The Woodlands Family Photography: What You Need to Know Before Hiring Someone

“We need family photos … does anyone know a good photographer who doesn’t cost an arm and a leg?!”

If you’ve ever asked this, you’re not alone!

Choosing the right family photographer is a big deal—you want someone who can capture your family’s personalities, make the process fun (instead of stressful), and create photos you’ll actually want to print and frame.

The good news is finding the perfect family photographer doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Whether you’re booking your first session or looking for a new photographer, I’m breaking down everything you need to know—so you can feel confident in your choice and get the beautiful family photos you deserve.

Q: What should I look for when hiring a family photographer? There are so many to choose from!

Not all photographers are the same, and family sessions require a special skill set!

When searching for a photographer, consider these key factors:

• Style: Do you prefer bright & airy, warm & earthy, or true-to-life colors? Look through portfolios to find a style you love.
• Experience with your age kids: If you have little ones, choose a photographer who knows how to make sessions fun and natural (not stiff and awkward). If you have teens – be sure to find a photographer that has experience in that age.
• Location Options: Do they shoot outdoors, in-home, or in a studio? Pick what works best for your family’s vibe.
• Personality: If your photographer can make you feel comfortable, it will show in your photos. Find someone who feels like a good fit!

Tip – this is why I always suggest that you call or meet your photographer BEFORE your session. That way you can determine if you two will get along way before the day of.

Q: What can I expect during a family photography session?

A great family session should feel fun, relaxed, and natural—not like a formal school portrait. 

Here’s how it typically flows:

1. Before the Session – We’ll plan a location, time, and outfit ideas so you feel totally prepared.
2. During the Shoot – Expect movement, laughter, and some prompts to get genuine smiles! Don’t worry about making kids “pose”—I’ll guide them in a natural way.
3. After the Session – I’ll edit your images and deliver them within [insert timeframe]. You’ll receive a gallery where you can download, print, and share your favorites!

I always suggest to ask a lot of questions when interviewing a photographer. They should be find with this. You need to know their style, process, pricing, etc. Ask away.

Q: What should we wear for our family session?

The #1 question families ask me: “What do we wear?!” 

Here are my top tips:

• Start with Mom’s outfit. Pick something you feel confident in, and build everyone else’s outfits around it.
• Choose a color palette, not matching outfits. Think 3-4 coordinating colors instead of everyone wearing the exact same thing.
• Avoid logos & neon colors. These can be distracting and take attention away from your faces!

Need more outfit ideas? Check out my recent blog post on this topic.

Q: How do I prepare my kids for the session?

Parents always worry about their kids not cooperating—but I promise, we’ll make it awesome! 

The key is to set the tone before the session even starts. Talk to them ahead of time and let them know it’s going to be fun, not a stiff “stand-still-and-smile” kind of thing. If they think of it as an adventure instead of a chore, they’ll be much more relaxed.

Make sure they’ve had a snack beforehand—nothing derails a happy mood faster than being hungry. 

If they need a little extra motivation, bringing a small reward for after the session can be a game-changer.

 And don’t stress if they want to run, jump, or explore. Some of the best photos happen when kids are just being themselves!

PS. Find a photographer that has been doing this for a long time. I have been a professional photographer for 16 years and have 2 education degrees. So kids and I get along great.

Q: When will we get our photos?

After your session, I’ll carefully edit your images to bring out the best colors, lighting, and details. You can expect your final gallery within 2-3 weeks. Then we will meet for your product viewing session at my studio. This is when you will be able to select your products and order prints.

Q: How much does family photography cost?

Family photography is an investment in your memories, and pricing varies based on experience, session type, and what’s included. 

Most professional family photographers charge between $600–$2,500, depending on the package.

My sessions start at $700, and all include product and digital images. Most clients spend between $1500 and $3000.

If you’d like full pricing details, please click here to email me!

Family photos aren’t just about smiling at the camera—they’re about capturing love, connection, and the stage of life you’re in right now. 

Whether your kids are tiny or growing fast, these moments deserve to be documented in a way that feels natural and timeless.

 I hope reading What you need to know before hiring a photographer has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a  Woodlands TX Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of Family images.