Family Portrait Tips: How to Get the Best Studio Photos

Why Choose a Studio for Family Portraits?

While outdoor portraits are beautiful, studio sessions offer unique advantages:

• Consistent, professional lighting regardless of weather
• Climate-controlled comfort (no sweating in summer or shivering in winter)
• Styled backdrops and sets that create a polished, timeless look
• Privacy for families with young children who may have meltdowns
• No time pressure from sunset or changing conditions

What to Wear

Colour Coordination (Not Matching)

The days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and jeans are over. Instead:

• Pick a colour palette of 2-3 complementary tones
• Neutral tones (creams, tans, sage greens, dusty blues) photograph beautifully
• Avoid bold logos, patterns or neon colours that draw attention away from faces
• Layer with textures like knits, linen or denim for visual interest

Practical Tips

• Dress kids first as they're most likely to get dirty
• Bring backup outfits especially for babies and toddlers
• Iron or steam clothes the night before
• Avoid brand-new shoes that might cause discomfort

Preparing Kids for the Session

Timing Is Everything

• Schedule around nap times for babies and toddlers
• Avoid scheduling after daycare or school when kids are tired
• Morning sessions tend to work best for young families

On the Day

• Feed them before arriving because a hungry child is a cranky child
• Bring favourite snacks for energy boosts between setups
• Let them play and explore the studio before shooting starts
• Don't force smiles as the best photos capture genuine moments
• Bring a favourite toy for comfort (it can be edited out later if needed)

Choosing the Right Studio

What to Look For

• Experience with families and children (check their portfolio)
• Styled sets designed for family sessions not just a plain backdrop
• A relaxed, child-friendly atmosphere
• Patience and flexibility from the photography team
• A viewing session so you can choose your favourite images

Verve Portraits specialises in family portrait photography with luxury styled studios in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Their approach focuses on capturing candid, natural moments rather than stiff, posed shots, and their studios are designed with families in mind, with sets ranging from minimalist to warmly styled living spaces.

During the Session

1. Relax and be yourselves because the best photos happen when families interact naturally
2. Follow the photographer's direction but don't stress about perfection
3. Let kids be kids as running, jumping and giggling makes for wonderful images
4. Don't check your phone and stay present in the moment
5. Trust the process because professional photographers know how to get great shots even when it feels chaotic

How Often Should You Get Family Portraits?

• Annually is ideal to document how your family grows and changes
• Milestone moments: New baby, first birthday, starting school
• Extended family sessions: When grandparents or relatives visit

Studio portraits become more valuable over time. They're the photos that hang on walls, sit on mantlepieces and get passed down through generations.