boy at the arboretum with colorful leaves at a family photos session in seattle short session anela deisler photography

Fall might be my favorite time for family photos…or my favorite time in general. The light turns golden, everyone is in cozy layers, and there is something about the season that makes families want to slow down and hold onto this exact version of themselves. Whether your photos are for holiday cards, gifts, or just because, here are a few simple tips to help Photo Day go smoothly for everyone.

Tip 1: Make sure your kids know what is coming

Kids feel so much better when they know what to expect. Before our session, talk to them about where we will be, who will be there, how long it will take, and what will happen. Reassure them about anything they might feel nervous about.

To make this easy, I made a story for the families I photograph. It walks kids through the whole Photo Day experience, and it gives you conversation starters too. If you are booked with me, check your email for your link, or just ask and I will send it right over. (Coming soon!)

I know from my own kids that any new situation can lead to many big feelings and if we talk in advance it’s so much easier to do whatever the event might be!

If you are a photographer reading this, you can grab your own editable social story here to share with your own families. (Coming soon!)

Tip 2: Plan outfits ahead of time

Decide on outfits early and get clear on what you are hoping for. If your plan is "wear whatever you love," wonderful, you are done. If your plan is coordinated colors like light pink and dusty blue, sort that out in advance so no one is scrambling the morning of.

If your kids are not loving your outfit picks, give them a little choice. These socks or those socks? Pick a few options they get to choose from. A little ownership goes a long way.

A couple of things I always tell families:

Bright colors are almost always a win (but not neon, that reflects weird!).
Comfort matters most. If someone does not feel like themselves in their clothes, it is harder for them to show up as themselves.
Plan for the weather. Layers add great texture to your photos, and they keep everyone warm (or cool) when you are not sure what the day will bring. Cold kids are not happy kids.

Seattle family in coordinated fall outfits during an autumn photo session

Tip 3: Meet basic needs first

So much of a good session comes down to snacks and sleep. Give the extra snack. Build in some downtime before we meet. Make sure everyone visits the bathroom before we start.

Give yourselves extra time too. If you booked a short session, plan to arrive five minutes early so we can make the most of every single minute together (unless you’re at the arboretum - then give 25 extra minutes for parking, so sorry!). And truly, thank you to every family who shows up on time and ready. It makes our time so much sweeter. If a surprise happens and someone needs the bathroom halfway through, no worries at all. We are humans. We will roll with it. Text me :)

Tip 4: Make a plan with your kids about what the photos are for

Kids love to feel included. Tell them where the photos will go. This one is for the frame on the shelf. These are for the cards we will mail to family. Let them know they will get to pick a picture for their own room too.

When kids understand that the photos have a purpose and that they are part of that purpose, the whole session stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like something you are all making together. Because you are.

And a bonus tip! Always make a fun little plan for after the photo shoot! It can even be that they get to tickle you for 30 seconds. A small little planned celebration is so much better than bribing throughout the photo session…which I get it and believe me have given my kids a sour patch kid or two :)

Ready to make some fall memories? Book your session here!