If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens during a family portrait session, I’m here to pull back the curtain. I don’t want anything to come as a surprise to you. I want you to feel prepared and ready to have some fun. That’s why we start with a Design Consultation a week or so before your session. By the time you walk in for your portraits, we’ll have already talked through your vision, your must-have shots, and where your portraits will live – in wall art, a custom-designed album, or a portrait box.
Here’s how your session will flow from the when you arrive to the moment you head home with homemade cookies in hand.
Warm Welcome
When you arrive, I’ll greet you and your kids and help everyone settle in. I know the first few minutes can feel a little awkward, so I work to ensure you start off feeling relaxed and comfortable.
Many families come in wearing one outfit and bring along other clothing options. If this is you, we’ll take a few minutes to look through your wardrobe, finalize what everyone will wear, and create a plan for the session flow.
Full Family First
I like to start with the entire family. We’ll create several different poses so you have a variety to choose from.
Once we’ve captured those, we move on to what I call the abbreviations, which are smaller groupings like:
- Mom with the kids
- Dad with the kids
- Just the kids
- Each parent with each child
- Maybe even each child individually
I ensure we get every combination that matters to you. (I actually create a list that I check!)
The Magic of Unscripted Moments
While we work through the planned poses, I’m always watching for those in-between moments—an unprompted giggle, a sibling whispering a secret, a spontaneous hug. Those little unscripted moments are often my favorites because they’re the ones that capture your family’s personality.
Wardrobe Change and Round Two
After the first round of portraits, we’ll switch to another outfit (if you’ve brought one) and repeat the process. This gives you more variety to choose from, and sometimes a change in clothing helps kids perk up again for another round of smiles. Sometimes, clients bring a change of clothing just for the kids to create a completely different look.
A Little Fun to Finish
Once I know we’ve covered all the important combinations, we might shift into something silly—think jumping, making funny faces, or a goofy group pose. Understand that this has to come and the end, because once the kids have let loose, there is no going back!
Prizes, Frames, and Calendars
When we’re done, the kids get to choose something from the prize box. While they are busy, we’ll look at frame options and choose a date for your Selection Appointment. During that appointment, we look at your images together, you choose your favorites, and we finalize the design of your finished products.
Why the Step-by-Step Matters
By following this flow, we make sure every important combination is photographed, everyone stays engaged, and your images reflect the emotions that make your family unique. My job is to handle all the details so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
Ready to plan your own family portrait session with Lisa Maco Photography? Let’s start with a conversation about what matters most to you and how you’d like to see your portraits displayed in your home. Click here to schedule a call.
