Getting My Own Family Ready for Photos (Yes, Even Photographers Feel the Chaos)

As a family photographer, I’ve walked countless parents through the process of preparing for photos—choosing outfits, calming nerves, and getting everyone out the door in one piece. But recently, it was my turn to get in front of the camera with my husband and three girls. And let me just say: even photographers aren’t immune to the chaos.

The Outfit Shuffle

I had every intention of getting our outfits together ahead of time, but the start of the school year completely threw me off. Funny enough, the dress I originally ordered for myself didn’t even arrive on time. I ended up grabbing another one from my closet and just rolling with it—motherhood has taught me that the unexpected almost always becomes part of the story

A Spa Day (With a Few Surprises)

Getting three girls ready is no small task, so we made it a team effort. Instead of treating it like just another “to-do,” we turned it into a little “spa day.” It became an activity of its own—painting nails, brushing hair, adding a touch of lip gloss. By framing it as something fun, the girls felt less pressure and more excitement. It wasn’t just about getting ready; it was about doing something together. And those were some of my favorite memories– even before our photos!

The best laugh of the day came when my oldest, Ruby, walked downstairs with her hands over her eyes, grinning from ear to ear. For a kiddo who loves to follow the rules, she thought this was the moment to bust free. She had put on the brightest, boldest red, glittery eye shadow all over her eyelids and couldn’t wait to reveal it—proudly telling us she had done her makeup “all by herself.” I laughed before I could even get a word out. She knew it was hideous too, which somehow made it even funnier. And honestly, I couldn’t even be mad—I didn’t even know we owned that shade of eye shadow! It’s safe to say that eye shadow has since been thrown away — and probably for the best.

The Photoshoot Itself

When we finally made it to our session, I loved getting the more formal family photo out of the way first. Once we had that, we just played with the girls—and that’s when their personalities really came out. Ruby wanted all the cuddles, Caroline couldn’t stop spinning around in circles with her dress, and Oakley wanted every single kiss on the cheek. It was playful, sweet, and perfectly them.

It was also incredibly important to me to make sure I was in the pictures with my girls. Like most moms, I’m usually the one behind the camera. There were a million reasons I could have waited—busy schedules, hot weather, my dress not arriving—but I’m so glad I didn’t. My girls now have these images to look back on for years to come. And I know just how valuable photos with your mom truly are.

What This Reminded Me

Even with all my time behind the camera, being on the other side reminded me of a few simple truths. Starting early really does help—because something always pops up, whether it’s missing shoes, a late delivery, or surprise glitter eye shadow. Making the process fun, like we did with our little spa day, takes the pressure off and turns getting ready into a memory all on its own.

Most of all, I was reminded that the little imperfections don’t take away from your photos—they make them yours. Scratches, silly spins, glittery eyelids, or cheeks covered in kisses…those are the things that tell your family’s story.

And if you’re a mom reading this, I’ll gently encourage you—get in the photos. I know it’s easy to make excuses or wait for a “better time,” but your kids just want to see you with them. Those are the pictures they’ll hold onto forever.

At the end of the day, family photos aren’t about perfection. They’re about connection, about pressing pause on this season of life, and about holding on to the moments that matter most.