What to Expect During a Desert Family Photo Session in Arizona (With 4 Kids Under 10)

What to Expect When Taking Family Photos in the Desert
Photography by Jennifer Lind Schutsky

1. A Calm, Guided Experience
   Expect gentle direction and prompts designed to keep kids engaged without forced posing. It's really important to me that the kids feel heard and seen so I never force kids to smile or prompt them to fake laugh. Instead I try to have the family interact in a way that's positive where the kids feel joyful whether that's dancing with the parents or getting a little silly but never telling them that they have to smile for good photos.

2. Kid-Friendly Timing & Locations
   Sessions are planned around light, weather, and energy levels—especially important with younger children. Making sure that it's not too hot out especially with tiny humans is so important however I do like to visit the desert scenery and in those situation's it's really important that everyone knows the area and the animals and spiky plants that live here. That being said most kids that are taking photos outside are used to being outside here in Arizona and they already know the rules it's really cool to see them interact with that nature and have fun with their siblings.

3. Simple, Timeless Styling Guidance
   You’ll receive outfit tips that photograph beautifully against desert tones without overthinking it. If you're ever worried about what to wear I will tell you to make sure that you are dressed as yourself these images are for you and therefore your memories so picking out your kids favorite clothes picking out your favorite clothes and trying to find some sort of theme can be helpful but not required letting the kids choose our outfits really sets the precedent for them feeling like they're active participants in the photo shoot.

4. Movement Over Perfection
   Kids are encouraged to move, explore, and be themselves, It’s important for me to capture real moments matter more than stillness and posed images. So make sure to bring good shoes that you can move around in and allow the kids to bring props that they can play with.

5. Short Attention-Span Friendly Flow
   Efficient pacing keeps sessions fun and stress-free, even with multiple kids under 10. We never stay in the same spot for too long. My sessions with Littles are usually about 30 minutes sometimes they can be longer if the family knows that they need more time or have additional people.

6. Natural Light & Soft Desert Backdrops
   Expect warm, flattering light and uncluttered scenery that keeps the focus on your family. I pride myself on film like edits and with the warm glow of the sun you're gonna get a really flattering golden light with your session.

7. Breaks Are Built In
   Water, snacks, and quick reset moments are always welcome and accounted for. I always like to grab a behind the scenes shot of the kiddos snacking staying hydrated and there's no stress of staying exactly on the clock if we happen to go over a few minutes because kiddos were hungry or thirsty so be it.

8. Safety & Comfort First
   Shaded spots, safe terrain, and awareness of desert conditions are a priority. If you're visiting from out of town you might not know that we have scorpions and snakes but if you're local you'll know that these are nothing to worry about we just need to be mindful and listen for any rattles if we are rattles everyone needs to look around them and remove themselves from that location. I've never had a rattle snake on a shoot before but I also don't want to pretend like it can't happen being prepared is the best way to stay safe.

9. A Mix of Candid & Classic Images
   You’ll receive both polished portraits and in-between moments that feel genuine. Most of my favorite shots from a session or the behind-the-scenes moments when people don't realize that I'm still taking photos. They are the ones that don't necessarily get appreciated our printed right away but years later when you find the gallery on an old hard drive or CD you'll find those images a little bit more reminiscent of the life you are actually living. However I always want to include images that are frame worthy and a mix of candid and posed.

10. A Family-Centered Approach
    Every session is designed to meet your family where you are—no pressure, no rush. Well my sessions do you have a time frame the best part about working for myself is that I control my schedule and if we need a little extra time I can build that in and if the kids are done early that's also okay, I shoot quick and shoot efficient so we're gonna have lots to choose from!

Here's a peek at my recent half hour session with a family of six with four kids under the age of 10.