Tips for your Family Photos

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.  Choose a Photographer Whose Style Matches Yours

Great photos start with the right photographer. Take time to review portfolios and look for consistency in style. Some photographers focus on light, airy images, while others lean toward bold contrast or documentary-style storytelling.

If you connect emotionally with their work, that’s a strong sign you’re on the right track. Many Salt Lake City wedding photographers also photograph families, so their galleries can give you a good sense of how they capture both posed and candid moments.

2. Expect a Little Stress and Let It Go

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. Having support behind the scenes helps your wedding photographer focus on framing the perfect shot without distraction.

4. Let Go of the “Perfect” Photo

Trying to stage the perfect photo where everyone looks at the camera with identical smiles often leads to frustration. Instead, focus on capturing joy, spontaneity, and personality. Candid wedding photos and unscripted family moments often become the most cherished images over time.

Those unexpected laughs, glances, and gestures often hold more emotion than any perfectly posed image. Allowing imperfection gives your photographer the creative space to document real, beautiful memories.

5. Trust Your Photographer to Lead

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 Wear 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? Coordinated outfits are great, but avoid going overly matchy. Choose colors that complement each other and allow individual personalities to shine through. In group or couple shots, variation adds visual depth and prevents photos from looking washed out or too uniform.

Opt for soft, seasonal tones or textures that reflect your environment and personal style. Photographers love when wardrobe choices enhance the mood and color palette of a session without overpowering it.

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

From prep to delivery, understanding your photographer’s process can ease your stress and set expectations. Ask how they plan for ceremony and reception shots, how long it takes to deliver edited photos, and how they manage large bridal parties or unpredictable weather.

Make sure you know exactly what’s included in your photography package; some may offer extras like engagement sessions, second shooters, or extended coverage. Photographers who outline timelines, shot lists, and post-production turnaround provide peace of mind leading up to your event. A clear process means fewer surprises and a smoother experience from start to finish.

Prioritize Experience with Families

Whether you’re working with a toddler or coordinating a full wedding party, a seasoned professional makes a difference 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.

Experience with diverse venues and family dynamics means your photographer can troubleshoot on the fly and keep things running smoothly. Confidence and flexibility are key to making everyone feel at ease.

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.

Photography That Feels Natural From Start to Finish

Working with the right photographer shapes how your wedding day is remembered. Our wedding photographers in Salt Lake City focus on real moments, clear planning, and a calm presence throughout the day so your photos feel genuine and complete.

From early conversations to final delivery, the process stays simple and well-paced. The goal is to give you space to enjoy your celebration while your story is captured thoughtfully and without pressure.

Reach out to connect with our photography team and start planning coverage that fits your Salt Lake City wedding.