How to Prep for a Spring Family Photo Session in Michigan

Spring in Michigan is full of magic, the thaw, the bloom, the way the light lingers a little longer each evening. It’s also wildly unpredictable. One minute you’re stepping through sunshine, the next you’re dodging a surprise snowfall or gusty breeze. But that’s part of the charm, right?

When you book a spring session, it’s less about coordinating perfection and more about capturing your family as they are, right now. Because this season, just like your kids, won’t stay little for long.

Here are a few tips to help you prep with ease (and heart):

1. Embrace the Unpredictable
Michigan weather does what it wants. Layers are your best friend. Think: cozy cardigans, denim jackets, soft scarves that can double as a prop or comfort item. Light layers photograph beautifully and give us flexibility.

2. Don’t Overthink the Outfits
You don’t need to buy new clothes or match perfectly. Neutrals, earth tones, and soft patterns always look great in nature. But if your daughter insists on her sparkly tutu, let her wear it. If your son wants his favorite hoodie? That’s part of your story.

3. Let the Kids Be Themselves
Truly. I don’t expect them to sit still, smile on cue, or follow directions like tiny professionals. Let them run, explore, pout, giggle, chase bugs. Some of the most meaningful images come when they forget the camera is there.

4. Pack a Few Comforts
Snacks, water, and a favorite stuffy. These small things make a big difference in helping kids feel grounded. And if a meltdown happens? That’s okay. We pause, breathe, reset. No pressure.

5. Come As You Are
I know family photo sessions can bring on the stress. But when you show up relaxed (even if your hair is still damp from the shower), your energy sets the tone. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about love, connection, and preserving this chapter.

Because one day, you’ll look back and remember not just how you looked, but how it felt. The mud under your boots, your child’s wild curls, the way they reached for your hand.

That’s the real magic of spring sessions in Michigan. Let’s chase it together.

Talk soon,
Kate