Addressing Common Concerns About Booking a Family Photoshoot: Tips from Elizabeth Lang Photography
Family photoshoots are such a wonderful way to capture special moments and create lasting memories, but I know that the thought of scheduling one can bring up a whole host of concerns. As a mom myself, I’ve experienced the juggling act of trying to coordinate a family portrait. With years of experience teaching, running a daycare, and being behind the camera, I’ve heard it all. So, if you’re feeling stressed about a family session, I’m here to help you address some of the most common worries and show you how easy and enjoyable this process can be.
1. What if my kids throw tantrums?
I’ve been there. The thought of a photoshoot with children can feel overwhelming—especially if you have younger ones who are unpredictable. But here's the thing: I get it. I’ve been a teacher and ran a daycare, so I know firsthand how kids can go from happy to meltdown in a split second! The good news is that I’ve developed a calming presence during photoshoots, and I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve to keep kids engaged and having fun. I also have chips, candy and small toys to use as incentives.
One thing I always remind parents is that it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly. My goal is to capture authentic, candid moments, and sometimes those moments include the silly faces or laughter that comes from a tantrum turning into a silly moment. Kids often take their cues from you, so if you stay calm and light-hearted, they tend to follow suit. And remember, these pictures are about your family’s unique story—not just posed smiles.
2. What about how I look? I'm worried about my appearance.
This is a big one. Many moms, and even dads, stress about their appearance before photoshoots. We’re our own harshest critics, and I know it’s easy to feel like we don’t look "perfect" or "photo-ready." But let me tell you something: your family adores you just as you are. Your children see the love and warmth in you, not how you look in a photo.
I promise you—when you look back on these images in years to come, you will not be concerned about your hair or the little imperfections you thought were noticeable. What you’ll see is the love you shared, the moments you had, and the beautiful family dynamic that’s so unique to you. Don’t wait for later to book your session—later never comes, and right now is the perfect time to capture the essence of your family.
3. I’m stressing out about finding outfits for everyone.
Ah, the outfit dilemma! I hear you—coordinating outfits can feel like a task that requires the precision of a stylist. But don’t worry, I’m here to help make this easier.
First things first: outfits do not need to match perfectly. In fact, I recommend coordinating tones and textures rather than matching. Neutral colors (think whites, browns, beiges, or earth tones like muted moss green or deep blue) work beautifully because they’re timeless and will never look outdated. You can add in some accent colors to a couple of outfits to make them pop, but keep it simple.
A great strategy is to start with Mom’s dress or a statement piece. From there, pull in accent colors or tones that complement the main outfit. For example, if Mom wears a soft floral dress, you could coordinate the kids' outfits using colors found in the floral pattern. Textures are your friend—think about incorporating different fabrics like chiffon, linen, or soft knits to add dimension to the photos. Flowing fabrics are especially lovely as they can create movement and give the images a dreamy feel.
4. My husband doesn’t want to be in the photos or he doesn’t care about them.
Ah yes, the classic dad dilemma. Many dads aren’t as enthusiastic about family photos as moms are, and I totally understand where they’re coming from. But here’s my advice: make a deal with Dad ahead of time. Discuss the shoot a few days or even weeks before the session and ask him what he might need or want in exchange for his cooperation. Maybe he wants a special dinner or a quiet evening to relax after the shoot—whatever it is, make sure he feels that he’s getting something out of the experience, too.
Let him know how much it means to you. Explain that family photos are important, and you want to capture memories that you can cherish for years to come. During the session, I’ll guide him through it, helping him feel relaxed and at ease. Often, once he sees how easy the session is and how much fun the kids are having, he’ll begin to enjoy himself as well.
Most importantly, Dad’s role is key—I need his support in keeping the kids happy, ready, and positive. He can help with getting the little ones dressed, keeping their energy high, and encouraging smiles and laughter. A positive attitude from Dad will help set the tone for the entire session.
5. The pressure to get the perfect shot.
Finally, let’s talk about the pressure of getting the perfect photo. I want to assure you: there’s no such thing as a perfect family portrait. The beauty of these photos lies in the authentic connections between family members. Whether it’s a fleeting moment of laughter or a quiet, loving glance, those are the moments that matter most.
I’ve had countless sessions where the “perfect” shot wasn’t the one we were aiming for—it was the unexpected moment that captured the true essence of a family. So, take the pressure off—I’m here to guide you and make sure everyone feels comfortable and relaxed. Your family’s story is unique, and those moments of imperfection make the photos all the more meaningful.
Conclusion
Booking a family photoshoot is a wonderful decision, and I’m here to help you through every step of the process. From managing kids’ behavior to feeling confident in front of the camera, to choosing outfits and working with your husband, we’ll work together to make sure the experience is enjoyable and memorable.
At Elizabeth Lang Photography, I’m passionate about creating beautiful family portraits that reflect the love, joy, and authenticity of your family. So, don’t let these common concerns hold you back from booking your session. Your family’s story deserves to be captured, and I’d love to help you make that happen.
Check out my garden mini sessions in the summer, my mommy and me minis in the spring and my Christmas minis in the fall.