What to Expect in a Family Photo Session | Anna Roorda

So you’ve decided it’s finally time to book your family photos. Maybe you’ve been dreading it but thought you really should do it. Buy the outfits, make everyone smile, get it checked off the list…

Well, friend, let me put your mind at ease. If you are booking a family photo session with me, I want this to be easy and fun for you. It really does not have to be the dreaded event of the year. Maybe you’ve been procrastinating on booking family photos for a number of reasons—I hear you. But let me show you that your family photo session can actually be simple and stress-free.

Step One: Booking Your Family Photos

Once you pick your date and pay the deposit or session fee, your spot is saved. From there, I’ll send you helpful emails with my outfit guide and a few simple steps to prepare.

You’ll also have my phone number, so you can text me outfit ideas anytime. Some clients send me a final photo of their choices, while others text me multiple options and ask me to help narrow it down. Either way works! And yes—if I see that you’re headed toward an outfit disaster, I will speak up. I want your family photos to look amazing.

Here are a few common outfit mistakes I’ll help you avoid:

• Neon or “hot” colors
• Large logos or pictures on clothing
• Everyone in the exact same color
• Too many busy patterns at once

Step Two: Preparing for Your Family Photo Session

As your date gets closer, I’ll send a text with a pin drop for our location. (This year, family photo sessions are happening across North Texas in McKinney, Plano, Flower Mound, The Colony, Southlake, Grapevine, and Allen.)

On session day, I always recommend arriving a little early. As a mom, I know how unpredictable it can be—missing shoes, outfit spills, diaper changes, you name it. Planning to arrive early means you’ll still be on time, even with the chaos.

And speaking of chaos—don’t stress. Your wild kids don’t scare me. Honestly, I’d rather see a little fun chaos than stiff “cheese” smiles. Think of me as a friend who’s joining you on a walk in a beautiful spot—who just happens to bring a camera.

Step Three: During Your Family Photos

If you’re booked for a half session, you’ll have 30 minutes (with another family before or after you). That’s another reason why arriving early is so important—I want you to get your full time for your family photos.

Step Four: After Your Family Photo Session

After your session, you’ll get an email explaining what happens next. My galleries are usually ready in about two weeks. When I deliver your gallery, I’ll also send instructions for selecting your favorite images or upgrading to the full gallery. And as always, you can text me with any questions.

---

Hopefully this helps put your mind at ease about booking your family photo session. I can’t wait to spend time with your family and capture memories you’ll treasure for years.

👉 If you haven’t booked your 2025 Fall family photos yet, you can do that [here].