One Week! The countdown to your family photo session

One Week to Go! Your Family Photo Session Checklist 📸

It’s almost photo day—how exciting! Here’s your one-week-out checklist to help you feel calm, confident, and completely prepared for your family photo session.

✅ Outfits Are Set

Try them on again! Double-check for wrinkles, skirt lengths, or anything else that might need adjusting. Don’t forget to iron or steam where needed. If you’re unsure about anything, feel free to email or text sample photos to the studio—we’re happy to help!

📍 Location Locked In

Make sure your location is GPS’ed and you know how long it will take to get there. If you’re heading to the studio, here are detailed directions to the parking lot and studio lobby. Plan to arrive early!

Good news: the studio shares a building with an excellent coffee shop. And if your session is at a different photo spot, you should’ve received ideas for nearby things to do if you arrive early.

🧒 Prepare the Kiddos

Start chatting gently with your little ones about the session—it should feel like a fun family event. Skip practicing smiles or saying “cheese.” Instead, try singing songs, playing "I Spy" or "Patty Cake," and making silly noises. These playful moments help bring out genuine, joyful smiles.

🤳 Posing Prep

Curious about how we’ll handle posing? Click here to learn more about what to expect during the session.

☀️ Weather Plan

If your session is outdoors, we’ll keep a close eye on the forecast. Sessions will be rescheduled, moved to the studio, or canceled if:

  • Temps drop below 40°F or climb above 90°F

  • There's a 60%+ chance of rain, 24 hours prior

We’ll be in touch if any changes are needed!

📦 What to Bring

Pack a small bag with these essentials:

  • Personal items: makeup for touch-ups, hairbrush, lipstick, etc.

  • Water bottles for everyone

  • Kid-friendly snacks: think cut-up grapes, fruit snacks, or Cheerios (no chocolate or Goldfish, please!)

  • Shoes made for walking—you can always change into dress shoes later

  • Change of clothes for after the session

Bonus tip: I’ll have a lollipop for older kiddos after we wrap! Please don’t mention snacks or treats in advance—we’ll use them as a surprise smile-catcher.

🎉 Make a Day of It

Your session is part of a bigger memory—why not make the whole day special? Before or after your shoot, plan a little family time.

If you're at the studio, check out these local favorites:

  • Middlebrow – Brewery & restaurant just a mile away, with some of the city’s best pizza. Reservations recommended.

  • Park & Field – Spacious patio and very kid-friendly. Reservations recommended.

Fun things nearby:

  • The 606 – Bring the stroller or bikes! A park entrance is just a block from the studio.

  • Garfield Park Conservatory – Great year-round. Reservations are required but free and easy to make.

  • Logan Square Farmers Market

📞 Keep in Touch

Communication is key! Please let me know about any:

  • Illnesses

  • Bumps or bruises

  • Outfit concerns

  • Weather worries

  • Changes in the family lineup—anything!

You can reach me at:

  • 📧 jennifer@logansquarephoto.com for general questions

  • 📱 312-600-4810 (call/text) for anything urgent

Can’t wait to see you and capture some amazing memories! Let’s make it a beautiful, joyful experience—start to finish.