Whew. If you’re planning a JCPenney photoshoot with your family—especially with littles—let me be your cautionary tale. We did it. We survived. We got cute pics. But wow… the behind-the-scenes was a full production. Here’s what I wish someone told me before.
1. Pick One Fire Look—Then See How You Feel
We planned for two looks because why not go big? And yes, we did attempt a second look. It went… okay. The photos aren’t bad, but by that point my internal battery was flashing low red, my toddler was enjoying herself way too much, and I was just trying to survive. Honestly, I was over it. Unless I’m doing a solo shoot where I only have to worry about me? I’m sticking to one look max for family sessions.
2. Wear All Your Accessories From the House
Let me tell you what I meant to do: bring my statement jewelry and a cute pair of heels in a separate bag. What I actually did: forgot the whole bag and wore my Tanne sandals to our glam shoot. 😩
BUT—what saved me was that my hair, outfit, and makeup were drop-dead stunning. So unless you really know me, you probably wouldn’t have guessed anything was missing. Still, to save yourself the stress, just wear all your accessories and full makeup from home so there are no surprises or forgotten sparkle.
3. Traffic Will Betray You
Sunday morning. No traffic, right? WRONG. Summer road construction had the main highway crawling, and we were this close to getting stuck. Thankfully, my husband rerouted us at the last minute. Moral of the story: leave a 1.5-hour buffer, even when the roads should be clear.
4. Bring Snacks and Stickers for the Toddler
While you’re waiting for photos to be processed or just trying to keep the peace, snacks and stickers are lifesavers. Anything that buys you five minutes of toddler silence is a win.
5. Prep Like You’re Going to War (Because You Are)
- Call the studio in advance and ask all your questions. Yes, even the ones you think are silly.
- Check for coupons ahead of time—don’t wait until the day-of.
- Pack the outfits first thing when you wake up. Trust me.
- Bring an extra bottle for the baby. Even if you think you won’t need it.
- Wake up earlier than you think you need to. Nobody sleeps in. Your husband will try. Mine stayed up late and then needed “just a little extra rest,” which completely ruined my timeline. Meanwhile, my toddler turned into a stage 1 clinger and the baby woke up early too. I was overstimulated, undercaffeinated, and ready to cry.
6. Communicate with Your Photographer
They can’t read your mind—tell them what kinds of shots you want. Be open, be playful, and keep the vibe fun. The photographer sets the tone, but so do you.
7. Yes, Bring the Double Stroller
You might think “We won’t need it, we’ll be inside!” Bring it anyway. Your arms, your hips, and your sanity will thank you.
8. Pinterest Board = Backup Plan
I had a full Pinterest board of poses and ideas. Didn’t end up needing it because our photographer was amazing and totally got my vibe—but I still don’t regret prepping. It gave me peace of mind.
9. Schedule the Shoot in the Morning—Always
Our baby was chill for most of the shoot and the toddler absolutely rocked it. I was genuinely surprised. But as soon as we edged near naptime? Baby said “nope.” So, early morning sessions only. Forget afternoon slots unless you enjoy chaos and sweaty group photos.
10. Final Thought: It’s a Whole Production
I am not looking forward to our next family shoot. There, I said it. They are exhausting, even when the results are beautiful. But if you go in overprepared, flexible, and fueled by snacks and low expectations, you just might survive. And hey—your toddler might surprise you.
11. Choose the Right Backdrop (Don’t Get Fancy)
This is not the day to experiment with bold backdrops or overly “creative” color choices. When in doubt, go with light gray or dark gray. They’re timeless, flattering, and they let your outfits shine without competing for attention. Keep it simple—your tired brain will thank you.
