If you’ve ever gotten halfway through a session and realized…
- The toddler’s officially done
- The baby needs a snack
- The parents are sweating
- And you still haven’t gotten the main family photo
…then you already know: how you start a session matters.
The first 10–15 minutes are when everyone has the most energy and attention.
And you need to use that time wisely.
Here’s exactly what I do at the start of every family session (on purpose).
1. Get the “Must-Haves” Immediately
Do not “warm up” into the session.
Do not wait until the end for the key shots.
Get the full family photo right away. That’s what they booked you for. That’s what they’ll print, post, frame, and use for cards.
And it’s the photo that’s the hardest to get once the kids start losing interest.
This doesn’t mean stiff or overly posed—but it does mean framed up, everyone in the shot, and done early so you’re not chasing it later.
2. Prioritize Variety—Without Moving Locations
One of the most common mistakes I see newer photographers make is moving too much, too soon.
Dragging a family across a field or switching backdrops every 5 minutes kills momentum—and wastes your best light.
Instead, I stay in one solid spot and build variety by:
- Changing angles
- Switching up groupings (mom with kids, just the kids, dad + one kid, etc.)
- Going wide, then stepping in close
- Sitting vs. standing
- Shooting through something or using layers if available
You can easily get 15+ different looks in the same location with zero stress.
Then if kids start to lose it, it’s fine—you’ve already built a solid gallery.
3. Get What Mom Came For
Let’s be clear:
Mom booked this session.
She researched you.
She planned the outfits.
She probably bribed the kids in the car and is praying to get at least one photo she actually loves of herself with her babies.
Don’t save her shots for the end.
Don’t forget about her because you’re focused on getting the family photo or the cute kid moment.
Get her with her kids early.
Snuggled up. Laughing. Looking at the camera. Whatever fits your style—just make sure she gets it before the toddler meltdown happens.
Even if the rest of the session goes off the rails, you’ve already delivered what matters most to your actual client.
4. Be the Calm One (And Have a Plan)
You are the one setting the tone.
If you’re flustered, rushing, or winging it, the family feels that—and everything gets harder.
Start every session with a clear plan:
- Know your “non-negotiables” (what you have to get early)
- Have 2–3 easy prompts ready to go
- Don’t rely on posing lists—have a session flow that gives you flexibility
- Stay calm even if things get chaotic—because they probably will
You’re in charge of the energy. Make it calm, confident, and controlled—and you’ll get better photos every time.
Final Thoughts
The start of your session is everything.
It’s when kids are still on board. Parents still have patience. And you still have full control of the direction.
Don’t waste that time easing in slowly or trying to “read the family.”
Have a plan. Get what you need first. Then roll into the more relaxed part once you’ve already nailed the key shots.
This is how you build a gallery fast, reduce your own stress, and actually give your client what they came for.
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