfortable, but can also add variety to your photos without a full outfit change. Bonus: it’s easier to hide goosebumps than Photoshop them!

Two women in winter clothes smiling together outdoors with trees in background.
A group of people walking together through a sunlit pine forest on rocky terrain during golden hour.
Three siblings sit together on fallen pine needles in a sun-dappled forest during an outdoor photo session.
A joyful family moment captured in a series of candid outdoor photos with warm autumn colors and natural lighting.
A panoramic view of red rock formations at sunset in Sedona, Arizona with desert landscape and mountains in background.
Family enjoying a sunset moment together on red rocks with dramatic cloudy sky in the background.
Family enjoying sunset views together at scenic desert overlook in Arches National Park.
Parent and child share tender moments outdoors at sunset in a series of connected lifestyle portraits.
Children playing and laughing while chasing soap bubbles on red clay ground in a playful outdoor scene.

Let's talk

SNACKS



 

Snacks to avoid:


  • Berries (will stain mouths and clothes)
  • Squeeze pouches of applesauce or yogurt
  • Suckers/lollipops (take forever and are hard to hide)
  • Gum (will show up when they smile)
  • Chocolate
  • Candy (unless it’s fast to dissolve)

Snaks to bring


  • Mini marshmallows
  • Grapes (cut up, please)
  • Puffs
  • Cereal (avoid sticky ones)
  • Apple slices
  • Carrots


A young child in a white dress sits on the floor and joyfully eats during a birthday celebration.

 

unless is a smash the cake

 

A small baby holds a plush lamb toy while sitting on a brown textured blanket with a caring hand offering support.
Baby wearing brown knit sweater messily eating cake with frosting on hands and face and bright blue eyes looking up.
Mini bundt cake with white glaze and brown paper crown with 'one' text on wooden table.



smash cake shenanigans!

A small child wearing a white dress sits next to a yellow birthday cake on an elegant cake stand.
A white birthday cake with sprinkles and decorations sits on a wooden surface near a blurred background.
Small child in a white dress covers their mouth while giggling and laughing with bright amusement.
If we’re doing a family session with a smash cake, we’ll start with the family portraits and individual sibling shots first.


The smash cake comes at the very end ,  it’s messy, it’s fun, and it creates those candid, joyful moments that end up being some of our favorite images!
Small child in light gray outfit sits barefoot on red rock formation while holding up a glittery heart shape.
A child in a pink dress plays with a small ghost-themed toy in a series of sequential photos.
Small child in light blue outfit sits on vibrant red rocks in a desert landscape with mountains in background.

 


Tips for a Smooth,

Stress-Free Session

in Studio

 

A group gathers in a bright white room with wooden floors and stairs, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.
Two side-by-side images capture sweet family moments - young girls in flowy dresses and a tender nursery scene.
Studios have a lot of rules and are very strict with time frames. Unlike outdoor sessions, where we can take little breaks, in-studio sessions are “on a mission.”  Sometimes sessions are booked back-to-back, leaving us with very limited flexibility.


For that reason,here are a few tips that apply specifically to in-studio sessions:


Intimate moment shared on an orange velvet couch as parent helps child with a cup of milk.
A series of neutral-toned bedroom lifestyle images with warm bedding, natural light, and cozy decor elements.
Angelic bride in white gown surrounded by light delicate feathers creating an ethereal wedding photography scene.

 

Arrive Early; Please arrive at least 10–15 minutes before your scheduled time. Studio bookings are often back-to-back, and starting late will reduce your session time.


No Extra Guests;  to keep the space safe, quiet, and organized, only those being photographed (plus a parent/guardian if needed) are allowed inside the studio during the session.


Wardrobe & Prep Ready Before Arrival; Hair, makeup, and outfits should be ready when you walk in. The studio schedule doesn’t allow time for dressing or touch-ups once your session starts.

 

A casual outdoor photo shoot in a desert setting with people wearing coordinated green and black outfits.

 

Last Tip: Bring your best smile, get a good night’s sleep, and come ready to enjoy a wonderful time with your family! When everyone is relaxed and happy, it allows us to truly connect and capture the genuine moments and love you share.



 

Smile And Enjoy Your Family!

A happy family holds hands while walking along a desert trail during golden hour sunset.

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A family wearing coordinated casual outfits enjoys time together in a desert setting with brown hills and brush in the background.
A loving family embraces during an outdoor sunset photoshoot in a desert landscape with brush and mountains.
Two people in casual attire walking together through a desert landscape with golden brush and vegetation at sunset.