February 10, 2025
The Key to Amazing Family Photos: A Photographer’s Best Tips
- Education ·
- Families
Chattanooga Lifestyle Photographer
Why Choose A Lifestyle Photo Session?
Every family has a unique story and your photos should reflect the love and connection that makes yours special! A lifestyle session isn’t about stiff poses or forced smiles—it’s about creating genuine, natural moments that showcase your family just as you are. Your lifestyle photo session will be fun and interactive with a focus on storytelling that captures genuine, natural moments alongside timeless portraits.
As an experienced Chattanooga lifestyle photographer (and mom), I know how to keep things stress-free and fun—even with energetic kids or reluctant dads. With playful prompts and a patient approach, I’ll ensure everyone feels comfortable and engaged, so you walk away with stunning images you’ll be proud to display and share with loved ones for years to come. Lifestyle photography is about more than just pictures—it’s about celebrating the beauty of your everyday life.
Imagine a family photo session filled with laughter, playful prompts, and moments of togetherness that feel effortless!
Lifestyle Family Portfolio
A small collection of some of my favorite lifestyle family images.
Christian Michelle PHotography is featured in
Client Testimonials
Whitney Grant
“I love the romantic tones she used in our photos! I have been told by numerous people they are captivating and I couldn't have put it better myself! Thank you Christian for the time you put into these! Just magic!”
How does your lifestyle photo session work?
Before the Session
The Pre-Session Consultation
As your trusted Chattanooga lifestyle photographer, I believe preparation is key to a successful session. We’ll start with a quick phone call so you know exactly what to expect from planning through gallery delivery. Together, we’ll explore location options—whether it’s a spot that holds special meaning for your family or one of my carefully chosen Chattanooga favorites that perfectly matches your style. Once we’ve finalized the details, I’ll send over the contract and an invoice for the session fee to secure your date.
The Client Experience Prep Guide
I know life as a mom is busy enough, which is why I put together my exclusive Client Experience Prep Guide to make your photo session experience as stress-free as possible! It is packed with styling tips, ways to get your kids excited, and even a sample session-day checklist! I’ll also send you a Session Planning Questionnaire to help me get to know your family and tailor your session to your unique needs. With everything organized, you can focus on enjoying the experience rather than stressing about the details.
The Client Closet
All photo sessions include complimentary access to my curated Client Closet filled with options for girls and women of all sizes! Want to wear something special but don't want to buy a dress you might only wear once for photos or that your girls will outgrow too quickly? I've got you covered! If you choose to use any pieces from the Client Closet, we will schedule a time for you to come over before your session and try on pieces to find the perfect fit for your session.
At the Session and Beyond
Your Lifestyle Photography Session
On session day, it’s all about having fun! We’ll explore your chosen location, play games, and capture genuine moments that reflect your family’s love and connection. My goal is to make everyone feel comfortable—even the most camera-shy kids or reluctant dads. Expect lots of natural smiles and plenty of laughter!
After the Session
In 2–3 weeks, you’ll receive a link to an online gallery of fully edited images showcasing the best moments from our session. From there, you’ll choose your favorites and select the image collection that works for you. This way you see exactly what you're getting and you only pay for the images you love! Each collection also includes print store credit, so you can order prints, wall art, or albums directly from a professional lab and have them delivered right to your door.
What does it cost?
The session fee for family sessions is $250 and image collections start at $750. Your image collection is selected only after you see your fully edited photos in an online gallery 2-3 weeks after your session. My clients plan to spend a minimum of $1000+ on their photo session after the final images are selected. Most spend $1250+
Looking for an extended lifestyle family session that includes additional family members?
Personal styling for the whole family!
"What do we wear for photos?" - This is probably my most asked question and the good news is that I can help! I include a What to Wear Guide as part of my Client Experience Prep Guide but I can also help fully style your entire family as part of complimentary access to my Client Closet.
My client closet includes dresses, tops and skirts for women and girls from newborn to ninety with inclusive sizing for all shapes and sizes, including plus and maternity! I don't have any pieces for men at this time but will help you style the guys in your life from existing options in your own closet or even provide links to purchase the perfect pieces that will bring together your family's outfits in perfect harmony.
Check out these blog posts about lifestyle photography!
Lifestyle Family Photo Session FAQ
What does a family photo session cost?
Each session includes multiple poses and groupings as well as individuals of each family member and even some of just Mom and Dad together. Family sessions start with a $250 session fee and you choose which images to purchase only after they've been fully edited. Digital image collections start at $750. My average client plans to invest between $1000-$1550 total for their session and images.
What do I wear?
I go over styling tips in general as well as specific tips for each season in my Client Experience Guide that I send to each client after they book. You’re also welcome to text me photos of your family’s outfits and I’m more than happy to offer my opinion or make suggestions. I also offer a client closet and full family styling complimentary.
What if it rains?
I keep an eye on the forecast leading up to your session and will let you know if we need to reschedule. Rescheduling due to weather is no problem and if it happens we will look at the calendar together and decide on a new date for your session!
Can we bring our dog?
In general, the answer is yes! I love meeting your furry family members and they deserve to be in photos too! However, some locations are better than others when it comes to including pets. Let me know if you would like to include your pet and we will make sure to choose a location that is best!
What if my kids won't cooperate?
It certainly wouldn't be the first time I've worked with kids who weren't interested in having their photos taken on a particular day. But don't worry, I've got some tricks up my sleeve when it comes to working with children and am very patient and understanding. If you've got specific concerns unique to your children, let's talk! I'm sure we can work something out.
What are some good locations?
I have a long list and I’m always looking for more locations that are beautiful, just like my clients! During our consultation and planning call, I will ask you questions about your style and can make suggestions for locations that will be the best fit to highlight your family!
How many images will I get?
It kinda just depends on how photogenic you are and how long we shoot. Most galleries are 50+ images and you'll get to choose which of your favorites you want to keep after they've been fully hand-edited by me.
When is the best time to get family photos?
Anytime! Each season is beautiful in its own way but Spring and Fall are particularly busy seasons so it's best to go ahead and book early if you'd like photos at a specific time of year.
How many people can be included in my family session?
Each family session is designed for immediate family only. This means Mom, Dad, and children, plus pets if you want to include them. If you want photos with additional family members, like grandparents, I offer an Extended Family Session that is designed for a larger group.
Do you do large groups of multiple families?
Yes! I come from a large family myself and love seeing other families get together. I've photographed many multi-family groups and can build a session to meet your specific needs. I included a link to my extended family session info page above or you can message me to discuss your extended family session.
I still have questions.
No worries! Message me your question and I’ll get right back to you.
Ready to start planning your lifestyle family session?
Whether you're ready to book or want to gather more information, let's schedule a free consultation call to discuss your perfect lifestyle family photo session! Message me now to get started!
