You know that nervous flutter you get before hitting “book now” on anything? The little voice asking, “Wait, what am I actually signing up for?” I get it. Booking professional family photos feels like a big decision, especially when you’re juggling kids, schedules, and trying to figure out if everyone will cooperate on the same day.

I believe in total transparency. No surprises, no confusion, just a clear picture of what my family photographer booking process looks like from start to finish.

I’m a family photographer in Troy, Ohio, and I specialize in capturing the real, beautiful chaos of family life. Whether it’s your toddler’s personality portraits, your family of five, or your high school senior’s big moment, I’ve streamlined my booking process to be as stress-free as possible for busy families.

This guide walks you through every single step of my family photographer booking process, so you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after your session. No mysteries, no maybes, just the complete picture of how we’ll create memories together.

Session Types I Offer

Before we dive into the booking process, let’s talk about what kind of sessions I offer. Because not every family needs the same thing, and that’s perfectly okay.

Location Flexibility

Here’s what I love: you get to choose where your session happens. Want the comfort of your own home where everyone’s relaxed? Perfect. Prefer the gorgeous outdoor locations Troy has to offer? Let’s do it. Interested in a studio vibe? I work with several studio rental options in Troy, Ohio, so we can make that happen too. Here is a list of some of my favorite spots right here in Troy, Ohio.

The Family Photographer Booking Process: Step by Step

Okay, here’s where I walk you through exactly how my booking process works. I recently updated this whole system to make it simpler and clearer for families, so you can book with confidence.

Step 1: Browse Available Dates

First things first, you get to see my entire calendar. I’ve opened my booking for all of 2026, which means you can plan ahead without the stress of wondering if your preferred date is available.

Pick a date that actually works for your family. Don’t try to squeeze into a time slot that conflicts with nap time or soccer practice. The best sessions happen when everyone’s schedule can handle it.

Step 2: Choose Your Package

Once you’ve found your date, you’ll see all my package details right there. No hidden pricing, no “contact for rates” runaround. Everything’s transparent.

Browse the options, see what’s included in each package, and select what fits your family’s needs and budget. Simple as that.

Step 3: Fill Out the Quick Questionnaire

This is where I start getting to know your family! The questionnaire is short (I promise, I’m not asking for your life story), but it gives me crucial information to start planning your session.

I want to know about your family’s vibe, any specific goals you have for the session, and what matters most to you. This helps me show up prepared to capture YOUR family, not just any family.

Step 4: Pay the $190 Non-Refundable Booking Fee

This booking fee secures your date on my calendar. Once it’s paid, that time slot is yours and I won’t book anyone else for it.

Why non-refundable? Because when you book, I’m turning away other potential clients for that specific time. It’s a commitment on both sides. The fee goes toward your total package price, so you’re not paying extra, just securing your spot.

Step 5: Receive Your Welcome Guide

As soon as your booking is complete, I reach out personally to confirm your date and all the details. You’ll also receive a welcome guide that walks you through what happens next.

Think of the welcome guide as your roadmap. It covers everything you need to know leading up to our discovery call and beyond. No more wondering “what happens next?”

Step 6: Schedule Your Discovery Call

This is one of my favorite parts! We hop on a call to actually talk. Not just about logistics (though we cover those too), but about your family.

During the discovery call, we’ll:

• Go over session details and timing
• Discuss location options
• Talk about your family’s dynamics and any concerns
• Get to know each other (because you should feel comfortable with the person photographing your family!)
• Answer any questions you have

This isn’t a sales call. You’ve already booked. This is about making sure we’re on the same page and that you feel completely confident about your session.

Step 7: Review and Sign the Contract

After our discovery call, I send over the contract. Take your time reviewing it. Read it at your own pace, ask questions if anything’s unclear.

The contract just puts everything we’ve discussed in writing so we both know what to expect. Clear expectations mean no surprises later.

Step 8: Receive Your Style Guide

Once the contract is signed, you’ll get a personalized style guide. This isn’t a generic “wear neutral colors” guide. It’s tailored to your session type, chosen location, and family’s style.

The style guide includes:

• Specific outfit suggestions and color palettes
• What to avoid wearing
• Tips for coordinating (not matching!) your family
• Location-specific advice
• A preparation checklist

More outfit inspo here: A Seasonal Guide to Troy, Ohio Family Photos

Before Your Session

We’re getting close! Here’s what happens in the final stretch before your session day.

Payment Timeline

The remaining balance on your package is due one week before your scheduled session. This gives you plenty of time to plan and ensures everything’s settled before we focus on creating beautiful images.

You’ll receive a reminder with payment instructions, so you don’t have to track it yourself. One less thing on your mental load!

The Week Leading Up

This is when I become your session cheerleader and logistics coordinator. I’m checking in, confirming times, and making sure all the details are locked in.

Expect communication from me about:

• Final timing confirmation
• Location meet-up details
• Any last-minute questions you might have
• Weather updates (if applicable)

Weather Monitoring for Outdoor Sessions

Ohio weather is… well, it’s Ohio. If we’re shooting outdoors, I’m watching the forecast like a hawk.

Light clouds? Actually great for photos (no harsh shadows). Chance of rain? We’ll monitor it together and have a backup plan. Truly bad weather? We’ll reschedule without any drama or fees.

I’d rather reschedule than have you stressed about weather during your session. Plus, nobody looks relaxed when they’re worried about getting soaked or blown away by wind.

Scheduling Around Little Ones

Here’s something that matters to me: I work with young kids a lot, and I know their schedules run the show.

