How to Prepare for Family Photos: What to Bring

TOP 3 TIPS FOR WHAT TO BRING TO FAMILY PHOTOS

• Backpacks Beat Tote Bags

• Use Your Best Judgement on What’s Essential

• Choose Snacks Wisely

• Incorporate Something Meaningful

Note: these tips primarily apply to families with little ones; you can usually get by bringing just yourselves if you have older kids.

BACKPACKS BEAT TOTE BAGS

Bringing a backpack is preferred over a tote bag because then I can carry it on my back for you. Tote bags are held on arms or shoulders and are therefore not feasible for photographers to carry for you as we’d be off balance.

We want the freedom to roam and run around without having to worry about forgetting or losing your bag, and keeping it near —but not too near that it’s captured in the frame.

The focus should be on you — not your bag. I constantly change positions to capture your family from different angles and am ALWAYS taking photos — even during those “in between” moments. Bags that are set on the ground can creep into the frame and become a distraction, and if you’re schlepping it from one spot to another, we’re likely to miss moments that would’ve happened if you were holding your kids as opposed to your bag.

Last but not least, I want the pressure to be off of you — literally/physically and mentally. I want you to feel relaxed and free from the burden of having to remember something. As parents, our minds are always racing with things to do and remember. Now is not the time for that. I know it’s hard enough to “let go” during photo sessions, so this is one less thing on your plate.

USE YOUR BEST JUDGEMENT ON WHAT’S ESSENTIAL

It varies by family (and the kid’s ages/needs) but here are some common items I’ve seen pulled out during sessions:

• Diaper changing supplies

• Extra clothes (if someone is potty training)

• Wipes

• Kleenex

• Water bottles

• Bug spray (seasonal, best to apply beforehand)

• Sunscreen (seasonal, best to apply beforehand)

• Back-up snack(s)

• Tiny cars and figurines (hey, if it makes your kid more comfortable, I’m all for it!)

CHOOSE SNACKS WISELY

Yup, this deserves its own section and blog post. IYKYK.

Good snack choices are quick, filling, and unlikely to stain, spill or get stuck in teeth.

For mini sessions when time is limited, I strongly recommend filling your kids up beforehand, and if you’re pro-bribing, promise a small treat at the end. I will always have some in my bag or trunk and give them with your permission. 

For full sessions, I still suggest feeding your kids beforehand, but we have much more time for snack breaks (pee breaks, meltdown breaks, all the things) in these longer sessions.

You can find more advice about snacks and suggested choices on my dedicated blog post: How to Prepare for Family Photos: Snack Guide.

INCORPORATE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL

Family photos are very special, but are they inherently meaningful? Personally, I don’t think so. But we can make them meaningful — and we should! It just takes a little thoughtfulness.

Whether it’s something you wear, the location you choose, or an activity you engage in during the session, there are definitely ways to make photos meaningful. If you’re interested in learning more about this, check out my blog post: 3 Ways to Create Extra Meaningful Family Photos.