The Eastern Shore is a special place that draws people in for so many reasons. Whether it’s the endless days of warm summer breezes, stunning beaches, or the charm of tax-free shopping and dining, it’s easy to see why millions visit each year—and why so many of us are lucky enough to call it home year-round. As you plan your summer here, you might be thinking about capturing some beautiful memories with a family or kids' photo session. Who wouldn’t love stunning sunset beach photos or sweet moments of their little ones splashing in the water—memories that last a lifetime? To help make your photo session as smooth and enjoyable as possible, I’m sharing five essential tips to ensure you walk away with beautiful images you’ll cherish forever. And they all come down to one key thing: planning ahead! A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to creating picture-perfect moments.

Tip #1: Coordinate Your Outfits

I tell this to every family I photograph—your outfits set the tone for your photos! When you look up professional family portraits, you’ll notice a pattern: the best-looking photos have well-coordinated color schemes.Think of it like decorating your home—you pick a primary color and complement it with an accent color. The same goes for your clothing! Soft, neutral shades like creams, peach, light brown, soft blues, and pinks work beautifully together. Try to avoid clashing colors, busy patterns, or mixing too many stripes. Keeping things cohesive will make your photos look polished and timeless.

Tip #2: Bring Snacks & aBathroom Stop Ahead of Time is a Must

If you have little ones (or hangry adults like me!), snacks are a lifesaver during a photo session. Kids have short attention spans, and if they’re hungry, crankiness can take over quickly. But here’s the trick—choose snacks that won’t leave stains or sticky fingers.✅ Great snack choices: popcorn, pretzels, cheese & crackers, trail mix.🚫 Avoid messy snacks like: yogurt, fruit, sodas, ice cream—anything that might end up on clothes or faces (although that can be it's own fun and silly photo session for the end). And before the session starts, make sure everyone goes to the bathroom! Nothing disrupts a great moment like an emergency potty break.

Tip #3: Stay Warm Until It’s Time for Photos

If you’re planning a session in the spring, fall, or winter, don’t make the mistake of stepping out of the car in summer outfits when it’s chilly! I see it all the time—shivering kids, goosebumps, and uncomfortable smiles.The fix? Stay bundled up in coats, hats, and gloves until it’s time for the actual photos. If it’s extra cold, take a few pictures, warm up, then take a few more. If you’re freezing, it’ll show in your photos, so staying comfortable is key!

Let Kids Be Kids – Embrace the Candid Moments

Not every photo needs to be perfectly posed! While traditional portraits have their place, some of the most meaningful and natural photos come from capturing real moments in action. I love photographing families as they walk along the beach, play in the sand, embrace, or simply enjoy being together—it brings out genuine smiles and interactions that you just can’t recreate in a stiff pose. I recently photographed an extended family session with six kids ranging from 5 to 11 years old. Getting them all to stand still and smile for the camera? Nearly impossible! But instead of forcing formal poses, I embraced their energy. We were in the beautiful sandy woods of Cape Henlopen State Park, so I handed them sticks and let them draw in the sand. The result? Stunning, natural shots framed by towering trees with golden sunlight streaming through—a perfect mix of adventure and authenticity.When planning your family session, don’t be afraid to let the kids play, explore, and just be themselves. Those are the moments you’ll cherish the most!

Tip #5: Hire a Professional Photographer

There’s a reason professional photographers exist—we know all the little tricks to keep sessions running smoothly! When choosing a photographer, make sure their style aligns with your vision. Look at their portfolio and, if possible, schedule a quick call or coffee chat to discuss your expectations.I can’t tell you how many times I receive messages like, “How much for family photos?” without any discussion of what they’re looking for. A great session is more than just a price tag—it’s about finding the right photographer who understands your family’s personality and ensures the experience is stress-free and fun.

I hope these tips and tricks will help you achieve the perfect family photos that you are looking for. If you are planning a trip this summer, or if you live here year round, I would love the opportunity to photograph you and your family. My work can viewed at www.joshfeeneyphotography.com.