1. Plan ahead, if you have young kids that need naps — plan accordingly. A well rested energised kid is much more cooperative than a tired grumpy kid.
  2. Make sure everyone is well fed before the shoot. And do not forget to take with you a bottle of water and maybe small snack. But make sure that after it your kids will stay clean. So not a chocolate))))
  3. Dress everyone as last second as possible. You know why. 😉
  4. Plan your outfit. Begin with the person the most difficult to dress first. Plan all other outfits around that person, remembering to coordinate colours and patterns. Don’t use shirts with logos/graphics. Try to avoid having too many patterns. Take special attention on the shoes. Don’t over-match. 
  5. You can find a lot of ideas for the family outfits on www.Pinterest.com
  6. Have fun! Relaxed families = beautiful portraits. You can’t control everything, especially your kids’ moods. Worst case, you have to reschedule, and in my years of experience with family sessions that has only needed to happen once!
  7. The night before the shoot, make sure the outfits you chose are still clean.
  8. You know bribing children (especially young children) doesn’t always work and can sometimes even backfire! Let them know they are going to have FUN! Try not to threaten a punishment for not smiling, that is a sure fire way to give you those fake forced smiles (or none). :)))))
  9. Do not forget props! It can be any small items important for kids or for you which we can include in photoshoot!

Eugenie Smirnova — your family photographer in Toulouse, France

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CHECK-LIST FOR THE FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

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Pre-wedding photo session

Why do you need a pre-wedding session?
CHECK-LIST FOR THE FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Winter wedding in Toulouse. Anastasia & Ben

There is no barriers for true love and beauty! It was +3 °C and our beautiful bride was in gorgeous natural silk...
CHECK-LIST FOR THE FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Event photo session for ANT Group

CHECK-LIST FOR THE FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Surprise Engagement Session in Toulouse — Matt & Megha’s Unforgettable Moment

Capture the magic of your proposal with Eugénie Smirnova, your engagement photographer in Toulouse and Southwest France.
CHECK-LIST FOR THE FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse

There’s something magical about cherry blossom season — a fleeting, tender beauty that reminds us how precious the...
CHECK-LIST FOR THE FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Wedding at the Capitole in Toulouse, France

reading time 6 min
CHECK-LIST FOR THE FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

THE MOST STUNNING CHÂTEUX WEDDING VENUES IN SOUTHWEST FRANCE (Updated 2025)

reading time 4-5 min
CHECK-LIST FOR THE FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Capturing Timeless Moments: A Beautiful Christening in Toulouse

A christening is one of the most meaningful milestones in a family’s life—a day filled with love, tradition, and...
CHECK-LIST FOR THE FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Personal brand photoshoot for psychologist in Blagnac

We recently held an inspiring photo shoot with psycho practitioner Ekaterina, where we conveyed her philosophy and...
CHECK-LIST FOR THE FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

The art of a personal brand photography: emotions, style, and the magic of the moment

reading time 4-5 min
CHECK-LIST FOR THE FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Château de Mercuès perfect for elopements

Château de Mercuès offers a fairy-tale setting for a destination wedding in France. You get the prestige of a listed...
CHECK-LIST FOR THE FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

LOYALTY REWARD PROGRAM

I am deeply grateful to all my wonderful clients—both new and returning—for choosing me to take photos of the most...
CHECK-LIST FOR THE FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

How a beauty specialist photo session is organised. Step by step instruction

For beauty professionals like lash artists, high-quality visuals are essential for showcasing expertise and...