Family photoshoots?? They’re some of the SWEETEST freakin’ sessions I capture!! I’m forever obsessed with the whole vibe of family photos, no matter where they’re at or what they look like. I mean, seeing you guys just being yourselves in front of the camera, soaking up all these ‘lil memories?? IT MELTS MY HEART SO BAD. If you’re planning your family photoshoot and wondering what the hell your next step is, you already know I gotchu covered!! Keep reading to see the full guide with everything you need to know, from a Knoxville family photographer who does family photos all the damn time!!
Why You Should Definitely Plan the Family Photoshoot
Okay, I get it, you hear family photos and visions of kids running crazy, laundry on the floor from trying to pick an outfit, and hours of really stressful planning is what pops into your head. As a Knoxville family photographer, I’m gonna be the first one to tell you that a family photoshoot isn’t NEAR as stressful as you’re thinking. I swear!!
What family photoshoots ACTUALLY look like (when you have the right Knoxville family photographer, at least (wink, wink)) is you belly laughing with your people, being totally yourselves, with me sitting there squealing behind the camera because of HOW DAMN CUTE you all are. Plus, family photoshoots can be SO easy to plan when you have the help of a pro (hi)!!
On a real note, there’s something REALLY special about showing up as the family unit you are right now and having those memories and those personalities preserved forever. You won’t always remember how tiny your baby’s hand was compared to yours or how they threw their head back when they were laughing. When you have photos that freeze those moments in time, though?? You get to look back on it forever and ever.
Where to Take Family Photos in Knoxville
Let’s start the planning part easy with the BEST Knoxville locations for family photos. I might be biased, but I think Knoxville is HELLA gorgeous, and it’s absolutely FILLED with perfect spots for a family photoshoot!!
It can be super helpful to pick a vibe first and to choose whether indoor family photos or outdoor family photos are gonna fit that (and you guys, of course!!) the best.
For indoor family photos, a studio works GREAT. This is an easy, low-stress way to keep everything simple and in one place, without really having to decorate anything!! See my guide to planning studio family photos right here!!
If outdoor family photos are more your style, some sort of park, field, or mountain access (which, of course, Knoxville is full of) is SO the move. I love Lakeshore Park or random pop-up wildflower fields for this, but you can find my in-depth outdoor family photoshoot guide right here that has even more ideas.
My personal favorite family photoshoot location, though, is right at home. There’s something so special about you guys all being in your safe space that lets everyone open up, and being at home adds SO much more character to your gallery. Your kids get to play with their own toys, your pet might make a cameo in some pics, and you get to capture the feeling of your everyday life in the photos!!!
What to Wear for a Family Photoshoot
I hear it all the time: you don’t know what to wear, how to coordinate everyone’s outfits, or where to get any family photoshoot clothes. Deep breaths, babes… I gotchu!!
Every family photoshoot works best with different kinds of outfits, and I’m ALWAYS here to help you nail down a vibe when I’m your Knoxville family photographer. The things that I always recommend to my families, though?? Be comfortable (because no one takes a good pic when they’re feeling overstimulated), try not to add in too many colors or patterns, and coordinate without matching.
A good, easy template to follow for family photoshoot outfits is neutral colors (with maybe a pop of color or one pattern added in, if you wanna get crazyyy) that complement each other. Maybe one of you is in a beige dress, and your kid is wearing some sort of knitted overalls. And trust me… That works EVERY time!!
Where Can I Find Coordinated Outfits for Family Pictures?
If I’m being SO honest… I love to tell my families to shop at H&M for family photoshoot outfits. They have some DAMN good basic pieces, and their kids section?? It’s freaking ADORABLE!!
Something like a momma in a casual white top and these jeans, and a kiddo wearing this striped sweater??? Need that in my life STAT.
How to Prepare Kids for a Family Photoshoot Session
If your kids are wild AF and you’re reading this thinking, “Ohhh, this would be nice, but Beau would never settle down enough to smile for a photo…” That’s honestly the best-case scenario.
People are so worried about how to get kids to behave for a family photoshoot that they don’t even realize that I WANT all the personality. Them running, laughing, dancing around, and playing makes for the BEST photos!!!
As a Knoxville family photographer who does sessions like this all the time, my two best tips are to let go of expectations for your kids, because they’re not gonna be perfect (and we don’t want them to be!!) and to make sure they’re well-rested and well-fed. That’s the sweet spot for good, REAL photos.
What to Bring to Family Photos
Packing might be another thing that you’re dreading about your family photoshoot, but the list is honestly one of the easiest parts!! Here’s what I typically tell my families, depending on the type of session we’re doing:
- A blanket
- A change of clothes and/or shoes
- Diapers, if needed
- Snacks and treats
- Water
- A towel
- Toys
- Your pet, if you want them in photos
- An umbrella, in case of rainy weather
- A jacket/some layers for each family member
Family Photoshoot Ideas (That Aren’t Boring AF)
I’m a Knoxville family photographer who’s literally NEVER boring, so if you’re looking for some unique family photoshoot ideas, you’re 1000% in the right place, babes!! Here are a few themes, styles, and vibes I LOVE for fam photos:
- Retro Christmas – like this mini-session I do every year!!
- Whimsical fairytale-inspired – think princess hats, wands, full fantasy vibes
- 60s or 70s-themed – a studio session with bold-colored backdrops and funky vintage outfits? Sign me TF up!!
- Apple picking or pumpkin patch photos – with fall coming up… I’m OBSESSED.
Tips for Choosing the Right Family Photoshoot Theme
If there’s one thing I’m gonna do… It’s hype you up to be yourself!!
Family photos DON’T have rules. You can do whatever the hell you want for your family photos, as long as it’s true to who you guys are!! If you spend a lot of time going to Dollywood, I’ll follow you guys around with a camera there. If you’re a more laid-back, chill family, I’ll come to your house and get pics of you guys snuggling on the couch. And I’ll be obsessed the whole damn time!!!
The Cross Family Photoshoot
The Cross family’s photo session was all things joy and whimsy. The sun?? A paid actor. Their little one, Lawson?? The most stinkin’ adorable guy.
I met up with the Crosses in a flower field at golden hour, and it couldn’t have been more perfect for them. Lawson got to run around in the field looking for ladybugs and picking flowers, and since we planned a short session, we got the BEST candids before little man got tired!!
This family? They were SO chill. They had no expectations; they just wanted to capture this sweet season of life with their little boy. And that’s why we got the photos we did!!
Wild Alchemy | Knoxville Family Photographer
Getting to help the Crosses plan their family photoshoot (all the way from helping them pick outfits to gently prompting them in the flower field) was SUCH a good time, so if you want a family session like this… Please inquire about booking me RN.
Seriously, though, I’d love to be there to capture your memories in a way that feels completely true to YOU. Chat soon, babes!!
