Preparing for family photos does not have to feel overwhelming. A little planning goes a long way in helping your session feel relaxed, fun, and smooth from start to finish. If you have ever wondered what to bring to a family photo session, this guide covers the essentials that make a big difference, especially when kids are involved and chaos is always just one skipped nap away.

What to Bring to a Family Photo Session

1. Snacks and Water

Snacks and water are absolute lifesavers during family photos. Little ones can get hungry or overstimulated quickly, and snacks help reset children if they begin to get ancy or need a moment to calm down. Think easy, non-messy options like crackers, fruit snacks, or pouch snacks. Water is great for quick breaks and helps keep everyone comfortable, especially during warmer months. When parents ask me what to bring to a family photo session, snacks are always at the top of my list for very good reasons.

2. Wipes

Wipes are one of those things you might not think about until you desperately need them. We all know little ones will have boogers, snot, or food around their mouth and nose, often all at once. Wipes are perfect for quick cleanups without disrupting the flow of the session. They also come in handy for hands, faces, and anything else that mysteriously becomes sticky.

3. Comfortable Walking Shoes

I always recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, especially for moms. Often times we will be walking on uneven terrain, grass, gravel, or dirt paths, and I do not want moms worrying about their balance instead of enjoying the moment. You can always swap shoes for a few photos if needed, but starting the session comfortable makes everything better. When thinking about what to bring to a family photo session, your shoes matter more than the cute pair sitting in your closet.

4. A Stroller

A stroller is incredibly helpful for family photo sessions, even if your toddler usually insists they can do everything themselves. I recommend this for a few reasons. First, a lot of toddlers will not want to be held once they get a taste of independence, so arriving with them in a stroller sets the tone for the session. We will let them walk and run around on their own after we get all the adorable photos of them being held. Second, it is nice to have a place to throw bags, jackets, snacks, and all the other things that multiply once you leave the house.

5. A Makeup Touch-Up Kit

Even if you had professional hair and makeup done, bringing a small touch-up kit is a smart move. Many hair and makeup artists will provide one, but if you do not have one, pack basics like lip color, powder, blotting papers, and hair pins. Wind, humidity, hugs from enthusiastic children, and emotional moments can all take a toll, and quick touch-ups help you feel confident.

6. Bug Spray

Bug spray is especially important if we are shooting in a garden or outdoor location during late spring or summer. Bugs can be surprisingly bold and very distracting. A quick spray before we start can prevent everyone from doing the awkward swatting dance mid-photo. This is one of those items people forget when thinking about what to bring to a family photo session, until the bugs show up.

7. An Outfit Change for Little Ones

Bring an outfit change for little ones to wear in the car. This is for obvious reasons, but we do not want children arriving with spit up, snack evidence, or mystery stains on their outfits. Change them into their photo session outfits once you arrive so everything starts fresh and calm.

Family photos are meant to be enjoyable, not stressful. Knowing what to bring to a family photo session helps everyone relax, roll with the chaos, and focus on what really matters, loving on your people and creating memories you will laugh about later.

DC Family Photographer | Marie Elizabeth Photography

Marie is a DC Family Photographer and specializes in a luxurious, full-service portrait experience. From planning your session to delivering custom fine artwork to your home, Marie takes care of all of the details. All Marie Elizabeth Photography clients are pampered with included professional hair and make-up and an array of whimsical dresses from the client wardrobe. Marie then will create exquisite works of art, such as heirloom albums and fine art matted prints to grace your home and lay your legacy.

Interested in both a maternity and newborn session? Marie offers a luxury membership to best document that first year with your little one. With perks such as birth announcements and album credit, the luxury membership is the perfect way to remember this special time. Reach out to learn more.