Planning Your Family Photo Session | Lehigh Valley Photographer
The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Family Photo Session | Everything You Need to Know for Beautiful, Stress Free Family Photos
Planning a family photo session should be exciting, not overwhelming.
Yet if you've never worked with a professional photographer before, or even if you have, it's completely normal to have questions.
What should everyone wear?
Which location should we choose?
What if my toddler refuses to smile?
What happens if it rains?
How do we make sure everyone actually enjoys the experience?
After more than 16 years of photographing families throughout the Lehigh Valley, I've learned that the most successful sessions aren't about having perfect children, perfect weather, or perfect outfits.
They're about good planning.
When you know what to expect and have someone guiding you through the process, your session becomes less stressful and much more enjoyable. My goal is to make every family feel prepared, relaxed, and confident long before we ever meet for your session.
Whether you're celebrating a new baby, documenting another year together, or simply realizing how quickly your children are growing, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right type of session to receiving your finished portraits.
Let's get started!
Family Photo Session Planning Checklist
If you're short on time, here's a quick overview of the planning process.
✔ Choose the right type of session
✔ Pick the best season for your family
✔ Select the perfect location
✔ Coordinate your outfits
✔ Prepare your children
✔ Relax and enjoy your session
✔ Choose your favorite images
✔ Order prints and artwork to enjoy for years to come
Keep reading for helpful tips on each step!
Table of Contents
Choose the Right Type of Family Session
Choose the Best Time of Year
Choose the Perfect Location
What Should We Wear?
Preparing Young Children
What Happens During Your Family Photo Session?
What Happens After Your Session?
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Plan Your Family Photo Session?
1. Choose the Right Type of Family Session
One of the first decisions you'll make is choosing the type of session that's the best fit for your family.
There isn't a "right" choice. There is simply the session that best matches your goals, your family's personality, and the experience you're hoping to have.
Whether you're looking for a quick seasonal update or a more relaxed, customized experience, understanding your options will help you choose the family session that's right for you.
Outdoor Family Sessions
A full Outdoor Family Session is my most popular option, and for good reason.
These sessions typically last about an hour, giving us plenty of time to slow down, let children warm up, and create a beautiful variety of images without feeling rushed.
We'll capture a mix of traditional family portraits, sibling photos, individual portraits, parent child combinations, and candid moments that showcase your family's unique connection.
One of the biggest advantages of a full session is flexibility.
You'll be able to choose from a variety of beautiful outdoor locations throughout the Lehigh Valley, allowing us to create a session that reflects your family's personality and style.
Full sessions are especially great for:
Families with young children
Families who want a larger variety of images
Parents who prefer a relaxed pace
Anyone who wants to choose their own location
Families hoping to update wall portraits or create an album
Because we aren't rushing from one family to the next, there's plenty of time for snack breaks, cuddles, and those sweet in between moments that often become favorites.
💛 Tip
You don't need to know how to pose.
One of the biggest concerns I hear is, "We're awkward in front of the camera."
Please don't worry.
I'll guide you through the entire session, from where to stand to what to do with your hands. I'll also give you simple prompts that create natural interaction so your photos feel relaxed, genuine, and full of connection.
Seasonal Mini Sessions
If you're looking for updated family portraits in a shorter amount of time, Seasonal (Spring, Summer & Fall) Mini Sessions may be the perfect fit.
These sessions are offered on select dates at carefully chosen locations throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Because seasonal mini sessions are scheduled back to back, the location, date, and session length are predetermined.
They're a wonderful option for:
Annual family portraits
Holiday cards
Families who love a specific seasonal setup
Older children who warm up quickly
Clients looking for a shorter session experience
Although they're shorter, you'll still receive the same guidance and attention throughout your session.
💛 Tip
Mini sessions aren't "less than" a full session. They're simply different.
If you're looking for updated family portraits and love the featured location, a mini session can be a fantastic choice.
