Summer is the perfect time to schedule your family photo session—longer days, golden light, and vibrant backdrops make this season ideal for capturing meaningful moments. While the results are always worth it, planning photos with kids or larger groups can still come with a bit of stress. To help make your session smooth and enjoyable, we’ve put together some practical tips that apply to everything from relaxed family portraits to the natural, candid shots often included in wedding photography in Salt Lake City.
Tips for your Family Photos
1- Find the right photographer for your style preference.
Now THIS is the easiest part! All you need to do is follow this link https://completewedo.com/salt-lake-city/photography/ and choose from our list of incredibly talented and professional photographers.
2- Understand that it WILL be stressful.
For those who tend to worry, it’s okay—stress is normal! Children often mirror our emotions, so acknowledging the nerves and then letting them go can help shift the energy. Keep the mood light, smile, and enjoy the moment. During wedding day memories or family shoots, genuine emotions lead to the best results, especially when aiming for emotional moments or candid shots.
3- Have a helper.
Have a sitter or Grandma or whoever you trust, come before your session, during your session, or both, to help feed the kids and get them ready or to help entertain and bribe them. Sometimes it’s hard for us to ask for help, I get it, BUT here’s the big secret….. IT’S OK!! There are people in your life that want to help you, so let them!
4- Don’t worry about the “perfect portrait” shot.
Especially when you have younger kids or a large group, trying to get the shot where everyone is sitting/standing up straight, smiling, while all looking at the camera is probably the most aggravating part…for EVERYONE! In the end, don’t we all end up loving and preferring the fun, candid shots that actually show personalities?? Let go of the stiff portrait idea and enjoy your time together as a family…..TRUST that your photographer with capture the beauty in your family relationship.
5- Listen to your photographer and let them lead the session!
You picked that particular photographer for a reason, because you liked their work! Let them work their magic because it’s their craft and they know how to…. and WANT to show it off! Listen to them and give them the control. They’ve got this.
**bonus tip** – You don’t have to have matchy, matchy outfits!
Choose clothing and outfits that are comfortable and reflect your personalities. None of your personalities are the same so why should you clothing be?? Coordinate, sure….also make sure you don’t clash of course, but having everyone in the same thing can wash out the group in the photo and make the picture dull.
Now, we all love good tips as well as great photos so please share your favorites!
Choosing the Right Photographer Matters
Having the right photographer can make or break your photo session—whether it’s a family shoot or part of your photography package. The connection you share with your photographer directly impacts the final images, and the experience itself.
Know Their Strengths
Every photographer has a specialty. Some excel in capturing posed portraits, while others thrive on storytelling through candid shots and emotional moments. Review their portfolio to see if their work aligns with your preferences—do you gravitate toward light and airy styles or rich, contrast-heavy imagery? A clear understanding of their artistic strengths ensures better expectations for your session.
Ask About Their Process
A reliable photographer will have a solid process in place—from how they prep clients before the shoot to how they manage timing, direction, and editing. For wedding day memories or high-energy family shoots, knowing how they guide sessions can help reduce stress and improve the overall outcome.
Prioritize Experience with Families
Photographing families—especially those with small children—requires patience, creativity, and the ability to adapt quickly. Look for a photographer who knows how to engage little ones and keep things moving without making anyone feel rushed. A seasoned pro will know how to capture genuine smiles and natural lighting in unpredictable situations.
Trust Their Vision
Once you’ve chosen a photographer you admire, give them the space to lead. Letting go of control allows them to focus on what they do best—delivering beautiful, personal, and emotionally rich images that capture your relationships, laughter, and memories.
Complete Weddings and Events in Salt Lake City
Complete Weddings + Events is Salt Lake City’s leading provider of event and wedding photography, videography, lighting, coordination, DJ services & photo booth rental. Whether you’re booking a photo session for your family or need complete event coverage for your wedding day, our team is here to capture every detail with precision and heart.
