Family Photos in Fifteen


Okay. Maybe 20 tops. But the point still stands: family photos don’t necessarily have to take two hours. 


Sometimes with littles or large families - you need the flexibility of a more traditional 1-2 hour session. Especially with a newborn, extended family members, etc. The extra time comes as welcome and often needed cushion. 


However, sometimes you just want to get in and out and get it over with. As much as I want you to love your experience taking photos, sometimes the best gift I can give parents is working quickly and efficiently. 

Two children sitting together on a white blanket outdoors while sharing a candid moment in black and white.
An expectant mother in a blush pink maxi dress stands in a sunlit forest setting, gently holding her pregnant belly.

The Beasleys are a great example of a quick and easy family mini session that still offered them a gorgeous final album that highlighted all the beautiful details of their growing family. 

Black and white family portrait of parents and two young children sitting together outdoors on a bench.
A family enjoying a warm sunset moment together outdoors in neutral and creamy tones.
Black and white portrait of a smiling young child wearing a delicate lace dress with ruffled cap sleeves.
A child wearing a white t-shirt and blue shorts walks barefoot through lush green vegetation on a summer day.
A family walking together and holding hands in a lush green forest setting during a summer afternoon in South Austin.
Black and white photograph showing two young children sitting close together outdoors and sharing a playful moment.

Here’s a few quick tips for faster family photos:


  1. Wear neutral clothing and stay away from overly busy or bold patterns - the Beasleys made great choices with their wardrobe which made it a breeze to pose them, prompt them, and move them around in different lighting and locations. When booking with MPP, I offer a wardrobe guide AND an optional service where you can send what outfits you’re planning, photos of your home for in-home sessions, outdoor locations etc., and I will then create a custom mood board for your family to assist in a more cohesive final album that perfectly reflects what matters most to you. 
  2. Don’t be afraid of movement. If the kids don’t sit still or look directly at the camera! No sweat! There’s beauty in the candid and I’m looking for all the moments and details in between. 
  3. Come ready to have fun!! If mom or dad is dragging their feet about photos - kiddos are likely to pick up on that too. I’m always happy to take recommendations from you beforehand on what interests your kids the most - whether it’s a certain superhero or tv show. Preparation is key for photos you’ll cherish for years to come.  


Two young children sitting together outdoors on a white blanket in a grassy field during summer in South Austin.
A black and white photo shows two children following their mother while running through a grassy field together in a carefree manner.
A tender outdoor moment between a father and his daughter in a floral dress.
Photo of an expecting couple embracing outdoors, with the mother wearing a flowing white dress excited to welcome their little one.
A fabric-draped tree in a lush green setting with flowers frames a local Austin family during golden hour.
McKenna Putnam delicate calligraphy signature