If you have very young children, want more variety, or would like the flexibility to choose your own location, a full Outdoor Family Session is often the better fit.
Extended Family Sessions
Getting everyone together doesn't happen very often.
That's what makes extended family sessions so meaningful.
Whether you're celebrating grandparents, welcoming a new grandchild, or simply enjoying time together, these sessions preserve memories across generations.
During an extended family session, we'll capture:
The entire family together
Grandparents with grandchildren
Individual family groups
Sibling families
Cousins together
Grandchildren together
Individual children
Any special groupings you'd like
These sessions typically last 75 to 90 minutes, giving us plenty of time to photograph each family combination while keeping the experience relaxed and organized.
💛 Tip
The best extended family sessions start with a plan.
Before your session, we'll discuss family groupings and create a simple plan so everyone knows what to expect. Starting with the largest group first helps everything run smoothly, especially when little ones are involved, and ensures we capture all the important combinations before anyone needs a break.
Family Session Comparison
Session Type | Best For | Session Length | Location |
Outdoor Family Session | Families wanting a relaxed experience, more variety, and flexibility | Approximately 1 hour | Choose from a variety of beautiful outdoor locations throughout the Lehigh Valley |
Seasonal Mini Session | Updated family portraits, holiday cards, and families looking for a shorter session | 20 minutes | Select dates at predetermined locations |
Extended Family Session | Multiple generations, family reunions, and milestone celebrations | 75 to 90 minutes | Choose from a variety of outdoor locations that comfortably accommodate larger groups |
💛 Tip
Still not sure which session is right for you?
I'm always happy to help. After learning a little about your family, your goals, and the ages of your children, I can recommend the session that will give you the best experience and the images you're hoping for.
Which Session Is Right for You?
Choose an Outdoor Family Session if you:
✔ Want more time
✔ Have young children
✔ Want lots of variety
✔ Want to choose your location
✔ Love relaxed, storytelling images
Choose a Seasonal Mini Session if you:
✔ Want updated family portraits
✔ Love the featured location
✔ Are looking for a shorter session
✔ Need photos for holiday cards
Choose an Extended Family Session if you:
✔ Are gathering multiple generations
✔ Want portraits of grandparents with grandchildren
✔ Are celebrating a milestone or family gathering
No matter which session you choose, my goal is always the same. To create a relaxed, enjoyable experience while capturing timeless portraits you'll treasure for years to come.
2. Choose the Best Time of Year
One of the questions I hear most often is:
"When is the best time of year for family photos?"
The answer is simple. There isn't one perfect season. Every time of year offers something beautiful, and the best choice depends on the look you're hoping to achieve, your family's schedule, and the experience you'd like to have.
Here's a look at what each season has to offer.
Spring Sessions
Spring is one of my favorite times of year to photograph families.
Everything begins to come back to life, with flowering trees, fresh greenery, gardens, and soft pastel colors creating a beautiful backdrop for portraits.
Spring sessions are perfect if you love:
Fresh blooms and flowering trees
Soft, light colors
Comfortable temperatures
A bright, airy feel
Spring is also a wonderful option if you'd like updated family portraits before the busy fall season arrives.
💛 Tip
Love flowers? Let's plan around them!
Many of my favorite spring locations look completely different throughout the season. Depending on when your session is scheduled, we can take advantage of flowering trees, gardens, or lush greenery. I'm always happy to recommend the best location based on what's blooming.
Summer Sessions
Summer offers rich green landscapes, longer evenings, and beautiful sunsets.
Since the sun sets later, outdoor sessions are often easier to schedule around work and summer activities.
Summer is also when I offer a few special seasonal sessions throughout the year, including sunflower fields and beach sessions.
If your family enjoys warm evenings and vibrant greenery, summer may be the perfect fit.
💛 Tip
Don't worry about the later start time.
