How to Plan a Family Portrait Session | Houston Family Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography can help with how to plan a family portrait session.  See more family photos in the gallery.  Contact me to book your family portrait today!

How to Plan a Family Portrait Session

Planning a family portrait session doesn’t have to be stressful!  Talk to your photographer about ways to manage all of the pieces.  Here are some tips on how to plan a family portrait session:

  1. Choose a photographer. This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, as the photographer will be responsible for capturing your family’s memories. Ask around for recommendations, review their websites, and be sure to interview a few photographers before making a decision.
  2. Schedule your session. Once you’ve found a photographer, book your session in advance. This will give you time to plan your outfits and location.
  3. Choose your outfits. When choosing your outfits, it’s important to coordinate, but not match. You want your family to look like a unit, but you also want everyone to have their own unique style. Choose colors that complement each other, and avoid wearing anything too busy or revealing.
  4. Find a location. The location of your photo shoot will be important in setting the tone for your photos. If you want a formal look, choose a studio or park. If you want a more casual look, choose a beach, forest, or other outdoor setting.
  5. Be prepared for anything. Things don’t always go according to plan, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. Bring a change of clothes in case of bad weather, and snacks and drinks in case you get hungry or thirsty.
  6. Relax and have fun! The most important thing is to relax and have fun. The photographer will be there to guide you, so just enjoy the experience and let your family’s natural love for each other shine through.

Family Portraits

I will never meet a family for the first time on the day of the session.  We always have a consultation ahead of time either in-person (best) or online.  We’ll talk about why we’re doing family portraits now, what you’ll wear, and where the session will take place.  What are the goals for the end products?  I like to get to know you a little bit (and you get to know me) before the session so that when the session day comes, we are ready to go!

How to Plan a Family Portrait Session mother daughtergirl running in woods family portraitsfamily portrait session colorful

How to Plan a Family Portrait Session

family walking in the woods family portraitsfamily portraits family pictures

 

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in family portraits.  See more family photos in the gallery.  Contact me to book your family portrait today!

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One day, this will be a memory. Don’t miss capturing it.

Senior year has a way of slipping by faster than you expect… and before you know it, they’re graduating.

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Shutter speed is one of those things that feels confusing… until it clicks. 😉📸

For headshots, you don’t need anything complicated — just a solid, consistent range and an understanding of how your lighting plays into it.

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Most people step in front of the camera thinking, “I have no idea what to do.”

That’s where I come in.

Every small adjustment you see here — posture, hands, angles — is intentional. It’s what turns a quick headshot into something confident and professional.

If you want to learn the poses I rely on most, I put together a guide breaking them down.

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If you’re just getting into headshot photography, it’s easy to feel like you need everything to get started.

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A solid light setup, a reliable camera, and a lens you can trust will take you a lot further than you think.

📸 For me, that looks like a Nikon Z7II mirrorless camera + a 70–200mm lens, paired with a simple lighting setup that keeps things consistent and professional.

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Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

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Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers of America PPA.
Tara is a Certified Professional Photographer.
Tara is a member of TPPA Texas Professional Photographer's Association.
Tara has earned her Master of Photography degree.
Tara has earned her Photographic Craftsman certification.
Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston PPGH.