As a Charlottesville family photographer who has been photographing families for over 15 years, I believe that we create the most meaningful images when the details are personal to what moves your heart the most. When thinking and envisioning your family photos, you may feel afraid they’ll turn out stuffy or cheesy. So if you’re looking for a place to start in understanding how we can avoid that, here are five ways to make your next session feel like you.
1. Set Your Session at Home
Your home is more than just a backdrop; it’s the heart of your family’s story. Whether it’s cozying up on the couch, playing in the backyard, or making breakfast in the kitchen, home sessions allow your family’s personality, silliness, and warmth to shine.
Home sessions allow me to step into your world in a more intimate way – and while that can feel intimidating, there’s something really magical that happens when you’re able to see your surroundings through someone else’s eyes.
Your kids’ favorite toys, your gangly old dog, that beautiful beam of light that hits the kitchen floor in the afternoon – all of it is part of what makes your family dynamic unique.
Bonus – a session at home also means you don’t have to worry about packing up and traveling, or chaotic weather, which can a huge win especially for families with young kids.
2. Choose a Location You Often Enjoy as a Family
If you prefer an outdoor session or simply feel more alive when you’re out and about, pick a spot that’s special to your family. Somewhere you go often together or maybe a place where you have special family traditions or memories.
Maybe it’s the park where you picnic every Sunday, the hiking trail where you spend weekends exploring, or the charming downtown corner where you grab ice cream together.
Charlottesville offers so many beautiful options for meaningful family photography and I have lots of recommendations to help narrow it down. But again, the best setting is often the one that has meaning and comfort for you.
Read more: favorite locations for Charlottesville family photos
When you choose a place tied to your family’s story, your photos become about more than just images—they’re reminders of the moments that matter most, whether it’s a simple park or a little ice cream shop on the corner.
3. Include an Activity That Your Kids Will Be Excited About
Kids are happiest when they’re engaged in something they enjoy, so we can plan an activity they’ll love as part of the session. This isn’t just to “keep them smiling,” but to instigate movement, connection, silliness, and all the unpredictable interaction that happens when we’re truly being ourselves. Sometimes it takes an activity to get our minds into the zone and really enjoying the quality family time, despite the photographer along for the ride.
Whether it’s blowing bubbles, playing backyard baseball, or baking waffles, incorporating a fun activity helps capture even more authenticity.
For kids who tend to feel a pressure to “perform” in front of the camera, activities are a great way to loosen the expectations, too. Family photography sessions with me can even include seasonal activities like apple picking in the fall or playing in the snow during winter!
When your family is genuinely having fun, those feelings are baked into your photos and makes the whole experience more enjoyable for everyone.
4. Food and Drinks
Including a snack or treat can add a playful, relaxed vibe to your session. Pack along some hot cocoa and marshmallows for a winter family photo shoot outdoors or enjoy popsicles on a warm day.
Food creates natural moments of connection—feeding each other, clinking cups, or sneaking a bite – it’s subtle but often allows for opportunities of care and fun.
Also, let’s not deny that snacks are a great way to keep little ones happy no matter what.
Some of my favorite Charlottesville family photos have included an element of sharing a fun meal or treat as part of the session.
5. Wear Clothes You Actually Own and Like
When it comes to wardrobe, comfort and authenticity are key. Client closets (aka borrowing stock clothing just for photoshoot) have never made sense to me because it feels like putting on a mask.
If it’s not how you would dress normally or the kind of clothing that makes you feel most like yourself, it’s not the type of thing you should wear for your family photos.
Avoid buying overly formal clothes you wouldn’t normally wear just for the shoot. Instead, pick items from your closet that you love and feel confident in. Coordinating colors can look great, but don’t stress about matching perfectly.
Your goal is to look like you, not a catalog.
(Side note, all my clients get a prep guide with more specific recommendations about how to choose your wardrobe that will work great in photos AND feel like you).
Bringing It All Together
Planning Charlottesville family photos that feel like you is all about keeping it personal and meaningful. It’s easy to get distracted by what other people are doing and what you see online – but all that really matters is what feels exciting to you.
Whether it’s a cozy session at home, a favorite local spot, or a fun activity your kids love, every detail can play a part in make the photos feel less like an item on a checklist and more like a way to celebrate and notice the people you love and the life you’re building.
If you’re ready to plan a session that captures your family in an authentic and relaxed way, I’d love to work together. As a Charlottesville family photographer, it’s my joy to create images that feel as real as the memories they hold.
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