During the summer, the best light happens closer to sunset. While sessions may begin later in the evening than you might expect, that soft golden light is what creates the warm, glowing portraits you see throughout my portfolio. It's well worth the slightly later bedtime for one evening.
Fall Sessions
Fall is my busiest season, and it's easy to see why.
The colorful foliage, comfortable temperatures, and beautiful evening light create timeless family portraits that many families use for holiday cards, gifts, and updated wall art.
During the fall, I offer both Fall Mini Sessions on select dates and Outdoor Fall Family Sessions with more flexibility in scheduling and location.
Because fall is so popular, booking opens on August 1, and many of the most requested dates are reserved early.
💛 Tip
If you're hoping for holiday cards, don't wait until October to book.
Many families are surprised to learn that holiday portraits are photographed well before Thanksgiving. Booking early gives you the best selection of dates and plenty of time for editing, ordering cards, and holiday gifts.
Winter Sessions
Winter may not be the first season that comes to mind for family portraits, but it can be one of the most beautiful.
Historic architecture, evergreen trees, clean backgrounds, and soft winter light create elegant, timeless images.
It's also the season for my Studio Christmas Sessions, which offer a warm, cozy indoor experience while creating festive holiday portraits before Thanksgiving.
If you're looking for a classic holiday feel, or simply want to avoid the crowds of fall, winter sessions can be a wonderful option.
💛 Tip
Studio sessions are perfect for unpredictable weather.
If you're worried about cold temperatures or young children being outside, a studio session provides a comfortable environment while still giving you beautiful, timeless portraits.
Which Season Is Right for You?
Every season has something special to offer.
Choose Spring if you love flowers, gardens, and soft colors.
Choose Summer if you enjoy lush greenery, golden sunsets, and longer evenings.
Choose Fall if you're dreaming of colorful foliage and want portraits ready for holiday cards.
Choose Winter if you love timeless architecture, evergreen landscapes, or a cozy studio holiday experience.
No matter when you schedule your session, I'll help you choose the season, location, and timing that best fits your family's style.
3. Choose the Perfect Location
When planning your family photo session, the location can help tell your family's story.
Whether you picture colorful gardens, rustic stone walls, open fields, historic architecture, or tree lined paths, choosing the right setting helps create portraits that feel personal and timeless.
One of the biggest advantages of booking a full Outdoor Family Session is that you aren't limited to a pre-selected location.
Together, we'll choose a setting that complements your family's style, your clothing, the season, and the overall look you're hoping to achieve. Check out my locations guide here.
Some of My Favorite Lehigh Valley Locations
Every family is different, which is why I photograph at a variety of locations throughout the Lehigh Valley.
A few favorites include:
Lehigh University
Perfect for families who love timeless architecture, beautiful stone buildings, fountains, wood doors, pathways, steps, and elegant backgrounds.
Lockridge Park
One of my favorite locations for rustic charm.
The historic stone ruins, open spaces, and beautiful fall color create a timeless setting that's beautiful throughout much of the year.
Burnside Plantation
If you're looking for a mix of rustic charm and natural beauty, Burnside Plantation offers gardens, barns, historic buildings, and open spaces that photograph beautifully in every season.
Trexler Nature Preserve
A wonderful choice for families who love wide open fields, tall grasses, and a peaceful natural setting.
Downtown Bethlehem
Historic streets, charming architecture, seasonal details, and classic architecture make Downtown Bethlehem a beautiful option for families looking for a timeless urban feel.
💛 Tip
Not sure where to go?
You don't have to decide on your own.
After booking, you'll receive my Session Guide, which includes location suggestions based on the type of session you've booked.
You'll also receive access to my Location Gallery, where you can browse many of my favorite Lehigh Valley locations throughout different seasons. Seeing real sessions from each location makes it much easier to picture your own family there.
If you're still undecided, I'm always happy to recommend a location based on your family's style, the ages of your children, and the overall look you're hoping to achieve.
