Family Guide I Megan Norman Photography

Tips + Tricks for your Family Session

This is the only thing I’ll ask you to do before your session …

your questionnaire!! This is the key for me to understand how to make your family feel comfortable in front of the camera. I want to know your family’s nicknames (yes, even your son’s pet lizard!), inside jokes, favorite games, and those funny stories that make your family unique. These little details help me bring out the personality of everyone, even the shyest member of the family!

Session Start Time

Plan to arrive 10 minutes early—this gives you a buffer for parking, getting settled, and making sure everyone is ready to go. Also, not every location has a restroom nearby, so it’s a good idea to have little ones go potty before you leave just in case. A little prep ahead of time means we can jump right into capturing those fun, natural moments without any interruptions!

HANGRY MANGEMENT

I get it! It’s hard to calm down a hungry kid. Make sure they’ve had a meal before arriving and pack extra snacks. Try to stick to foods that are bite-sized and not messy. I also suggest packing a water bottle. Snack Ideas: Mini Marshmallows, Small Crackers and Cheese Cubes.

FURRY FAMILY MEMBERS

I love it when your furry family members are included in photos. If you decide to have your dog sit in for photos please consider having a friend collect them before the end of the shoot or be on hand to keep them occupied and safe when they aren’t in photos. We want to keep your pet safe and happy so they aren’t a distraction. Also, bring dog treats!!

WHAT TO WEAR

Let’s keep things simple—wear what makes you feel good! We will be moving around A LOT—sitting, standing, dancing, holding your little one, and maybe even some playful chasing. So, choose clothes that let you move freely and feel comfortable on the ground. Nothing too tight or short that might cause wardrobe malfunctions!

Color & Patterns

Aim for coordination over matching by choosing 2-3 colors that everyone can weave into their outfits. Now, coordination doesn’t mean matching – unless you want a humorous 1980 -1990’s themed (awkward) family shot, stay away from twinning it up with your loved ones.
Layering and texture can add dimension and allow for flexibility during the shoot. Dressing with layers you can peel back or add on also allows for a more elaborate looking session with the facade of having multiple outfits on-site.
Avoid neon colors and clothes with large logos or slogans – these don’t show up or look the best in print photos and also don’t “wear” well with time.
Start with mom’s outfit—it sets the tone! Then, coordinate everyone else to complement it.

Be sure to remove any temporary tattoos or stickers and clean up chipped nail polish—they’ll show in the photos unless you're cool with them being part of the story.
If your daughter is in a dress or skirt, make sure she’s wearing bloomers or shorts underneath.

FINAL TOUCHES

Kids don’t fake it when they’re not into something—and neither should we! I’ll never force a pose or moment that doesn’t feel right. Instead, we’ll keep things fun, go with the flow, and embrace the chaos. The more relaxed everyone is, the more your child’s personality will shine through. And while the happiest kids are full kids, they’re also kids who know a treat is coming! Think lollipops, ice cream, or a favorite toy—but save the reward for after the session to avoid sticky faces in your photos.

Let The Kids Lead

Choosing the Right Location

Your family’s vibe plays a big role in choosing the perfect setting for your session. Love the energy of the city? Urban locations just outside downtown Minneapolis offer brick walls, metal staircases, and graffiti for a bold, modern feel. Prefer the great outdoors? I have a long list of stunning nature centers around the Twin Cities, featuring boardwalks, tall grasses, and golden sunsets. Want something clean and simple? A Minneapolis studio provides a beautiful neutral backdrop—and even has an urban area outside for variety!

CLICK HERE FOR 5 Tips for Stress Free Family Photos

At the end of the day, family photos are about capturing the love, laughter, and beautiful chaos of your real life—not about perfection. The best thing you can do is show up ready to have fun, embrace the unexpected, and trust the process. I’ll take care of the rest! So take a deep breath, let go of the stress, and get ready to make some magic together. I promise, when you look back on these photos, you’ll be so glad you went with the flow.