3 Ways You’re Self-Sabotaging Your Family Photos (and How to Fix It)

Family pictures are a big deal. They’re a huge investment — not just financially, but in time, energy, and coordination. Between picking outfits, wrangling schedules, and sometimes even taking time off work, it’s no small task!

Before you even get in front of the camera, let’s make sure you’re not setting yourself up for disappointment.

Here are 3 common ways families unintentionally sabotage their photo sessions — and how to shift your mindset so you can truly enjoy the experience and get the most out of your investment.

1. Weather Woes: Letting the Forecast Ruin the Fun

You’re dead set on those golden, glowy, just-before-sunset skies... and then the day comes — and it’s overcast and breezy.

Here’s the thing: overcast days often create some of the most romantic, cozy, and color-rich photos you’ll ever see. Cloudy skies act like a giant softbox, giving beautifully even light and creamy tones that make skin look incredible.

💡 Mindset Pivot:
Instead of stressing over whether the sun will shine, trust your photographer (hi, that’s me!) to work with whatever the weather brings. Every season — and every type of light — has its own beauty. Your job? Just show up and love on your people.

2. The Outfit Trap: Dressing for Instagram Instead of Yourself

We’ve all seen those trendy “What to Wear” posts on Instagram — the ones that use real families’ photos for “dos and don’ts” (which, by the way… don’t do that).

Sure, those neutral, flowy, perfectly styled looks are beautiful — but if that’s not you, it’s not going to feel right.

Don’t sabotage your family photos by wearing what you think you should wear. If you’re a jeans-and-sweater kind of person, own it! I’m the same way. Every time I wear a dress to my own family session, I end up feeling like an imposter.

💡 Mindset Pivot:
Start by identifying what you love when you see family photos. Cozy and casual? Dressed up and timeless? Somewhere in between?

Scroll Pinterest for outfit inspiration, then shop your own closet first. Add a few filler pieces from Amazon or Old Navy if you need to, but don’t spend hundreds trying to match a trend.

You’ll look your best when you feel your best — and confidence always photographs beautifully.

3. The Kid Chaos Spiral: Stressing Over Behavior

This one’s for every parent (including me). You’ve spent money, you’ve gotten everyone dressed, and now you just need the kids to smile... but instead, they’re picking grass, making faces, or wandering off.

Here’s the truth: kids will be kids, and that’s okay.

If I get all eyeballs on the camera at once, I call that a win! That’s why I always start family sessions with the big “Christmas card” shot first. Once that’s done, everyone relaxes.

I have four kids (or, as my friend Makaila says, “like a million”), so I get it. There’s always time to pause, cuddle, nurse, snack, or regroup. What’s more stressful is when parents fixate on “getting it right,” and that tension shows in their faces.

💡 Mindset Pivot:

Make sure kids are well-rested and fed before the session.

Bring snacks — high protein, low sugar is best.

Don’t be afraid to use a little bribe (I once heard a client promise a Hot Wheels car afterward, and I fully approved).

Adjust your expectations.

In my own family photos, I aim for one great everyone-looking shot — then I focus on the moments. The giggles. The cuddles. The real stuff.

If long sessions stress you out, book a mini session instead. They’re usually 10–30 minutes, and for little ones, that’s the sweet spot. My recent fall minis were only 10 minutes long, and one family with two busy boys absolutely crushed it — we got an incredible variety of images just by letting the kids be kids.

Final Thoughts

Family photos are about connection, not perfection. They’re about freezing a chapter of your life exactly as it is — messy, beautiful, real.

So don’t let weather, outfits, or kid chaos steal the joy from your session. When you show up relaxed, trusting, and fully present, the photos will reflect that — every time.

✨ Ready to book your own family session?
Let’s capture your family just as you are — full of laughter, love, and all the beautiful in-between moments.