Everything You’ve Ever Wondered, Answered
"We need family photos … does anyone know a good photographer?!”
If you’ve ever asked this, you’re not alone!
At Preserved Photography, I know booking a family photo session can feel a little overwhelming. What do we wear? How do we get the kids to cooperate? What if we’ve never had professional photos taken before? Choosing the right family photographer is a big deal—you want someone who can capture your family’s personalities, make the process fun (instead of stressful), and create photos you’ll actually want to print and frame.
The good news is finding the perfect family photographer doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Whether you're booking your first session or looking for a new photographer, I’m breaking down everything you need to know—so you can feel confident in your choice and get the beautiful family photos you deserve.
This FAQ is here to guide you through it all so you can feel confident, prepared, and most importantly—excited. Let’s make some magic together. ✨
Q: What should I look for when hiring a family photographer? There are so many to choose from!
Not all photographers are the same, and family sessions require a special skill set!
When searching for a photographer, consider these key factors:
- Style: Do you prefer bright & airy, warm & earthy, or true-to-life colors? Look through portfolios to find a style you love.
- Experience with Kids: If you have little ones, choose a photographer who knows how to make sessions fun and natural (not stiff and awkward).
- Location Options: Do they shoot outdoors, in-home, or in a studio? Pick what works best for your family’s vibe.
- Personality: If your photographer can make you feel comfortable, it will show in your photos. Find someone who feels like a good fit!
Since I am a momma myself, working with kiddos comes naturally to me. I am comfortable around questions, curiosities, and independence. I like to get down on their level and introduce myself, talk to the littles about what we are going to do, show my camera and the sounds it makes, and focus on the shots that give them time to warm up to me being in their space.
I like to work around what the kids are giving us- if they need a play break? Perfect pivot into some shots of mom and dad. Their legs turned into jell-o? Great reason to do some photos holding, tickling, and spinning around. My approach is to keep this fun so that sessions for years to come are enjoyable to look forward to instead of scary to think about.
Q: Why Should We Book Family Photos?
Because time is a thief.
Your babies grow, seasons change, and the little moments that feel so big right now will eventually blur. A family photography session preserves the laughter, the chaos, the love… the realness of your life right now.
Photos are legacy. They are proof you were here—loving deeply and living fully.
Q: What can I expect during a family photography session?
A great family session should feel fun, relaxed, and natural—not like a formal school portrait.
Here’s how it typically flows:
- Before the Session – We’ll plan the perfect Grand Junction location, time, and outfit ideas so you feel totally prepared.
- During the Shoot – Expect movement, laughter, and some prompts to get genuine smiles! Don’t worry about making kids “pose”—I’ll guide them in a natural way.
- After the Session – I’ll edit your images and deliver them within 2-3 weeks. You’ll receive a gallery where you can download, print, and share your favorites!
One of my memorable family sessions (of oh so many) comes to mind when I think about this question. We had booked the session a couple weeks in advance and ironed out details back and forth. I helped the mom pick out outfits that she sent me ideas for over text message (always an option BTW!!).
KEY!!!!! Mom had talked to the littles about the plan of the day given them prep time to process that 'After nap, we are taking pictures! This will be so fun!' This gave plenty of opportunity for questions to be asked and helping hands to pick out outfits.
We met at a beautiful spot off of Monument Road- the toddies were well-rested from nap time, well-fed from snack time, and reminded about the plan. I met their favorite stuffies and asked if they wanted to look at my camera. While they were setting up their blanket of toys, just so, for play breaks, I took pictures of Mom and Dad, laughing and catching the rogue toddler who got close enough in the shot.
Because mom and dad were having fun, the kids wanted to as well. So, including them in the session was seamless and the 4 year old had some great posing ideas for her little brother to do. Overall, this is the family photographer experience I always dreamed of having with my kids-- An understanding, go with the flow, realistic session, full of memories, and beautiful pictures.
Q: How Far in Advance Should We Book? 📅
Mini sessions often fill up within days—sometimes hours. For full portrait sessions, I recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance to ensure you get a date that works best for your family and the season you love (fall foliage and wildflowers go fast!).
If you’re hoping for a golden-hour glow or have a specific location in mind (like Connected Lakes State Park or a session with the Colorado Monument), booking early gives us room to plan for that dreamy light and scenery.
Q: What Should We Wear? 👕
I provide a full style guide with color palettes, outfit tips, and guidance for coordinating looks across the whole family (no matching white polos required!).
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Neutrals + earth tones photograph beautifully.
- Avoid large logos or neon colors.
- Layers, textures, and subtle prints add dimension.
- Choose comfort—kids who can move freely = happier photos.
- And yes—barefoot in the grass is always welcome.
Q: How Long Will Our Session Last? ⏱️
My full sessions are typically 60 minutes—whenever we get your vision done, just long enough to capture a full gallery of posed and candid moments without anyone melting down (grown-ups included).
Mini sessions are a short & sweet 15 minutes—perfect for annual photos, holiday cards, or busy schedules.
Q: Where Should We Shoot? 📍
We’re lucky to live in such a stunning area, and Grand Junction offers a wide variety of options:
Connected Lakes State Park – golden reeds, glowing light, and plenty of space for kids to run.
Downtown GJ – perfect for a modern, urban feel with texture, murals, and charm.
Colorado National Monument views – for bold landscapes and unforgettable backdrops.
Granite Falls Trailhead – gentle terrain, mountain beauty, and a peaceful, tucked-away setting.
Aesthetic Collective Studio – minimal, neutral, and stunning for indoor portraits.
I also like to go with non-traditional options and pop into an impromptu sunflower field, a pumpkin patch, or even your own kitchen to capture some of the most beautiful shots.
I'll help you choose based on your family's style, accessibility needs, and the vibe you're dreaming of.
Q: What If My Kids Don’t Cooperate? 😅
That’s okay. Really. I’ve worked with dozens of families and I promise—your kids don’t need to be perfect for your photos to be beautiful. As a momma myself... (of toddlers mmkay)... the meltdowns, name-calling, and behaviors do not phase me. They are normal parts of this wild life and although I totally get how frustrating and embarrassing this can be, just know, your kids are welcome to be themselves when we session together.
I like to give gentle guidance, play games, and follow their lead so we can capture authentic connection and personality. Tantrums, giggles, shy snuggles… all welcome here.
Q: How Many Images Do We Receive? And When?? 📷
Full sessions include 30+ fully edited, high-resolution images delivered in a beautiful, shareable online gallery.
Mini sessions include 5 digital images, with the option to purchase more from your gallery.
All galleries are delivered within 2–3 weeks, with sneak peeks often shared within a few days (because I know you can’t wait).
Q: How Do We Book? 💌
When sessions are open, you’ll find the booking links live on my Pixieset booking page and linked on Instagram. I release availability first to my VIP email list (sign up here)—so you get first dibs before I announce on social.
You’ll pick your time slot, pay the deposit, and I’ll take it from there—guides, reminders, and prep support all included.
💬 Still Have Questions?
I’d love to answer them. Whether it’s your first photo session or your tenth, I’m here to make the process easy, fun, and meaningful.
Shoot me an email or message me on Instagram and let’s create something beautiful together.
Ready to preserve your season?
Join the VIP list to be the first to know when new session dates open!
📍Serving families across Grand Junction, Fruita, Redlands, Palisade, and the surrounding Western Slope.
With love and light,
Mackenzie
