The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Family Photoshoot in South Jersey & Philadelphia
How to Plan a Stress-Free Family Photoshoot in South Jersey & Philadelphia
If you’ve ever tried to get everyone ready for family photos at the same time, you already know it’s not for the faint of heart. Someone can’t find a shoe, someone is suddenly starving, and someone absolutely refuses to wear the outfit they loved yesterday.
(And yes — sometimes that someone is the mom.)
The good news? A family photoshoot doesn’t have to feel chaotic or overwhelming. With the right preparation, the right expectations, and a photographer who understands real families and real kids, the experience can actually feel relaxed… maybe even enjoyable.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to plan a family photoshoot in South Jersey or Philadelphia — without stress, pressure, or perfectionism.
Choosing the Right Style for Your Family
Every family is different, and your photos should reflect who you are, not a trend or a template.
Some families love a dreamy, fine-art look with flowing dresses, golden light, and a touch of storybook magic. Others prefer something more natural, candid, and relaxed — images that feel effortless and true to everyday life.
And many parents fall somewhere in between.
The most important thing is choosing a style that feels authentic. Your children don’t need to “perform.” They don’t need to pose perfectly. The best images come from allowing kids to move, laugh, explore, and be themselves — with gentle guidance along the way.
Learn more about my approach to relaxed, fine-art family portraits designed around real connection.
Outfit Planning (Without the Panic)
“What do we wear?”
This is, without question, the number one stress point for parents.
Clothing absolutely impacts the final look of your images — but it doesn’t need to turn into a multi-day spiral of shopping, returning, and second-guessing.
A few simple guidelines go a long way:
For city sessions (Philadelphia, Old City, Broad Street, urban locations):
Jewel tones
Black, navy, emerald, deep reds
Clean lines and classic silhouettes
For floral fields, farms, and gardens:
Soft neutrals
Creams, blush, muted blues
Flowy fabrics and natural textures
For beach sessions:
Whites and soft blues
Movement-friendly dresses
Breezy, natural fabrics
The goal isn’t matching — it’s coordinating. Think complementary tones, not identical outfits.
And remember: wardrobe support exists so you don’t have to do this alone.
Picking the Right Location
One of the best parts about photographing families in South Jersey and Philadelphia is the variety of locations available.
Within a short drive, you can choose from:
Jersey Shore beaches like Wildwood, Ocean City, Sea Isle, and Cape May
Seasonal flower fields and farms
Forested trails and quiet wooded paths
Historic city streets and classic Philadelphia architecture
Castle-like locations and storybook settings
The right location enhances your session naturally — no heavy styling or forced posing required. Your photographer should help guide this decision based on season, light, and your family’s energy level.
ee Where I Photograph Families Throughout the Year
From beaches and flower fields to city streets and seasonal settings, explore locations and experiences offered throughout the year.
Adding a Little Magic (If You Want To)
For some families, a simple portrait session is perfect.
For others — especially young children — adding an imaginative element can completely transform the experience.
Whimsical sessions featuring unicorns, mermaids, castles, or fairytale themes allow kids to step into a story rather than feeling like they’re “taking pictures.” When children feel engaged and excited, everything flows more naturally.
These experiences aren’t about props or costumes alone — they’re about confidence, wonder, and letting kids feel like the main character for a moment.
Timing Your Session (This Matters More Than You Think)
Lighting can make or break an outdoor session.
The most flattering light happens:
About one hour before sunset (golden hour)
Early morning when the light is soft and gentle
Good light means:
Better skin tones
Fewer harsh shadows
A timeless, fine-art feel
Poor lighting leads to squinting, strong shadows, and unnecessary stress — which is why timing matters just as much as location.
This is something your photographer should guide you through so you don’t have to guess.
Preparing the Kids (Without Overthinking It)
Children don’t need long prep talks or strict instructions.
A few simple things help:
Feed them beforehand
Bring water
Bring one small backup snack (bribery is sometimes strategic)
Let them know this will be fun — not a “stand still and smile” situation
Most importantly: parents set the tone.
Relaxed parents = relaxed kids.
Children are allowed to move. They’re allowed to laugh. They’re allowed to be themselves.
That’s where the magic lives.
The Part Parents Don’t Expect
Something almost always happens during a family session.
A shy child opens up.
A sibling bond shows itself quietly.
A parent sees themselves — not exhausted, not rushed — but present and connected.
Parents often tell me afterward:
“She still talks about it.”
“I didn’t realize how grown they look.”
“I’m so glad we did this now.”
These moments are fleeting. The images are how we remember them.
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After the Session
After your photoshoot, you can expect:
A curated proofing gallery
Carefully edited images in a clean or fine-art style
Options to select favorites and create artwork for your home
This is where the experience turns into something lasting — images that don’t live on a phone, but on your walls and in your family story.
Final Thoughts
Family photos aren’t about perfection.
They’re about documenting this chapter — the ages, the relationships, the season you’re in right now. Whether you’re walking through city streets, running along the shoreline, twirling in wildflowers, or creating something magical together, the value is in showing up.
You deserve photos that feel like you.
And your children deserve to see how loved they were — exactly as they are.
Many of These Experiences Are Also Offered as Mini Sessions
For families looking for a shorter, curated session during peak seasons, select experiences are available as mini sessions.
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.
