Lifestyle Family Session Prep Guide
What Is a Lifestyle Family Photo Session?
Lifestyle photography focuses on capturing natural, connected, and beautifully candid moments of your family. It’s less about posed portraits and more about real life connections whether it’s cuddling on the couch, laughing together in a field, or playing games in your backyard. It’s an approach that blends candid and lightly guided moments, showing your family as you are authentic and full of life.
How to Prepare for Your Lifestyle Family Portraits
Skip the pressure talk. Instead of saying “smile for the camera,” tell them we’re going to have fun and take some pictures while doing things you all enjoy. Keep things low-pressure and let me worry about the magic-making.
1. What to Wear for Lifestyle Family Photography
Wear something that reflects your personality but still feels cohesive as a group. Think texture, layers, and complementary colors over matchy-matchy outfits. Avoid logos or neon colors that could distract from your faces. If you’re unsure, I’ve got a style guide that I send out to all my booked clients!
2. How to Choose the Best Location for Lifestyle Family Photos
We can shoot in your home, your favorite park, or somewhere that’s uniquely “you.” Don’t overthink it—the best location is one where you feel relaxed and connected. I’m happy to offer location suggestions based on time of day, lighting, and your vibe as a family.
3. What to Bring to Your Lifestyle Session
Snacks, wipes, water, and maybe a backup outfit for the kids (just in case). If your child has a favorite toy or comfort item, feel free to bring it along. We want this to feel like your life, not a Pinterest ad.
What Makes My Lifestyle Family Photography Different?
Unlike traditional posed sessions, I focus on prompts, movement, and playful interactions to keep everyone relaxed and engaged. The emphasis is on connection, allowing your family’s natural energy to shine through, rather than stiff smiles or forced poses. This creates a set of photographs and memories that truly represent who you are as a family—raw, genuine, and full of emotion.
What to Expect During Your Lifestyle Photo Shoot
Starting off, we’ll ease into the session with a little chat to set the tone. Depending on the ages and personalities of your kids, I might start with some standard shots or dive right into more playful moments.
Expect lots of movement and genuine interactions. I’ll offer light guidance, but the focus will be on letting things unfold naturally. Whether it’s running through the grass, sharing a cuddle, or just enjoying time together, we’ll capture all of it!
The session typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing plenty of time for fun and flexibility, and you’ll receive a family film plus a gallery of images that complements the session and film.
Tips to Help You Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera
I get it being photographed can feel awkward. My job is to guide you so it doesn’t. Focus on your people and the connection you share. Movement, cuddles, and genuine laughs are always encouraged.
Why Lifestyle Family Sessions Are Worth It
Lifestyle sessions preserve the fleeting moments of family life that often get lost in the rush of everyday living. The way your kids laugh, the little moments of tenderness, and the chaos that makes life real… these are the things you’ll cherish looking back on in the future. The images and films we create together will become keepsakes that remind you of these precious times for years to come.
Ready to Book Your Lifestyle Family Photoshoot?
Let’s create a session that truly reflects your family’s unique story. Whether it’s in the comfort of your home, a favorite park, or an iconic Austin location, I’ll help you capture the moments that matter most moments that you’ll cherish for years to come.