Find the Perfect Location for Your Family
If you love... | I recommend... |
Historic architecture | Lehigh University |
Rustic charm | Lockridge Park |
Barns and gardens | Burnside Plantation |
Open fields and nature | Trexler Nature Preserve |
A classic downtown feel | Downtown Bethlehem |
Spring blooms | Bethlehem Library, Allentown Rose Garden, Graver Arboretum |
Peak fall foliage | Lockridge Park, Lehigh University, Walnutport Canal |
💛 Tip
Trust your photographer.
One of the biggest advantages of hiring an experienced photographer is knowing you'll receive guidance every step of the way.
When recommending locations, I consider much more than just the scenery. I think about the season, lighting, sunset time, accessibility, the ages of your children, and how each location photographs throughout the year.
My goal is to help you choose a location that not only looks beautiful but also creates the best possible experience for your family.
4. What Should We Wear?
If there's one part of planning a family photo session that causes the most stress, it's choosing what everyone should wear.
The good news? It doesn't have to be complicated.
The goal isn't to match perfectly. It's to coordinate. Choosing a color palette with two or three complementary colors creates a timeless look while allowing each family member's personality to shine through.
Soft neutrals, earth tones, muted blues, creams, greens, and warm seasonal colors photograph beautifully throughout the year. During the fall, shades like rust, olive, navy, cream, mustard, and burgundy complement the landscape without competing with it.
Whenever possible, avoid large logos, bright neon colors, and busy patterns because they can distract from what matters most, your family.
One of my favorite pieces of advice?
Start with Mom's outfit first.
Once you've found something you feel confident and comfortable wearing, it's much easier to coordinate everyone else's clothing around it.
After booking, you'll receive my Style Guide, which includes color inspiration, outfit ideas, and planning tips to make this part of the process simple and stress free.
💛 Tip
Comfort always photographs better than perfection.
Choose clothing that fits well and allows everyone to move comfortably. When children aren't constantly adjusting itchy sweaters or uncomfortable shoes, they're able to relax. That always shows in the photos.
5. Preparing Young Children
Parents often apologize before the session even begins.
"I'm sorry if he doesn't smile."
"She probably won't cooperate."
"They're having a day."
Please don't worry.
After photographing children for more than 16 years, I can confidently tell you that every child is different. That's exactly how it should be.
Some children run up to me the moment they arrive.
Others quietly observe for a while before joining in.
Some are full of energy.
Some are shy.
My job isn't to make your child fit into a certain mold.
My job is to meet them where they are.
A few simple things can help your session go smoothly:
Schedule around nap time whenever possible.
Offer a meal or snack before arriving.
Let your children know you're going somewhere fun.
Avoid putting pressure on them to smile.
Bring a comfort item if needed.
Most importantly, stay relaxed.
Children are incredibly good at reading their parents' emotions. When you're relaxed, they're much more likely to relax too. Read more on my blog: "What If My Child Won't Cooperate During Our Photo Session?"
💛 Tip
Don't practice saying "cheese."
Some of the most beautiful smiles happen naturally during play, conversation, and interaction. My goal isn't to capture forced smiles. It's to capture your child's genuine personality.
6. What Happens During Your Family Photo Session?
One of the biggest questions I hear is...
"What actually happens during the session?"
If you've never had professional family photos taken before, you may be picturing everyone standing stiffly and smiling at the camera for an hour.
I promise, it isn't like that.
When You Arrive
We'll spend the first few minutes saying hello and getting everyone comfortable.
For younger children, I like to let them look around, chat a little, and realize that this is going to be fun, not stressful.
I'll also make a few quick adjustments, like fixing collars, checking hair, and making sure everyone is camera ready before we begin.
💛 Tip
Arrive a few minutes early if you can.
It gives everyone a chance to settle in before we start and helps the session begin in a relaxed way.
We'll Start with Traditional Portraits
Most sessions begin with a few classic family portraits while everyone is fresh and engaged.
