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Savannah Family Session FAQ

Let’s be honest – booking a family photo session can sometimes feel like organizing a small wedding. Outfits, locations, kids, pets…oh my. Add the swirling questions about timing, weather, and what to do if your toddler (or let’s face it, your husband) decides photos just aren’t their thing that day? Yeah, it’s a lot.

That’s why I’ve put together this no-frills, actually-helpful guide with real answers to the most common questions I get when family portrait season ramps up. Whether you’re a mom looking to wrangle everyone into one frame or a dad just hoping to be told what to wear and when to smile, this blog’s got you covered.

Let’s talk about The Family Experience, how to prep without losing your mind, and yes, whether or not you can bring the dog.

Setting the Stage: Family Sessions Don’t Have to Be Stressful

We all want the classic, smiling-at-the-camera shot – it’s basically a family rite of passage. But I also know that families (mine included) don’t always run on cue. Kids can melt down, hair can frizz, someone always forgets the snacks.

That’s why I built The Family Experience to feel more like a laid-back stroll with me rather than a stiff, high-pressure photo session. We’ll laugh, wander, and capture the real stuff – personality, connection, and all the in-between moments that make your family yours.

After photographing dozens of families here in the Savannah area, I’ve seen it all, and I’m happy to share what actually works (and what’s not worth stressing over).

Your Top Family Photography Questions, Answered

Where should we have our session?

Savannah is a goldmine for beautiful, meaningful photo spots.

Some of my favorite family-friendly locations include:

• Downtown Savannah squares – Think Spanish moss, fountains, and historic architecture.
• Bluff Drive on Isle of Hope – Quiet, classic, and full of coastal charm.
• Skidaway Island – Lush greenery and wide-open space for little ones to move freely.

Want to see what these locations look like in real galleries? Just reach out and I’ll send over some sample sessions.

What should we wear?

You don’t need to buy all-new wardrobes…but you do need to think comfort + polish.

• Go for comfortable but not frumpy. If you don’t feel great in it, it’ll show in your face and posture.
• Coordinate, don’t match. Think complementary tones instead of everyone in jeans and a white shirt from 1998.
• Yes to layers, textures, and avoiding loud logos or wild patterns (sorry, Paw Patrol).
• Need help? I’ve got two blog posts to take the pressure off: Tips for Choosing Family Session Outfits and How I Choose My Family Session Outfits.

Fun fact… I also offer outfit guidance as part of every session, so you’ll never feel like you’re guessing – just send me an email and let’s chat outfits!

Can we change clothes?

Technically, yes. But hear me out.

The Family Experience is up to 45 minutes long. If you spend 10-15 of those minutes changing, that’s less time in front of the camera. That said, if you’re quick and ambitious, go for it!

Let me know ahead of time and I can bring my pop-up changing tent. No gas station restrooms required.

Can we bring our pets?

Absolutely – pets are part of the family! Just make sure:

• We’re shooting somewhere pet-friendly.
• You follow leash laws as needed.
• You’re okay with their leashes and collars staying in most photos since basic editing doesn’t include removing them.

We’ll do our best to tuck leashes behind or hide them when we can. Bonus tip: bring a squeaky toy or treat to hold near my camera if your furry friend thrives on bribery.

What if someone’s having a rough day?

Okay let’s talk about this because… it happens. I’ve got a kid who lives her best “no photos please” life regularly. I get it.

Here’s my advice:

• DO NOT panic. If you’re stressing, your family will pick up on it.
• Let me take the lead on warming everyone up – we may spend the first few minutes just chatting and goofing around before a single photo is snapped.
• If the little ones need to play a little during the shoot, great! Candid moments while playing often become the most treasured ones.
• Remember and try REALLY hard not to stand behind me yelling for your kiddos attention. This seems helpful but it’s really stressful for your little ones and 99% of the time they will only be looking up and to the left or right (where you’re standing) in the photos. 

Plus, photos that show real emotion – joy, curiosity, sibling teasing – are the ones you’ll look back on and love most. Promise.

More prep tips for partners and kids? Check out Prepping your kids for a family photo session

We only need one or two photos. Is this still for us?

If you’re just wanting a handful of images, The Family Experience might be more than you need.

The full session includes:

• Up to 45 minutes of camera time
• 30+ photos from our time together
• Space to get warm – the magic often happens later in the session once everyone is relaxed

If you’re looking for just a few photos or a shorter time block I might not be the best fit for you. 

How many family members can come?

More people = more photos to juggle.

For classic family sessions, I suggest capping it at 16 people, max. This allows enough time for:

• Group shots
• Smaller family breakdowns
• A relaxed pace

If you want everyone – grandkids, cousins, in-laws – we’ll need to chat about goals and timing to make sure it’s realistic within the session time.

Why All This Matters

Look, family photos aren’t about being Instagram-perfect. They’re about freezing time for just a moment so you remember what this season looked like…even if that includes baby drool or a teenager who hates smiling.

When you trust me to tell your story, I’ll do everything I can to make it easy, joyful, and reflective of who you are. You deserve more than stiff poses against a boring backdrop. You deserve a relaxed, connected experience that celebrates the real magic in your family’s chaos and love.

Ready to Book? Let’s Make Magic Happen

If you’ve been meaning to update your family photos (but keep pushing it off), now’s your sign. There’s a reason I stay booked during busy season: I make the process easy, honest, and even… fun?

The Family Experience is designed for busy families who want beautiful photos and a good time along the way. Learn more about it right here.

And remember: don’t stress about everyone smiling. Just show up as yourselves. I’ll take it from there.

Thanks for reading, and I hope I’ll get to meet your crew soon!