That’s why I’m flexible about timing sessions around:

• Meal times (hangry kids don’t smile)
• Snack times (essential fuel for cooperation)
• Nap schedules (the sacred window of calm)

If your toddler is a disaster after 5 PM, we’re not booking a sunset session. If your baby needs that 2 PM nap, we’re working around it. The best photos happen when kids are comfortable, fed, and rested.

Session Day Experience

The big day is here! Let me walk you through what actually happens when we meet for your session.

When We Meet

I show up ready to make this fun and easy. No stiff, awkward “everyone stand here and say cheese” vibes. Just real connection, genuine smiles, and a whole lot of patience (especially if we’re working with toddlers who have their own agenda).

First few minutes? We’re just getting comfortable. Kids need to warm up to me, parents need to relax, and everyone benefits from a minute to settle into the session.

How I Work with Families

My approach is simple: movement over stiffness, connection over perfection.

With young kids, I follow their lead. If they want to run around for a bit first, great! Some of the best candid shots happen when kids are just being kids. If your preschooler wants to show me their favorite toy, perfect. That tells me about their personality.

With families, I’m looking for those in-between moments. The way you naturally interact with your kids, the giggles that happen when someone makes a silly face, the real dynamics that make your family yours.

I’ll give you prompts and guidance (because standing there wondering what to do with your hands is the worst), but I’m not going to pose you into uncomfortable positions or force smiles that don’t feel genuine.

Typical Session Length

Most sessions run 45-60 minutes. That’s enough time to get a variety of shots, multiple locations within the same area if needed, and some candid moments without exhausting everyone.

For sessions with very young children, I keep things on the shorter side. Quality over quantity. Better to get 30 minutes of happy cooperation than 60 minutes of increasing meltdowns.

My Job: Make It Stress-Free

Here’s the thing: I’ve worked with crying babies, energetic toddlers, eye-rolling teens, and everything in between. Nothing phases me.

If your kid needs a snack break? We take a snack break. If someone needs to run around for a minute? Let’s do it. If the baby decides now is nap time? We adjust.

After Your Session

The session’s done, everyone survived (and hopefully had fun!), so what happens next?

Gallery Delivery Timeline

I know you’re excited to see your photos. I’m excited to show you! Your gallery typically arrives within 2-3 weeks of your session.

Why not immediately? Because I’m editing each image individually to make sure they’re exactly right. Color correction, skin tone adjustments, removing that random trash can in the background. All the behind-the-scenes work that makes your photos look professional, not just like phone snapshots.

You’ll get an email when your gallery is ready with a private link just for you.

How to View and Select Images

Your online gallery is easy to navigate (I promise, no confusing tech stuff). Browse images on your computer, tablet, or phone, share the gallery with family, and download your favorites.

Depending on your package, you’ll either receive all the edited images or be able to select your favorites from the gallery. Everything’s clearly explained based on what you booked.

Print and Product Options

What Happens Next

Once you have your gallery, the images are yours to treasure. Back them up (seriously, read my guide on photo storage!), print your favorites, and enjoy having these memories preserved.

Tips for a Smooth Family Photographer Booking Process

After photographing countless families in Troy, I’ve learned a few things that make the booking process smoother and results even better. Here’s my insider advice.

Don’t Wait for the “Perfect” Time

There’s no perfect time. Really. You’ll always be able to find a reason to wait. Someone’s getting braces next month, you want to lose five pounds, your toddler is in a phase.

Here’s the truth: your family is perfect exactly as you are right now. Document this moment, even if it feels imperfect. Those are the photos you’ll treasure most.

Best Times of Day for Young Kids

Morning sessions (within 2 hours of waking up) often work beautifully for little ones. They’re rested, fed, and haven’t hit that afternoon meltdown zone yet.

Early evening can also be great if your kids get a second wind after dinner. Just avoid that witching hour when everyone’s tired and hungry.

Trust your knowledge of your kids’ rhythms when booking your time. You know them better than anyone.

How to Choose Your Location

Ask yourself: Where does your family feel most comfortable?

Kids anxious in new places? An in-home session might be perfect. Need space for little ones to run and explore? Outdoor locations work beautifully. Love that clean, controlled aesthetic? Studio rentals create that polished look.

There’s no wrong choice, just the choice that works for YOUR family.

Start Outfit Planning Early

Don’t wait until the week of your session to think about outfits. Give yourself time to shop if needed, do a trial run to make sure everything fits comfortably, and adjust if something isn’t working.

The style guide I send helps a ton, but starting early means less stress and better results.

Trust the Process

I know it feels like a lot of steps, but each one exists for a reason. The discovery call helps us connect. The style guide prepares you. The pre-session communication ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

By the time session day arrives, you’re ready. And that confidence shows in your photos.

Why Professional Photos Matter

Your phone takes decent pictures. But professional photography is different. It’s about the lighting, the editing, the way I capture genuine connection, and the quality that lasts for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let me answer the questions I hear most often from families considering booking a session.

Ready to Start the Booking Process?

Now you know exactly what my family photographer booking process looks like from start to finish. No surprises, no confusion, just a clear path from booking to receiving your beautiful gallery.

Here’s what you can count on: transparency in every step, flexibility around your family’s unique needs, and a process designed to be as stress-free as possible for busy parents. Whether you’re capturing a childhood milestone, your high school senior’s big year, or just your family as you are right now, I’m here to make it happen.

Ready to schedule your session? My calendar is open for 2026, which means you can book the date that actually works for your family’s schedule. Browse available times, choose your package, and let’s start planning your session together.