If you’re planning a family session with me—first of all, yay! I’m so glad you’re here. I photograph families all across the Houston area in a lifestyle-forward way that feels relaxed and real. I have a come as you are approach & will guide you through occasional poses, but the end goal is to capture these moments exactly as you’ll remember them. As you can imagine, I get a few questions from time-to-time from my clients when they’re preparing for their Houston family photos. I thought, why not put them all in one easy to find place? And so, without further ado, below are answers to some of the most common questions I get.
How do we choose a location for our Houston family photos?
Location planning happens after your session is officially booked, your contract is signed, and your deposit is paid. Once we’ve checked those boxes, we get to move into the fun part—your vision.
You’ll fill out a short questionnaire that helps me get to know your family’s personality, what you’re drawn to visually, and how you want your session to feel. From there, we’ll browse my interactive Houston location guide—a tool created exclusively for my clients. It includes everything from wide-open fields to cozy urban corners, from Cypress and Tomball to The Woodlands, and beyond.
You can sort by distance or by style (natural, urban, woodsy, modern, etc.), making it incredibly easy to find a spot you love. And if an in-home session is more your speed? That’s always an option too.
My Favorite Places to Take Photos in Houston
How to Choose the Perfect Location for Your Houston Family Photo Session
What should we wear for family photos?
Ah yes…the question everyone wants answered. The good news? You don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe. Start with pieces you already love, add a little texture, keep the palette cohesive, and most importantly—make sure everyone feels comfortable.
I have multiple blog posts filled with visual examples, tips, and outfit inspo for pretty much any season or type of session. You can explore some of those here:
Wardrobe Tips for Fall Family Pictures Houston
How to Prep for Cypress TX Sunflower Sessions
What Should I Wear to Bluebonnet Family Sessions?
How to Plan Your Family Photos Wardrobe
What if it rains?
Living in Houston means keeping one eye on the weather at all times. Because of that, I always build backup dates into the calendar. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
If rain pops up, here’s what we can do:
- Move the session into your home (no extra cost)
- Switch to a studio location (studio fee applies)
- Reschedule for one of your built-in makeup days
We’ll stay in touch as we get closer to your session and make the call that feels best.
What time of day will our Houston family photos be?
Most sessions start right before golden hour. That soft, glowy light you see all over my portfolio is usually a little before sunset. You’ll get your start time when you book, so you can plan your day without guessing.
Family sessions don’t have a strict time limit. I work quickly (I’ve photographed my fair share of toddlers), but never rushed. Most sessions run about 45 minutes to an hour, sometimes longer if we fall into conversation afterward. I love connecting with my families, and I never want you to feel like you’re being pushed through a time slot. These photos should be as relaxed and enjoyable as possible!
Do you offer Houston TX extended family sessions?
Absolutely! Grandparents, aunts, uncles, & cousins are all welcome to join. Please be aware, however, that extended family groups fall under a different session type. Just reach out and I’ll walk you through package options for larger groups.
There are great examples of extended family photos in this blog!
How many images will we receive?
Image count depends on the package you choose when booking. I offer both selected image packages and full-gallery options. If you’d like clarity on what each includes, just ask when you inquire.
You can learn more about my Houston family photo packages (and Cypress, Tomball, etc!) here.
Can we bring pets?
Yes! As long as the location allows pets, I’m thrilled to include them. You’ll see plenty of dogs (and even the occasional cat) in my galleries. Pets are absolutely part of the family.
Do you travel outside your local area?
I do! Travel within 30 miles of Tomball is included, covering Cypress, The Woodlands, the Galleria area, Katy, and downtown Houston. For locations outside that radius, just reach out for travel details.
Book with Houston Family Photographer
Hey, I’m Mel! I offer lifestyle family photography throughout the Houston area, focused on connection, genuine emotion, and preserving your family exactly as you are. Whether you’re idea of the perfect session is surrounded by nature, a cozy at-home session, or something totally unique, I’d love to plan something beautiful together.
You can find more details and reach out here!
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