How to Prepare for Your Family Film Session: What to Expect
Capturing the Real, Raw, and Beautiful Moments of Your Family
Booking a family film session is a big decision. You want to capture the real essence of your family—the chaos, the quiet, and everything in between—but you might be wondering what to expect from the process. Will it feel awkward? What if the kids don’t cooperate? At Ali Daugherty Films, we specialize in capturing the authentic moments of your family’s life, not just the picture-perfect ones. Whether it’s a tantrum in the middle of a family walk or a sweet snuggle on the couch, every moment is worth preserving.
What Happens During a Signature Family Film Session
Our Signature Film session is designed to feel more like a family hangout than a formal video shoot. We spend time with your family, blending in as much as possible so we can capture those real, unscripted moments that make your family unique. You won’t find us asking you to pose for hours on end or directing you to act a certain way. Instead, we focus on documenting your family’s natural rhythm—whether that’s making breakfast together, playing in the yard, or snuggling up for a story.
During a typical session:
We’ll chat ahead of time to get to know your family’s story and understand the moments you want to capture.
On the day of the session, we’ll arrive at your home or chosen location and simply observe. Our goal is to let your family interact naturally, capturing the small moments that are often the most meaningful.
We create a comfortable environment where kids can be themselves. Whether they’re playing, laughing, or even having a meltdown, we’re there to capture it all.
How to Prepare: What to Wear, How to Relax, and How to Get the Kids Involved
We want your family to feel as comfortable as possible during your film session. When it comes to what to wear, choose outfits that reflect your family’s personality. Soft, neutral tones tend to photograph well, but most importantly, wear something that makes you feel relaxed and confident. For the kids, let them be themselves. If they want to bring a favorite toy or take a snack break, that’s perfectly fine! The goal is to capture your family as they are, in their most authentic form.
Here are a few tips to make the experience fun:
Plan for a relaxed day—don’t overschedule or stress about the details. The more natural the day, the more authentic the film will feel.
Let the kids be themselves. If they want to play or do something spontaneous, embrace it. These moments often make for the best footage.
Trust the process. Even if things feel chaotic in the moment, the final film will show the love, connection, and beauty of your family’s life.
Ready to Capture the Real, Raw, and Beautiful Story of Your Family?
Your family’s story deserves to be remembered—exactly as it is. No posing, no perfection, just the real, raw, and beautiful moments that make your family unique. Contact Ali Daugherty Films today to book your Signature Family Film session, and let us help you capture the everyday magic of your family’s life.