Your Family Photography Studio Session Day from Start to Finish: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at LaLa Photography Portland

Behind the scenes look at LaLa Photography Portland studio session

So you've booked your family photography studio session with LaLa Photography Portland (yay!), but now you're wondering... what exactly happens next?

If you're feeling a mix of excitement and "oh my gosh, what did I get myself into," you're totally normal. We've guided hundreds of Portland families through their session day, and we're here to walk you through exactly what to expect from the moment you wake up to when you're back home scrolling through your sneak peeks.

The Morning Of: Setting the Tone

Start with Realistic Expectations (Not Perfection!)

Remember our motto: authentic over perfect! Your session day morning doesn't need to look like a magazine spread. Here's what a typical LaLa Photography family morning looks like:

• 6:30 AM: Coffee brewing (essential for parents!)

• 7:00 AM: Kids wake up in various states of bedhead artistry

• 7:30 AM: Breakfast happens (yes, even on photo day—hangry kids don't make great photo subjects!)

• 8:00 AM: Begin the gentle outfit coordination process (we said gentle!)

  
  

The Real Talk About Getting Ready

What you might imagine: Everyone gets dressed calmly, hair falls perfectly into place, makeup applies flawlessly.

What actually happens: Someone spills toothpaste on their shirt, the baby has a blowout, your teenager decides they hate everything in their closet, and you question all your life choices.

Our advice: Build in extra time, have backup outfits ready, and remember—we've literally seen it all and we're here to help!

Pre-Session: The Final Hour

1 Hour Before: The Final Countdown

This is when you might feel those butterflies really start fluttering. Here's your pre-session checklist:

• Snacks packed? ✓ (Hangry family members = not fun for anyone)

• Backup outfits ready? ✓ (Trust us on this one)

• Phones charged? ✓ (For those behind-the-scenes moments)

• Deep breath taken? ✓ (The most important item!)

What We're Doing Behind the Scenes

While you're getting ready, we're:

• Double-checking our equipment (cameras, lenses, batteries—oh my!)

• Reviewing your session notes and preferences

• Getting excited to meet your family!

  
  

Arrival: The First 15 Minutes

Meeting Your LaLa Photography Team

Minutes 1-5: The Hello

• We introduce ourselves (even if we've met before, kids might be shy!)

• Quick equipment setup while chatting casually

• We assess lighting, space, and the general family vibe

  
  

Minutes 6-10: The Warm-Up

• We start with easy, natural interactions

• No posing yet—just getting everyone comfortable with the camera

• Kids usually get curious about our equipment (we encourage this!)

  
  

Minutes 11-15: The Magic Begins

• First few shots are always "test" shots that end up being favorites

• We start capturing those natural family dynamics

• Everyone begins to relax (including the parents!)

  
  

The Session Flow: How We Work Our Magic

Phase 1: Getting Everyone Comfortable (10-15 minutes)

We don't jump straight into "smile and say cheese!" Instead:

• We start with family doing what comes naturally

• Playing a game, walking together, or just talking

• Kids get used to the camera clicking

• Parents start to forget they're being photographed

  
  

Phase 2: Guided Natural Moments (15 minutes)

This is where the LaLa Photography magic happens:

• We suggest gentle activities that encourage connection

• "Tell Dad about your favorite part of school today"

• "Show Mom your silly dance"

• "Everyone pile on the couch like you do for movie night"

  
  

What's your family's signature move? The thing you do that always makes everyone laugh? We LOVE capturing these moments!

Phase 3: A Few "Traditional" Shots (10-15 minutes)

Yes, we do get some of those classic family portraits:

• Everyone looking at the camera (miracle moments!)

• Different groupings (parents with kids, kids together, etc.)

• But even these feel natural and relaxed

  
  

Phase 4: Individual Personalities (10-15 minutes)

Each family member gets their moment to shine:

• Kids show off their latest tricks or interests

• Parents get some couples shots (while kids are distracted!)

• Individual portraits that capture each person's unique spirit

  
  

Managing the Unexpected (Because Life Happens!)

When Kids Have Meltdowns

What we do:

• Take a break for snacks or comfort

• Pivot to a different family member

• Sometimes the best photos happen during or right after tears

• We never force cooperation—authentic emotions are beautiful too

  
  

When Someone's Having an Off Day

How we adapt:

• We work with the energy we're given

• Sometimes quiet, contemplative photos are perfect

• We focus on the connections that are working

• Every family dynamic is different and beautiful

  
  

The Behind-the-Scenes Reality

What You're Thinking vs. What We're Seeing

You: "My toddler is being impossible today!"

Us: "Look at that adorable personality and determination!"

You: "I look tired and frazzled."

Us: "You look like a parent who loves deeply and shows up for your family."

You: "The kids won't listen to directions."

Us: "These authentic interactions are exactly what makes great photos!"

Wrapping Up: The Final 15 Minutes

The Wind-Down

• We take a few final shots while everyone's relaxed

• Kids often want to see the back of our camera (we love showing them!)

• We make sure we didn't miss any must-have combinations

• We thank everyone for letting us into their family bubble

  
  

The Immediate Aftermath

What happens next:

• We help you gather your belongings from our studio

• Kids often want to help us adjust our lighting equipment (so cute!)

• We give you a realistic timeline for photo delivery

• We share our genuine excitement about what we captured in the studio

• You leave our studio with good vibes and great memories

  
  

After We Leave: What Happens Next

That Evening

You might feel:

• Exhausted (photo sessions are more tiring than expected!)

• Curious about how the photos turned out

• Surprised by how much fun you actually had

• Grateful you finally did it

  
  

We're doing:

• Uploading and backing up all your images

• Getting excited to start the editing process

• Already spotting our favorite moments from your session

  
  

The Following Days

Your timeline:

• Within 1-2 weeks: Full gallery ready for viewing

• Viewing and Ordering process: We guide you through selecting your favorites

  
  

Real Talk: What Families Tell Us After

"I purchased a petite family shoot and a baby cake smash deluxe done, and my family had so much fun throughout the process! LaLa was extremely communicative and an ease to work with, and had lots of fun backdrops and props to choose from for the sets. This prices are very reasonable, too. I definitely will return in the future." - Helen C.

Your Session Day Survival Kit

What to bring:

• Snacks and water

• Backup outfits

• Any comfort items for kids

• Your sense of humor

• An open mind about "perfect"

  
  

What to leave behind:

• Expectations of perfection

• Stress about everyone behaving perfectly

• Worry about how you look

• The need to control every moment

  
  

Ready for Your Family Photography Studio Session Day Adventure in Portland?

Remember, we're not just taking photos—we're documenting your family's story, exactly as it is right now. The laughs, the chaos, the love, the perfectly imperfect moments that make your family uniquely yours.

Pro tip: The families who have the most fun are the ones who come ready to be themselves. Bring your real family energy, and we'll capture the magic that's already there.

Ready to experience your own session day from start to finish? Book your LaLa Photography Portland session and let's create some beautiful memories together!

📍 Our studio: 9742 SW Tigard Street, Portland, OR

P.S. - Still nervous? That's totally normal! Every family feels butterflies before their session. But we promise—by the end of your session day, you'll be wondering why you waited so long to do this. The hardest part is booking; everything else is just fun!

Your best family photos are one call away: (971) 801-0033