Family portraits, Chelsea, NY by Mae Photography LLC

Family photo sessions are meant to be fun — not stressful. Whether you’re updating your holiday cards, celebrating a milestone, or just capturing the beautiful chaos of family life, a little planning goes a long way toward making your session smooth, relaxed, and full of genuine moments.

Here’s your complete guide to making your next family photo session in South Florida totally stress-free.

1. Choose the Best Time of Day (Lighting Is Everything)

South Florida has beautiful light but also harsh sun, humidity, and afternoon showers.
To get the best results:

Golden Hour is ideal — 1 hour after sunrise or before sunset
If you must shoot midday, choose shaded parks, beaches with tall palms, or indoor spaces with natural light
Avoid noon unless absolutely necessary (the sun is too strong and creates shadows)

As your photographer, I help you select the best time and location based on the look you want.

2. Coordinate Outfits Without Matching Too Much

You don’t need identical outfits — just colors that work well together.

Here are easy family outfit rules that always look good:

Pick 2–3 colors and blend them (beige, denim, white, soft greens, burgundy, etc.)
Avoid loud logos or neon colors
Choose breathable fabrics—South Florida gets warm even in winter
Keep kids comfortable first — if they’re comfy, they’re happy in photos

When you book with me, I can send outfit inspiration to make things simple.

3. Bring the Essentials (Especially With Kids)

A few small items can make a huge difference:

Water bottles
Hairbrush + wipes
Backup shirt for little ones
Small snacks (non-messy ones)
Bug spray for parks
A favorite toy to get natural laughs
Extra patience — kids being kids makes the best photos

Trust me, I’ve done hundreds of family sessions. The more relaxed you are, the better the photos.

Kids do the darndest things! Fort Lauderdale , FL shot by Mae Photography LLC

4. Let the Kids Be Themselves

The best family photos are rarely the perfectly posed ones.
Your real moments — running, laughing, hugging, playing — tell the true story.

I always guide families into natural movements instead of stiff poses.
We’ll capture:

candid laughs
sibling moments
fun reactions
parents interacting with their kids
beautiful portraits when everyone’s relaxed

This creates photos that feel real and warm, not forced.

5. Choose the Right Location

South Florida has no shortage of beautiful backdrops. Great options include:

Parks & Nature

Tree Tops Park
Morikami Gardens
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Long Key Nature Center

Beaches & Coastal Spots

Hollywood Beach
Key Biscayne
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Delray Beach dunes

Urban + Modern

Wynwood Walls area
Downtown Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk
Boca Raton Mizner Park

Every location gives a unique vibe, and I can recommend the best one based on your style.

6. Keep It Fun — Not Perfect

Kids cry.
Parents sweat.
Someone always blinks.
And that’s normal.

A photo session isn’t about perfection — it’s about capturing your family as they are right now.

I guide poses, help with angles, fix flyaways, and make sure you look your best…
but I also let moments unfold naturally so you can enjoy the experience.

7. Relax — I Handle the Rest

After the session, you’ll receive:

all the best photos
fully edited
delivered in a private online gallery
with unlimited downloads

If there are 30, 50, or even 100 great photos — you get them all at no extra charge.

Ready for Your Next Family Session?

Sunny Isles Beach,North Miami Beach ,FL shot by Mae Photography LLC

If you want beautiful, natural photos without the stress, I’ve got you covered.
South Florida is full of amazing spots, and I’d love to help bring your vision to life.

👉 Book your session:
www.maepictures.com/contactus

📧 info@maepics.com
📞 954-397-0670
MAE Photography — Miami • Broward • Palm Beach

The Ultimate Guide to a Stress-Free Family Photo Session in South Florida