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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@taraflanneryphotography

You don’t just get a few photos…

You get a full set of images you can actually use—
for your website, your content, your launches, and everything in between.

Because as a coach, you are your brand.
And the way you show up visually matters more than most people realize.

My goal isn’t just to take good photos—
it’s to help you feel confident, natural, and aligned in how you present yourself.

📩 If you’ve been putting off branding photos, this is your sign—link in bio to start planning.
Mid-session. Camera in hand. Client in front of me…
and suddenly my camera starts throwing error codes.

I turn it off. Pull the battery. Take the card out.
Put everything back in and hope it works again.

And then it happens again.

Three memory cards failed on me during that shoot.

After that, I switched to Sony Tough cards—and haven’t had an issue since.

It’s one of those things you don’t think about… until you’re in a high-pressure moment and your gear has to perform.

📥 If you’re a photographer and want a breakdown of the gear I actually use and trust, I’ve put together a guide—link in bio.

👇🏼 But I'm curious, what cards have been working for you?
It’s never just pressing a button.

It’s reading the room.
Adjusting in real time.
Knowing how to bring out confidence—even when someone feels uncomfortable in front of the camera.

The technical side matters.
But the connection, the instinct, and the ability to see what others don’t… that’s what turns it into something more.

📩 If you’re ready for photos that feel like you, you can book through the link in my bio.

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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.