Family Photography FAQs

As a Portland family photographer with a love for clean, Scandinavian-inspired style, I’ve been lucky to work with so many wonderful families. And over the years, I’ve heard common photography inquiries pop up again and again. So I figured, why not answer a few of the most common questions here?

Whether it’s your first family session or your fifth, I hope these photography FAQs will help you feel a bit more relaxed and ready for your next photography session.

Table of Contents

• When should we book our family session?
• What should we wear for our family photos?
• My kids never sit still—will we still get good photos?
• How many photos will we receive?
• What do you do if it rains on the day of our family session?
• What do we do with the photos after the session?

When should we book our family session?

Honestly, the sooner the better! I always suggest reaching out about 3–4 months before you’d like to have your session. What matters most to me is capturing the real you, and that takes time, love, and care. That’s why I only work with a handful of families each month, so I can pour my heart and soul into every session. Because of that, spots fill up quickly, especially during Portland’s dreamy spring and fall seasons.

Outdoor sessions usually run from March through November, and those golden-hour autumn dates? They tend to go fast. If you’ve got a date in mind, it’s best to get on the calendar early so we can make it happen.

What should we wear for our family photos?

This one comes up a lot, and it’s totally understandable. I love helping families choose outfits that look great together. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where everyone looks and feels great, without being too “matchy-matchy”!

Here’s the good news: I’ll help you with all of the photography process. Once you’ve booked, you’ll also have access to my client wardrobe, which includes over 60 size-inclusive dresses that photograph beautifully. Lots of moms tell me it’s a huge relief not having to shop or guess what’ll work. You just show up feeling like your best self.

My kids never sit still—will we still get good photos?

Oh yes. 100% yes. Kids are supposed to move around and that’s what makes the photos real and full of life. I’m not after stiff poses or everyone looking straight at the camera. 

We’ll play, we’ll walk, we might even twirl. I’ll gently guide you into natural moments, but I also leave space for those perfectly imperfect in-between ones. 

How many photos will we receive?

Instead of focusing on a set number, I focus on quality. About three weeks after your session, we’ll schedule an online viewing and ordering appointment where you’ll get to see your full gallery, usually 40-60 images that tell the story of your session. You’ll choose your favorites from this collection. 

Some families start off thinking they only want a couple of images, but once they see the full gallery, they fall in love with way more. That’s why I offer collections that include both digital files and printed artwork, so you can keep your favourites forever, on your walls or in your hands, not just on a screen.

What do you do if it rains on the day of our family session?

Ah, good ol’ Portland weather always keeps us guessing. I keep a watchful eye on the weather forecast to make sure we’re all set for a beautiful day. If it looks like we’ll get rained out, we’ll use the backup rain date we picked when you booked.

That said, don’t stress over a bit of cloud cover! Overcast days actually give us gorgeous, even light, and some of my favorite sessions have happened under grey skies.

What do we do with the photos after the session?

Digital files are great for sharing, but seeing your family’s love framed on your walls or flipping through an heirloom album – that’s where the heart is.

During your online ordering appointment, I’ll help you design beautiful wall art, albums, or framed prints that fit your home’s vibe. A lot of families tell me how much their kids love seeing those photos up on the wall. It becomes part of their everyday life. And down the road, those prints become part of your family’s story.

At the end of the day, these photos aren’t just for today, they’re for years from now, when your little ones aren’t so little anymore. They’re a way to hold onto the love, the laughs, and the moments that matter most.

If you’ve got more photography inquiries or you’re thinking about booking your own session, I’d love to hear from you. 

Reach out to reserve your Photography session and contact me now.

Want to learn more about me then, Check out these other blog posts.

Why NorthWest Nannies is the Go-To Choice for Childcare
A Brilliant Nanny Simplifies the Search for Quality Childcare
MamaSpace Yoga: Your Path to Fitness and Connection in Portland