Family Photo Session Shot List
Family Photo Session Shot List
If you’ve never done a family photo session before, you’re in the right place. This guide helps you think through what you want from your session without turning it into homework. You don’t need to check every box! You just need to show up, and we’ll take it from there.
If you can, fill out what you know you want before your session and bring it with you or schedule a time to talk with me and we’ll talk it through. We’ll use it as a starting point. If you’re not sure what you want yet, that’s normal and totally ok. Most people aren’t.
How to use this guide
Part 1 shows common shot categories with examples, so you can picture what’s possible.
Part 2 is your checklist that you can download. Mark what you want, add notes, and leave anything blank that you’re unsure about. We’ll talk through it on the day and make a plan that fits your family.
Part 1: Shot categories and examples
Whole family shots
These are your “everyone together” photos. They’re the core images most families want, and they’re usually what ends up on the wall or in the holiday card.
Common options include everyone looking at the camera (the classic), everyone looking at each other and interacting, walking together, sitting together (steps, blanket, bench), standing in a line or a loose cluster, or a real moment (laughing, playing, moving).
Parents only
This is just the two of you, with no kids in the frame. I know that that can feel weird at first! It’s also one of the best parts of the gallery later. You should document yourselves, too.
Common options include facing the camera together, looking at each other, kissing or hugging, walking hand-in-hand, or a candid moment where you forget I’m there.
Individual child portraits
Each kid gets their own moment. These don’t have to be stiff or serious. If your child is a mover, we work with that.
Common options include looking at the camera, looking off at something interesting, playing or exploring, a close-up of their face, or a full-body shot. I really try to get a lot of variety here.
Sibling shots
Kids together, no parents. This can be posed, or it can be the “okay now tackle-hug your sibling” version, both count.
Common options include all siblings together, pairs (if you’ve got more than two), a posed photo, playing or interacting, or hugging and holding hands.
Parent + child combinations
One parent with one kid, or one parent with all the kids. This is a great way to make sure everyone gets a few images that feel personal. This is also the time when we are documenting the family photographer (the person who takes all of the photos so is in none of them!), so get in there!
Common options include mom with each child individually, dad with each child individually, mom with all kids, dad with all kids, and the good stuff: holding, hugging, snuggling.
Grandparents and extended family
If grandparents (or other family members) are joining us, we’ll build in time for a few groupings so nobody feels rushed.
Common options include the whole group (everyone), grandparents with grandkids only, three generations together, and grandparents with each grandchild individually.
Pets
Your furry family members count. If your dog has a lot of opinions, that’s fine. I’ve met dogs before. Not every space allows dogs, so we’ll work that out beforehand.
Common options include your pet with the whole family, your pet with the kids, your pet alone, and candid moments with your pet.
Candid moments
This is the unposed stuff. The real stuff. It’s also the part where you don’t need to perform. You just need to be with your people.
Examples include kids running or playing, your family walking together, laughing at something funny, hugging or cuddling, parents swinging kids, and looking at each other instead of the camera.
