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your most Frequent Questions
family photo guide
Your Most Frequent Questions
family photo guide
LA CROSSE, WI BASED | INTERNATIONALLY AWARD WINNING DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHER
Being on the other side of the lens is awkward—even for us. We get it.
But that’s why we care so much about making the experience feel relaxed and real, not stiff or staged. You don’t have to know how to pose or what to do with your hands—we’ve got you.
Getting ready for family photos can feel like controlled chaos. We’ve spent days running around trying to get everything just right (though let’s be real—my wife handled 90% of it).
And even with all the prep, there’s that nagging thought: What if someone’s not smiling, or one of the kids is making their best “I’m over it” face?
But with a little planning, a great photographer, and letting go of perfection, the magic still shows up—and it’s usually even better than perfect.
What to wear
Aim for timeless
Think classical elegance. Avoid anything with big logos that will obviously date the photo.
Sometimes a great accessory like a scarf can make all the difference.
Stay away from baggy clothes
If you have to decide between either too big or too small, I’d pick the slimmer article of clothing.
Baggy clothes feel nice but can be unflattering in photos. In short, they make you look much bigger than you actually are.
Think bold
You want to separate yourselves from your surroundings rather than blend in. You’re the scene.
Layer outfits and accessories to account for temperature differences and can create different looks.
Coordinate your colors but stay away from the exact same outfits.
One strategy is to coordinate the same color shirt for one child with the pants of another.
Combining patterns and solids can also be appealing.
Grab Our FREE Style Guide
Pull down a layout and some pixel-perfect sections into your own Kadence site and watch the magic happen….
Best time of day?
A photograph needs two ingredients: light and time. Of the two, the element we can control the most is time.
Saying “cheese” is so out of style
What If The Kids Don’t Smile At The Camera?
A valid concern, but trust me, it’s the unposed moments you’ll look back on the most.
I used to go all out trying to get the perfect smile, but it always felt a bit fake. I can do those types of family photos, but what I really love is capturing the raw moments – the laughs, the little tantrums, the mischief, and the pride they take in breaking the rules. All of that!
what are the
Keys To Success?
01.
Sleepy and Hungry Kids
are generally unhappy
You probably already know this from the first day of parenting, but it’s easy to forget when planning and preparing for a photoshoot.
Definitely prioritize nap time when where trying to set up a session and plan for an early meal. Also, having candy & fruit snacks can be like a “get out of jail free” card.
We once drove 6 hours to see a realistic dinosaur event only to encounter an epic tantrum (maybe the most epic tantrum) because one of our kids refused to nap in the car. It was a rough day . . .
02.
Give yourself extra time to get ready
Don’t neglect you in the process
Dressing kids is a lot of work, especially when you’re also trying to look your best.
Make sure to leave a comfortable cushion so you can enjoy the experience rather than feeling flustered at getting somewhere on time.
Trying to do anything with kids takes 10x the time
Spend time on you first so you don’t have to worry
03.
Let’s show how you and your family really live
for the best photos
Staring at a camera lens isn’t a normal thing to do, especially for kids. Let’s let them be kids and run, jump, and go crazy.
Kids do some of the most incredible things. They do stuff that adults could never think of. Let’s embrace their sense of wonder.
01.
Sleepy and Hungry Kids
are generally unhappy
You probably already know this from the first day of parenting, but it’s easy to forget when planning and preparing for a photoshoot.
Definitely prioritize nap time when where trying to set up a session and plan for an early meal. Also, having candy & fruit snacks can be like a “get out of jail free” card.
We once drove 6 hours to see a realistic dinosaur event only to encounter an epic tantrum (maybe the most epic tantrum) because one of our kids refused to nap in the car. It was a rough day . . .
02.
Give yourself extra time to get ready
Don’t neglect you in the process
Dressing kids is a lot of work, especially when you’re also trying to look your best.
Make sure to leave a comfortable cushion so you can enjoy the experience rather than feeling flustered at getting somewhere on time.
Trying to do anything with kids takes 10x the time
Spend time on you first so you don’t have to worry
03.
Let’s show how you and your family really live
for the best photos
Staring at a camera lens isn’t a normal thing to do, especially for kids. Let’s let them be kids and run, jump, and go crazy.
Kids do some of the most incredible things. They do stuff that adults could never think of. Let’s embrace their sense of wonder.
