An editorial family portrait session is more than a photoshoot—it is a curated visual experience designed to capture your family with intention, style, and artistic depth.
Unlike traditional family photography, editorial portraits emphasize storytelling, refined aesthetics, and a fashion-forward approach.
Preparation plays a critical role in achieving imagery that feels true, cohesive, and timeless.
This guide outlines how to prepare for an editorial family portrait session so your final images feel effortlessly polished and deeply personal.
Understanding
My Editorial Approach
Editorial style family portraits draw inspiration from fashion photography, artful storytelling, and intentional styling.
The focus is not perfection or forced smiles, but rather the your vibes, gently guided movement, and your authentic connection as a family.
The main difference between portrait photography and editorial style family photography I believe lies in he stylistic vision & planning that we put into the session before you step on the background.
What to Expect from your Session —
+ Intentional and guided positions that feel natural and fluid
+ A strong emphasis on styling and color harmony
+ Emotion-driven moments rather than traditional “say cheese” smiles
+ Images once finished that you want to transform into live artwork in your home
Approaching your session with this mindset allows you to relax into the process and trust the creative direction.
To begin — Let's get to know you
It's all in the planning & the vision
Crafting your perfect session begins with first understanding your needs, inspiration & vision for your perfect family photographs. In order to create images that feel truly genuine to you & your family, I will have you complete your Family Questionnaire which will help me understand your family dynamic, needs and what makes you all so unique and beautiful.
Here's how i begin all my sessions —
+ I start by having you complete a quick questionnaire to understand your family.
+ Then I create for you a custom vision board (often called a moodboard or inspiration board) by combining photographs on Pinterest that I've seen of other families that showcase the emotion, wardrobe styling, lighting & background environment that best suit your family.
+ Then I offer an optional planning meetings to really cater to your questions about the process, help you understand how everything will work on session day & what it looks like after we've photographed the session.
+ I also like to include in my moodboards visual examples of my studio setting, the lighting & environment that you will be in as well as showing examples of editing process so you know exactly what to expect.
Let's talk about Wardrobe
Styling Guidelines —
The goal is cohesion, not uniformity
+ Choose a soft, intentional color palette. Think: neutrals, earth tones, muted pastels, or rich monochromes
+ Avoid bold logos, busy patterns, and neon colors, these will all distract from the real story of your family
+ Layer textures such as linen, wool, cashmere, silk, cotton, denim or knits in neutral tones varying from light to dark
+ Mix tones within the same color family for visual depth and cohesion that will maintain a fashion forward look
Fit & Silhouette Matter —
Well-tailored or intentionally oversized pieces photograph far better than ill-fitting clothing. Movement, drape, and structure all contribute to an editorial feel.
If your closet is feeling overwhelming, I would be more than happy to offer wardrobe guidance with a virtual styling zoom call so we can walk through your options!
Choosing your Theme
Styling your Family Session is crucial to create the kind of images that stand out. How you dress and the attitude with which you approach your session will take you form traditional family photos to editorial ones.
I love to stick to these main styling themes:
1) Monochromes - Black, Whites & Greys
2) Neutral Earth Tones - Off whites, beige, light brown & dark browns
3) Oversized - Large knits, baggy linen blouses, oversized jackets or denim jeans
The Makeup & Hair
The idea is to keep it Polished but Natural
Editorial style portraits benefit from refined, camera-ready makeup & grooming that still looks and feels authentically you but with more intention.
Things to look out for when deciding on your session day look —
+ Hair should look intentional yet natural — avoid overly stiff styles and stick to beach waves, or clean straight locks. Whatever feels most you, but a little dressed up.
+ Makeup should enhance your features, even out your skin tone, and add subtle definition without making you look like someone else.
+ Don't overlook your nails! They should be clean and neutral, if going for color make sure it matches your theme/session style
+ Facial hair should be freshly groomed or intentionally grown without looking like you woke up and arrived on set.
+ When in doubt, think elevated rather than dramatic or overly done.
In front of the camera
try these helpful tips —
Let your kiddos know in advance the kind of experience you will be having!
Try to explain the session in simple and positive terms before the session.
Avoid bribery or pressure, this should be a fun and easy-going experience.
Bring comfort items if needed, sometimes the most fun photos are those with their blankets, toys and favorite items.
Trust me to guide you and your kids organically with prompts and suggestions that will create those candid moments.
At the end of the day, what matters most is that we allow them to be themselves without alteration! This will help create imagery that feels genuine and emotionally rich without feeling forced and your kids will love the images because they will see themselves in each photo.
Expectations from the start
clarity & transparency builds trust & connection
Your kids do not need to perform for an editorial session. In fact, the most compelling images often come from quiet moments, curiosity, and natural interaction that are not posed but gently guided.
Trust the Creative Direction
i will guide you every step of the way
Editorial photography relies heavily on artistic vision. Lighting, posing, movement, and composition are intentionally designed to tell your family’s story so trust me to guide you to your best photos.
Trusting the Process looks like —
+ Being open to unconventional movements, poses and unplanned moments
+ Allowing space for stillness, connection, and movement without judgement, force or shame
+ Letting go of perfection in favor of authenticity because the final results will be shockingly perfect
Plan your session
with printed keepsake Heirlooms in Mind
Editorial family portraits are created to be displayed in your home—not forgotten on a hard drive. Why invest in a session only to post 1 photo on Facebook and hide the rest on a hardrive?
Before your session, ask yourself:
1) Where will the images live in our home? What kind of space do we have that will accommodate wall art or framed print bundles? What print style fits us best?
2) How do I envision my family portraits displayed. Do I want them as framed prints, a keepsake editorial magazines, or perhaps a custom Family Name poster?
3) What is the overall aesthetic of your home and the session I am planning? Does the editorial style match our personalities and will these images fit in our family home?
Designing your session with the final output in mind ensures your heirloom keepsakes feel intentional and integrated into your home and tell your family story each time you look up from the couch.
Plan, Rest, Arrive Calm & Be Present
A well-rested family sets the tone for your entire session
A couple tips in order to stay grounded during your session:
+ Plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress & anxiety
+ Eat about 1/2 hours beforehand and stay hydrated!
+ Bring lots of snacks and fun things for your kiddos to get as a treat for doing so well at the shoot!
+ Communicate with me on your session date about all of your needs so I can take away the unnecessary worry
+ Arrive a few minutes early, stay open-minded and grounded during your session
Your energy directly influences the mood of the imagery so make sure you resonate a calm and grounded energy that will make the process a breeze!
Final Thoughts
Preparing for an editorial family portrait session is about alignment—style, mindset, and intention working together. When thoughtfully planned, the result is a collection of images that feel authentic, emotional, and timeless.
An editorial approach allows your family to be seen not just as you are today, but as artfully documented storytellers of your own legacy.
If you are considering an editorial family portrait session and would like guidance on styling, creative direction, or custom artwork, inquire to begin planning your experience today!
Editorial Family Experience
If you are seeking a family photographer that blends fashion, emotion, and refined storytelling, White Moth Studio offers a fully guided editorial experience tailored to your vision.
