Let’s be honest for a second: the thought of "family photo day" often brings up images of matching white t-shirts, sweaty palms, and that one kid who refuses to take their finger out of their nose. We get it. Usually, by the time you actually arrive at the photo shoot, you’ve already spent three hours negotiating with a toddler about why they can’t wear their Batman mask and trying to convince your partner that, yes, this really is a fun weekend activity.
At NM Exposure, we believe that family portraits shouldn't feel like a high-stakes military operation. In fact, the best photos, the ones you’ll actually want to hang on your wall, happen when everyone is relaxed, laughing, and maybe even having a little bit of fun.
If you’re ready to ditch the stress and actually enjoy the process, here is our ultimate guide to succeeding at your next family portrait session.
1. The Wardrobe: Coordinated, Not Matching
We need to talk about the "everyone in the exact same outfit" look. Unless you are starting a 90s boy band, we generally recommend moving away from identical matching. Why? Because when everyone wears the same thing, you lose the individual personalities that make your family unique. Plus, if one person gets a grass stain, it stands out like a sore thumb.
Instead, think about coordination. Pick a color palette, maybe blues, creams, and tans, or warm autumnal tones, and let everyone choose something within that range. This allows for different textures, patterns, and styles while keeping a cohesive look.
As you can see with our friends in their New England Patriots gear, personality is everything! Whether it’s your favorite sports team or a specific style you love, leaning into what makes your family "you" is the first step to a stress-free session. If you feel like yourselves, you’ll look like yourselves.
2. The Secret Weapon: Snacks (and Lots of Them)
If there is one thing we have learned in our years at NM Exposure, it’s that a "hangry" child is a child who will not cooperate for the camera. Actually, that goes for adults, too.
The hour leading up to your session should be treated like a pre-game ritual. Feed everyone a solid meal before you leave the house. But don't stop there, pack a "survival kit" of non-messy snacks. Think marshmallows, pretzels, or grapes. Avoid chocolate, Cheetos (unless you want orange fingertips in your formal portraits), or anything that requires a bib.
Having a little "bribery" on hand isn't shameful; it's smart strategy. A well-timed marshmallow can be the difference between a teary-eyed meltdown and a genuine smile.
3. Location, Location, Location
Where you take your photos sets the entire vibe of the session. Some families love the polished look of a studio, while others feel more at home in the great outdoors. If you have young kids who need to burn off energy, a park or a backyard is usually the best bet. It allows them to move around without feeling confined.
Sometimes, the best location is right on your own front steps. A porch session is relaxed, personal, and takes away the stress of traveling to a new location. It feels like home because it is home.
4. Trust the "Chaos"
This is perhaps the most important tip we can give you: Trust your photographer.
Parents often spend the entire session looking at their kids and shouting, "Smile! Look at the camera! Stop doing that!" Ironically, this usually results in photos where the parents look stressed and the kids look confused.
Our job at NM Exposure is to handle the chaos. We have a whole bag of tricks to get kids to look our way, and sometimes, the best shots aren't the ones where everyone is staring at the lens anyway. It’s the moment you’re laughing at your daughter’s silly face, or when your son is looking up at you with pure adoration.
When you let go of the need for "perfection," you open the door for authenticity. If the kids start running in circles, we’ll take photos of them running in circles. Those are the memories you’ll actually want to look back on, the wild, beautiful reality of your life right now.
5. Timing Is Everything (Especially for Naps)
We love "Golden Hour", that beautiful time just before sunset when the light is soft and glowy. However, if Golden Hour happens to be your toddler’s "Witching Hour," it’s not worth it.
Success in family photography means working around your family’s natural rhythm. If your kids are best in the morning, let’s do a morning session. A well-rested family in "okay" light will always look better than a miserable, exhausted family in perfect light.
A relaxed, natural session highlights the genuine connection between you and your family. Whether you're bringing along the family dog or just hanging out on the grass, keeping it simple is the key to longevity in your portraits.
6. Managing Different Ages
Every stage of childhood comes with its own set of "challenges" (read: opportunities for comedy).
- Toddlers: They run. We follow. It’s a workout for everyone involved.
- Elementary Kids: This is the age of the "fake cheese" smile. Our goal is to make them genuinely laugh so we can get past the robotic grin.
- Teens: They might act like they don't want to be there, but once we start moving and keep the vibe casual, they usually melt into the moment.
The trick is to keep the energy light. If we treat the session like a fun family outing rather than a chore, everyone, from the grumpiest teen to the most energetic toddler, will be more likely to engage.
7. The Reward System
Once the session is over, celebrate! Tell the kids they did an amazing job and go get ice cream or pizza. This creates a positive association with getting photos taken. Next year, when you say it’s time for family portraits, they won’t groan, they’ll remember the ice cream.
Ready to Capture the Magic?
At the end of the day, these photos aren't just for your holiday cards or your Instagram feed. They are for you. They are a way to freeze time and remember exactly how your family felt in this moment.
If you’re looking for a photography experience that is fun, professional, and, most importantly, stress-free, we would love to work with you. You can check out our full gallery of family portraits or see our other services like maternity and newborn photography.
Life is messy, loud, and unpredictable. Your family portraits should celebrate that.
Contact Us Today to schedule your session and let’s create something beautiful together!
Quick Checklist for Success:
- Book in advance to get your preferred date.
- Coordinate outfits at least a week before (and try them on!).
- Pack the snack kit (Marshmallows are the gold standard).
- Lower your expectations for "perfect behavior."
- Have fun! If you’re laughing, the photos will be great.
For more information on our session packages and pricing, please visit our main website. We can't wait to see your smiles!
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