How To Get The Most Out of Your Session | Oakville Family Photographer
So there you are, thinking about finally booking those family photos. You’ve found a photographer you love (hopefully me!) and you think that’s all you need.
Wrong.
Having a great photographer is important, but the magic really happens when everyone shows up ready to lean into the experience. The best family photos aren’t perfectly posed; they’re connected, emotional, playful, and real.
Here are a few ways to get the most out of your family photo session.
A bit of chaos…
As soon as this little one climbed up on dads shoulders and down to mom? Magic! Look at them! This is what it’s all about.
You Get What You Give
Straight to the point: if you show up not wanting to be there, it’s going to show in your photos.
Before I even bring my camera up, we usually spend a few minutes chatting. It gives the kids time to warm up to me and dad too! Building rapport and creating a relaxed environment makes such a difference. I know being in front of the camera can feel awkward, and I acknowledge that at the beginning of every session.
What we’re trying to capture here is you and your family having fun. I’m not looking for everyone staring directly into the camera with huge forced smiles the entire time. I want the in-between moments: the laughing, the tickles, the chasing, the cuddles, the chaos. Tell jokes. Swing your kids around. Whisper something silly. Those are the moments that feel real when you look back at your gallery years from now.
And trust me on this, if your entire session is spent telling your kids to behave and smile, I’m mostly going to deliver a gallery full of the tops of your heads.
Dress The Part
Skip the matching outfits. White tees and jeans on every family member? Not really the vibe here.
Instead, think comfort and coordination. The best outfits are slightly elevated versions of what you’d normally wear. Choose pieces that complement each other without being identical. Neutral tones, texture, layers, and movement always photograph beautifully.
Try to avoid loud logos, bright graphics, or anything overly distracting. Your photos should focus on connection, not what’s written across someone’s shirt. Clothing helps tell the story and completely changes the mood of your session.
The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Every client receives a wardrobe guide after booking, and I always encourage you to send me photos of outfit options for the whole family if you want help deciding.
Bring The Meaningful Stuff
The best sessions usually include pieces of your actual life. Bring the blanket your baby is attached to, your kid’s favourite stuffed animal, the well-loved book you read every night, flowers from your garden, or even snacks for the beach. Play the guitar? Bring it! Those little details make your photos feel personal and help tell your story.
I also love when clients send inspiration photos beforehand. It helps me understand the feeling, styling, or connection you’re drawn to. Maybe you love movement, a certain editing style, or a cozy candid moment and knowing that is super helpful.
That being said, I don’t recreate other photographers’ work shot-for-shot. Every family is different, every location is different, and the magic comes from creating something honest to you, not copying someone else’s exact image.
And one small favour: please send inspiration photos before your session, not while we’re actively shooting. Once we’re in the moment, I want the focus to stay on your family and connection rather than trying to scroll through Pinterest together on location.
Don’t focus on directing your kids…
I can direct you but I’d rather moments be as natural as possible. This whole scene happened because the little lady wanted to hug dad - it turned into climbing, which turned into laughs and a genuine hilarious moment.
Trust The Process
One of the biggest things you can do during your session is trust your photographer.
Kids don’t need to sit perfectly still and smile at the camera the entire time. Some of the most meaningful images come from movement, snuggles, wandering, snack breaks, or your child clinging to you for half the session. That’s real life and years from now, those are often the moments that matter most.
As an Oakville family photographer, my goal isn’t perfection. It’s connection. I want your photos to feel like your family exactly as you are right now.
Your Photos Should Feel Like Memories
At the end of the day, family photos aren’t really about perfect poses or perfectly behaved kids. They’re about freezing a season of life that’s constantly changing.
So show up ready to play, laugh a little, embrace the chaos, and trust that the magic is usually happening in the moments in between.
Bring Your Sense of Humour
Family photo sessions are full of unpredictable moments. Kids wander off, dogs run into the frame (bring them!), someone sneezes mid-laugh. The best sessions embrace the chaos with a smile.
Being too serious or “in your head” can take you out of the moment, and that shows in the photos. Laugh at the little mishaps, make silly faces, chase the kids, and enjoy the ride. Those genuine, joyful moments are exactly what I want to capture.
Think of your session as a memory in motion, not just a photo shoot. The fun, the laughter, and the playful energy are what make your gallery truly special.
Family photos are about the love you have for each other and trying to get that into a photo is so much more fun and joyful when you want to be there. We’ll capture something you’ll cherish for years if you put a little intention into your session.
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stephanie collin is a family, couple, newborn, and maternity photographer located in Oakville. Serving surrounding areas of Hamilton, Dundas, Burlington, Milton, Mississauga, Etobicoke, Toronto, and more!