These are often the images families choose for holiday cards, framed artwork, and gifts.
Once we've captured those, we'll begin mixing in movement, interaction, and natural moments.
Then We'll Have Some Fun
This is where the magic happens.
We'll walk.
We'll laugh.
We'll cuddle.
We'll tell jokes.
We'll play little games.
We'll let the kids explore.
I'll guide you through simple prompts that encourage genuine connection rather than stiff posing.
Those in between moments often become everyone's favorites.
💛 Tip
Don't worry if your children aren't looking at the camera the whole time.
Some of the sweetest images happen when children are looking at Mom, laughing with Dad, or holding a sibling's hand.
Those genuine moments tell your family's story.
Every Child Is Different
One of the things I've learned over the years is that there isn't one approach that works for every child.
If your child is energetic, we'll keep moving.
If they're shy, we'll slow down.
If they're silly, we'll laugh with them.
If they need a break, we'll take one.
My sessions are built around your family, not the other way around.
💛 Tip
Trust the process.
Sometimes the best portraits happen 30 minutes into the session after children have had time to warm up and simply enjoy themselves.
Before You Know It...
Most families are surprised by how quickly the session goes.
By the end, we've created a gallery filled with traditional portraits, candid moments, and all the little interactions that make your family uniquely yours.
7. What Happens After Your Session?
Although your session is finished, my work is just beginning.
I carefully review every image before professionally editing your gallery.
Within approximately two weeks, you'll receive an online proof gallery where you can view your images from home.
From there, you'll:
Select your included images.
Upgrade to additional digitals if you'd like.
Order professional prints.
Create albums.
Purchase framed artwork and gifts. Check out my blog on prints & artwork.
I'm always happy to help if you're deciding between images or planning artwork for your home.
💛 Tip
Don't let your memories live on your phone.
Your family's portraits deserve to be enjoyed every day, not just stored on a phone or computer.
Whether it's framed artwork in your home, an heirloom album on your coffee table, or prints for grandparents, professionally printed photographs become part of your family's story for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a family session last?
Outdoor Family Sessions typically last 45-60 minutes, Fall Mini Sessions are 20 minutes, and Extended Family Sessions are 75 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of your group.
What if it rains?
If rain or unsafe weather is in the forecast, we'll simply reschedule your outdoor session. I always want your family to have the best experience possible.
Can grandparents be included?
Absolutely!
Grandparents are welcome to join a full Outdoor Family Session, or you may choose an Extended Family Session if multiple generations will be participating.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes!
Many outdoor locations are pet friendly. Just let me know ahead of time so we can choose the best location and plan accordingly.
When will I receive my photos?
Your proof gallery is typically delivered within approximately two weeks of your session.
Do you help us choose our favorite images?
Absolutely.
I'm always happy to answer questions, help narrow down favorites, or offer guidance when selecting artwork for your home.
Why Families Return Year After Year
One of the greatest compliments I receive is when families come back year after year to document each new chapter of their lives.
I've had the privilege of photographing growing families from maternity sessions to newborns, baby's first year, family portraits, senior sessions, and even welcoming the next generation.
Building those long term relationships is one of the things I love most about being a family photographer. It's an honor to watch families grow and to preserve the moments that become part of their story.
Whether it's your first session or your fifteenth, I look forward to creating images you'll treasure for years to come.
Ready to Plan Your Family Photo Session?
Whether you're celebrating a new season of life, updating your family portraits, or simply wanting to capture the people you love most, I'd love to help make the experience enjoyable from beginning to end.
From choosing the perfect location and coordinating outfits to guiding you through the session and helping you select your favorite images, I'm here to make the process simple, relaxed, and stress free.
If you're ready to create timeless portraits that you'll enjoy for years to come, I'd love to work with you.
Explore my Family Session options or contact me today to start planning a session that's the perfect fit for your family.
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