Planning family photos often comes with questions, especially when you’re balancing work, kids, and everything else that fills your days. Our approach is designed to remove as much friction as possible so the process feels clear and manageable from the start.
This post walks through the questions we hear most often, with straightforward answers to help you plan confidently and without unnecessary stress.
How far in advance should I book?
In general, earlier is better—especially for newborn sessions and seasonal offerings. We release our seasonal half sessions quarterly, and those dates tend to fill quickly. The easiest way to stay informed is by joining our Mama Mail email list, where we share session launches and planning resources:
👉 https://knoxfamilyphoto.com/mama-mail
For newborn photos, we recommend booking during your second trimester to ensure availability. That said, there’s no single “right” time for photos. If you’re ready now, that’s reason enough to book.
How can I prepare my kids for the session?
Parents often worry about behavior, but it’s not something you need to manage alone. We’re all mamas ourselves, and we’ve seen every version of toddler energy, shyness, and enthusiasm.
Our sessions are intentionally easy-going. We build in movement and play from the start, which helps children feel comfortable and engaged without pressure. Rather than expecting kids to sit still or follow directions, we meet them where they are and let the session unfold at a natural pace.
We adjust our approach based on each child’s age and energy level, creating space for curiosity, breaks, and connection. With a lot of experience working with families, we’re comfortable navigating a wide range of personalities and stages—so the focus can stay on your family being together, not on managing behavior.
What should we wear?
We recommend keeping outfits coordinated, not matching. Soft, neutral tones photograph beautifully and let the focus stay on your family rather than clothing. Comfort matters too—especially for little ones who need to move, play, and explore during the session.
To make planning easier, we offer a client wardrobe for moms and children, which many families love using. We also share seasonal outfit guides each spring and fall, full of tips and inspiration, exclusively through our Mama Mail list. You can join here to receive them:
👉 https://knoxfamilyphoto.com/mama-mail
What types of sessions do you offer?
We offer both full and shorter sessions to fit different seasons and needs:
- Full family or milestone sessions: 1 hour, 100 images
- Newborn sessions: 1.5 hours, 100 images
- Extended family sessions: 1.5 hours, 100 images
- Seasonal half sessions: 30 minutes, 50 images
Each session is structured to allow flexibility without feeling rushed.
Can extended family join our session?
Yes—grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins are always welcome. If your group includes more than 12 people, we ask that you book an extended family session to ensure there’s enough time to photograph everyone comfortably.
What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
We handle that for you. If the forecast looks uncertain, your photographer will reach out 24 hours in advance. If conditions are still not workable—such as heavy rain or strong winds—you’ll receive a link to easily reschedule your session for a new date and time.
How do I book?
All sessions are booked directly through our website using an instant booking system. Availability is always shown in real time, so you can see exactly which dates and times are open without needing to email for options.
Once you select your session type, you’ll be guided through choosing a date and time that works for your schedule. Booking takes just a few minutes, and your session is confirmed immediately. This approach keeps planning simple and eliminates unnecessary back-and-forth, so you can move forward knowing everything is scheduled and settled.
Can we bring our dog(s)?
It depends on your location. For outdoor sessions or in-home sessions, we LOVE include your furry family members. If your session is at the KFP studio, you won’t be able to include any pets as we do not allow animals in the studio.
Hey, thanks for scrolling to the end! I’m a Knoxville photographer offering family, maternity and newborn photography in a natural light studio or on location in Knoxville, TN and the surrounding area. Want to read more about what it looks like to experience a KFP session? Click here for more details or contact me to book your family or newborn photo session!
