As a family photographer in Houston, I have been able to photograph many families through my 20 years as a photographer.  But one particular kind of session has my heart.  A Lifestyle session.

WHAT IS LIFESTYLE FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY IN HOUSTON?

A lifestyle session is all about capturing your family as you are—the real, meaningful connections, the laughter, the quiet snuggles, and even the wild, silly moments in between.

Unlike traditional sessions, lifestyle family photography takes place in a location that feels natural to you—your home, your backyard, a favorite park, or even your family farm. It’s relaxed, candid, and centered around the love and rhythm of your everyday life.

Mollie Jane Photography sessions are typically more candid, but with some posing.  I think the main difference in a “Lifestyle” session is the location and activities.  If this sounds like something that you would love, this guide will walk you through how to plan a lifestyle session that’s not only beautiful, but completely and genuinely you.

WHERE IN HOUSTON SHOULD YOU DO YOUR LIFESTYLE FAMILY SESSION?

One of the best parts of planning a lifestyle family session is that it can take place anywhere that feels meaningful to you. Whether it’s your own backyard, the family farm, a cozy front porch, or a park you visit every weekend.  The right location helps tell your story. When kids are in a space they know and love, they instantly feel more relaxed—which means more genuine smiles and sweet, in-between moments. And don’t forget your furry (or feathered!) family members. Including pets or farm animals in your session not only adds personality, but also brings out so much joy and interaction. These are the details that make your session truly one-of-a-kind.

Where would I do a Lifestyle session with my family?

As I think about where I would like to do one of these sessions, when my kids were young, it was an easy decision.  We lived in Southern California while all of my kids were young.  My oldest was 10, my daughter was 8 and my youngest son was 4 when we moved.  We had Disneyland passes since before they were born.  Most of their lives they went to Disneyland several times a month.  It really did define their childhood and my motherhood.  It was a HUGE part of our lives.  We still miss it, and those sweet memories that came with it, so deeply.

I will FOREVER regret that we didn’t do a lifestyle session at Disneyland before we moved to Texas in 2021.  We did move right in the middle of the pandemic and Disneyland was closed for months before we decided that we had to leave California (because we had no idea when I would be able to work again as a photographer).  It didn’t open, with restrictions until 6 months after we were already settled in our new home.

If I could go back in time, I would have done with session years before any global pandemics.  Learn from my mistakes! Don’t regret it!  Schedule your lifestyle session NOW! CLICK HERE to go to my website.

FINDING THE RIGHT LIGHT FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE FAMILY PHOTOS IN HOUSTON

Lighting can make all the difference in your family photos.  Even though a lifestyle family session is more “go with the flow”, there are elements that are universally important.  Like having the right lighting.  This is why you hire a professional family photographer in Houston.

 I always recommend scheduling your session during golden hour—that magical window just before/after sunrise or before/during sunset when the light is soft, warm, and flattering. (You can find the sunrise and sunset times for any day or location HERE. It creates a beautiful glow and helps avoid harsh shadows, especially if we’re shooting in an open area like a field or pasture. If your location is heavily shaded or surrounded by trees, mid- to late-morning light might actually work better. And for east-facing spots, a sunrise session can be just as dreamy as a sunset one—especially if you have early risers! 

If you have chosen an indoor session, at home, etc, this will change things.  These sessions take place, usually during the mid-day or early afternoon.  We try to take into consideration the main room that you would like to shoot in and when that room has the best light.

Each location and session can be different.  We’ll take your location into account when choosing the best time of day, so the light works with us to create those soft, timeless images you love.

WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR HOUSTON FAMILY LIFESTYLE SESSION

When it comes to what to wear for your lifestyle session, the goal is to look like the best version of yourselves—comfortable, coordinated, and relaxed. I think that when this is a “lifestyle session”, my guidance for my families is less formal.  I feel like lifestyle is more relaxed, but still some very important guidelines are still in effect.

Think soft, neutral tones and subtle patterns. Whatever the color you choose, choose the muted/neutral tone.  No bright blues, greens, red, yellows, oranges or even pinks.  It’s a hill that I will die on, the muted or pastel versions of these colors are better for pictures, especially in the light and airy style.  These photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your family, not the clothes. 

You don’t need to match exactly (in fact, it’s better if you don’t!). Instead, choose a color palette with a few complementary tones that flow together. For outdoor sessions—especially on a farm or in your backyard—earthy colors and layers work well with the natural setting. And most importantly, choose outfits that you feel good in and that let you move, play, and snuggle with your people. Your connection is what makes the images shine, not perfect outfits.

HOUSTON FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY BECOMES “LIFESTYLE” WHEN YOU LET KIDS BE KIDS

One of the best parts of a lifestyle session is that there’s no pressure for kids to “perform.” In fact, the magic happens because they’re free to be themselves. Whether they’re running through tall grass, giggling in a pile of leaves, or snuggling up in your lap, those real, unscripted moments are what make your photos feel so genuine. 

As your family photographer in Houston, I’ll gently guide the session with prompts and play—not stiff poses—so we capture connection, not just smiles. If your toddler gets silly or your big kid needs a break, that’s completely normal. Lifestyle sessions are built around your family’s natural rhythm, and the photos we create together will reflect your story exactly as it is—full of love, laughter, and real-life joy.

One thing that I always remind the parents…even when you are “correcting” your kids during the session, keep a smile on your face.  I tell parents this for 2 reasons.  First, if your kids think your are mad or disappointed with them, we stop getting genuine smiles.  And, second, I am shooting all the time and the best pictures come in the in-between.  It’s so sad when we get a great picture, but mom has a scowl on her face that I know she will hate.  

Keep the smiles!

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR HOUSTON FAMILY LIFESTYLE SESSION

The best way to prepare your family—especially your kids and husband—is to keep things light and low-pressure. Let them know this isn’t a formal photo shoot, it’s just time together as a family (with me there to capture it). You don’t need to rehearse anything or worry about behaving perfectly—in fact, the more relaxed everyone feels, the better the photos will be. 

Make sure bellies are full, naps are honored, and bring a few favorite snacks or comfort items just in case. For dads who aren’t always thrilled about photos, remind them that it’s quick, easy, and meaningful—and that the best thing they can do is just be present. I’ll take care of the rest so you can focus on each other.

And definitely read through the Mollie Jane Client Experience Guide.  As a family photographer in Houston, I have compiled tons of tips in there to help you prepare for any kind of session!  This is one of the HUGE benefits of being a Mollie Jane Family!!!

MAKE YOUR FAMILY SESSION MEANINGFUL

The most meaningful lifestyle sessions are the ones that reflect your real life. Whether that means including your family dog, letting your kids pick wildflowers, or baking cookies in your kitchen—these little pieces of your everyday are what make the photos truly special. Don’t be afraid to bring personal touches into your session: a favorite book you read together, the rocking chair that’s been in your family for generations, or just the routine of feeding animals on your property. These moments might feel ordinary now, but they’ll become the memories you’ll treasure most later. When you center your session around what matters most to you, the result is a gallery of images that feels honest, emotional, and completely yours.

This sweet family wanted to have fun with their animals.  It turned out to be even more meaningful than they planned.  A few weeks after this session, one of their beloved horses unexpectedly passed away.

Book the session!  You will never regret these sessions.  They only become more precious with time!

Are you ready to book your family lifestyle session?  CLICK HERE to contact me and I will send you all the information!

I can’t wait to work with you as your family photographer in Houston and capture this amazing season in your life!