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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I get it—you’ve hired someone new, and now you need a matching headshot… but your original photographer is no longer available. 😬

Do you really have to start over and re-photograph the whole team?

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Here’s what I focus on to make that happen:

✅ Lighting – Studio or natural? Soft, directional, or diffused?

✅ Background – Color, texture, and how sharp or blurry it is.

✅ Cropping & Composition – How close is the shot? What’s the framing like?

✅ Posing & Expression – Are your team members posed formally or relaxed and candid?

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This Mother’s Day, skip the flowers and give her something timeless—a moment, beautifully captured.

She’s been your biggest supporter, your soft place to land, your strength through every season of life.

And while you may not say it every day… you feel it deeply: the love, the gratitude, the bond that only grows stronger over time.

A family photo session isn’t just about the images.

It’s about carving out time to be present with each other.

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Whether you’re celebrating your mom, becoming one yourself, or honoring the memory of someone dear—these portraits become keepsakes.

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Let's Connect to set up your FREE Consultation!

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It was such a pleasure collaborating with Danielle DeMaio on her recent branding session!

Danielle is a powerhouse in the world of HR technology—helping companies around the globe turn HR into a high-impact, value-driving part of their business. As a Global Director of People Technology and Workday strategist, she’s led digital transformations, streamlined operations across 40+ countries, and helped companies scale through major milestones like M&As and IPOs. 🚀

When you’re operating at that level, how you show up matters.
Danielle knew it was time to refresh her personal brand to reflect the impact, innovation, and leadership she brings to every project.

A strong personal brand isn’t just about having professional photos—it’s about aligning your image with your expertise, your achievements, and your next chapter. And working with Danielle made it clear: she’s just getting started.

Thank you, Danielle, for trusting me to capture this exciting part of your journey! 👏🏼📸

#BrandingPhotography #PersonalBranding #WomenInTech
Here’s the thing—your brand is always evolving.

You might be offering new services, connecting with a different audience, or stepping more confidently into your role as a business owner. But if your photos still reflect where you were years ago, they’re not telling the right story anymore.

📸 Great branding photography isn’t just about looking polished—it’s about feeling aligned.

Because strong, consistent visuals:

✨ Build instant trust

✨ Make your business look cohesive and professional

✨ Help your dream clients see themselves working with you

Your photos should support the business you’ve grown into—not hold you back from where you’re going next.

If you’re ready to elevate your brand, attract the right clients, and finally feel like your photos match your message—I’d love to help you get there.

📩 DM me “refresh” or click the link in bio to book your branding consultation.

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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.