Free template · 11 questions
Family photo session questionnaire
With families, the plan is mostly about the youngest person in the frame. A good questionnaire gives you names, ages, nap times and personalities, so you can work with the kids instead of against them.
When to send it
One to two weeks before the session, with an outfit reminder five days out.
Paste them into HoneyBook, Dubsado, Google Forms or an email.
Client questionnaire · Family
Who's coming
- Names and ages of everyone in the session, pets included.
- For each child: what are they into right now, and how do they usually react to a camera?
- Is anyone dealing with sensory needs, mobility needs or a tough week I should know about?
Timing
- When are the kids at their best: morning, after a nap, before dinner?
- Is there a snack or small reward that works for your kids? (Ideally one that doesn't stain.)
The photos
- Which groupings matter most: everyone, each parent with each child, siblings, the two of you alone?
- Where will these photos end up: a holiday card, a gallery wall, an album?
- Location ideas: your home, a park, somewhere meaningful?
- Is there something about this stage of family life you want to remember?
On camera
- How do the parents feel about being photographed? Be honest: it's usually the grown-ups who are nervous.
- Would you rather have posed portraits, candid play, or a mix of both?
How to use the answers
Shoot the must-haves first
Get the full-family frame for the holiday card in the first ten minutes, while everyone is fresh. Play and candids come after.
Learn every child's name and obsession
"Show me how fast a T. rex runs" beats "Smile!" every time, because it came from their own answers.
Look after the parents
Parents spend the session managing kids and forget about themselves. A few prompts just for them often become the favorite photos.
The question forms get wrong
Most clients don't know how they like to be directed.
So they write “we're awkward” and leave it there. Send the Good Side camera quiz with your questionnaire: two minutes on their phone, and you get their camera type and a session plan with prompts in order.