How To Prepare For a Family Photography Session in Edmonton

If you are reading this, you probably have a family photography session in Edmonton soon! I want to share everything you need to know to better prepare for your session and learn what to expect. This guide includes outfit and colour palette ideas, what to expect, and more. As an Edmonton family photographer, I’ve put together my best tips and tricks for you to prepare for your family session.

What To Expect During Your Family Photography Session in Edmonton

We will get to know each other first

I want to start by meeting your kids and seeing what they like. It’s new for them to have someone with a big camera pointing at them, so I want to give them a chance to get comfortable before we jump right into shooting.

We will go with the flow

I won’t always tell you exactly what to do. Perhaps I’ll give you a prompt, but I want to let the kids be kids. The truth is, a real smile looks better than a posed one, and we will only get those if we are genuinely having a good time. So, spoiler alert: The kids are my boss. We will listen to what they want and try to please them as much as possible.

We will have fun

Beyond taking your photos, I want to tell your story, capture real emotions, and create good memories. Let’s ditch the awkward poses and go straight into the fun activities. Let’s go for a hike and let the kids explore around. I want you to relax and live in the moment.

Four Tips For Your Family Photography Session in Edmonton

#1: Plan enough time for hair and makeup

If you want I can arrange this for you so that there’s one less thing for you to worry about, I will schedule one of my trusted HMUAs to go to your place and get you all dolled up before our session. If you prefer to arrange it yourself, have them arrive at least 3 hours before the photo session to have enough time to do everything without rush.

#2: Prepare your outfits ahead of time

It’s always good to have your outfits ready a week before the session, and even better, have a backup outfit, too, just in case something happens with the original choice. That way, you don’t have to stress about it if the kids suddenly get it all dirty hours (or minutes) before the photos. I will also share some great stores I recommend.

#3: Brings snacks for babies and toddlers

There’s no better way to bribe a toddler than with snacks; a fed kid is a happy kid. Having a comfort food can help them feel more at ease during the session and will keep them distracted. If you have older children, you can promise them ice cream or a dessert they enjoy for after the session, I promise it works every time!

#4: Don’t stress too much about it

I know I’ve said it a few times already, but my whole goal is for you to have a stress-free session. So just live in the moment, and don’t worry much about how you look. I will show you the photos as we go to ensure you like how you look, and I will guide you to ensure we show your most flattering looks.

The Best Colour Palettes for Your Family Photography Session in Edmonton

Make sure to choose colours that complement each other and blend well together

Do’s When Picking Outfits

DO wear warm, neutral tones. Warm, soft tones photograph best; they complement every skin tone without creating colour casts. Textures are great for adding dimension as well.

DO coordinate, don’t match – Pick a colour palette and play with it. You don’t need to use the exact same pieces or the exact same colour, just make sure they blend well together.

DO wear jeans + a white or beige top when in doubt – If you don’t want to go out of your way to find clothes, just pick a white dress or a white shirt, pair it with jeans and call it a day!

DO wear something that makes you feel good. It’s best to wear your go-to dress to events because you know it’s comfortable and makes you look better than wearing a brand-new item that doesn’t allow much movement or simply makes you uncomfortable.

DO wear layers and Accessories to add dimension. A great way to take your outfit to the next level is by adding a scarf, a cardigan, or any jewelry like a necklace or ring.

Don’ts When Picking Outfits

DON’T wear heavy patterns and big brand logos – Anything that’s too bold or has many different colours in it is a no-go. These items become too distracting and do not photograph well.

DON’T wear neon or very bright, vivid tones—these colours will only diminish the beauty of the picture. Let the focus be on you, not your clothes.

DON’T mix too many patterns—less is more. If you are wearing a flower-patterned dress, don’t let your partner wear a striped shirt; it will simply become too distracting.

DON’T wear sportswear or loungewear. Let’s leave these clothes for the gym or a relaxed Sunday at home. You don’t need a suit or a party dress, but think of it as going to a nice restaurant!

Outfit Ideas for Your Family Photography Session in Edmonton

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the kids don’t behave?

Don’t worry; I have extensive experience with kids and can work around them. I don’t force them; I try to play along with them, and usually, one way or another, I find a way to get great photos still even when they don’t want to cooperate.

What else should I bring?

Bring snacks for the kids. If the weather isn’t too hot, bring a jacket just in case. Bring a toy for the younger kids or a phone to distract them when needed. A hair brush or comb is usually helpful, too, and water in case anyone gets thirsty.

When should I arrive at the location?

You can get there right on time; there is no need to be there earlier. If you think you may be running late, just let me know beforehand. If it’s less than 10 minutes, I don’t mind 🙂

It’s Time For Your Family Photography Session in Edmonton!

I look forward to capturing some magic for you and your family, and I hope all the info here has been helpful! As always, if you have any questions feel free to let me know, I’m here to take care of you and take the stress off having your photos taken.

– Ana

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