Frequently Asked Questions - Family Photography FAQs
Planning a family photo session can bring up a lot of questions. As a family photographer in Great Falls, Montana, I’m here to make the process easy, stress-free, and actually fun! Below you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions I get from clients—plus a few tips to help your photo session go as smoothly as possible.
What’s the best time of day for family photos in Great Falls?
The most flattering light for outdoor family photo sessions is during what’s known as “golden hour”, which happens one to two hours before sunset, and the first couple of hours after sunrise. That golden light is soft, warm, and perfect for capturing beautiful, backlit images.
Depending on the season, golden hour can begin as early as 3:30 PM in the winter or as late as 8:00 PM in the summer here in Great Falls.
If you have young children, morning sessions often work best since little ones are usually happiest earlier in the day. My morning sessions usually start between 9 & 10 am, depending on the season. I’m always willing to schedule session times around little one’s nap schedules—having a well-rested little one always makes for a smoother session!
How do we choose a location for our family photo session?
Don’t worry—I’ll help you with that! Once your session is booked, I’ll send over my location guide featuring some of my favorite photo spots in and around Great Falls. Each one offers its own unique backdrop—from tree-lined trails to riverside views.
If you already have a favorite location in mind, a place you love or that’s meaningful to your family (such your country acreage or a favorite park or recreational area), I’m happy to work with that too.
And if you're booking a petite session, there's no need to choose a location—my petite sessions take place at Garden Home Park. Seasonal mini sessions may be offered at other locations.
Here’s a brief overview of a few of my favorite local spots for photos:
Garden Home Park
A quiet riverfront park with a beautiful view of the Missouri River, lots of trees, and a variety of scenic backgrounds. It’s a great year-round location for all types of sessions!
This location is fairly sheltered from the wind and so is a particularly good choice for windy days or families with young babies.
Wadsworth Park
White Bear Fishing Access
This location has a variety of background options, including a meadow with tall grasses, a curving tree-lined path, & a classic split-rail fence. This location is great for spring & fall, but is unfortunately closed during the summer.
Garden Home Park
Wadsworth Park
Located just outside Great Falls, this spacious park just outside the city offers many background options--a large pond, open spaces, tree-lined paths, and meadows with both close-cut and taller grasses.
White Bear Fishing Access
Not sure which location to choose?
I’m always happy to work with clients to help you find the perfect location for your family and your vision!
One mom wanted an outdoor-adventure-themed maternity session to reflect her & her husband’s love of hiking and camping. She also wanted to capture the fall colors. After chatting about a few location options, we decided on Wadsworth Park, which was the perfect backdrop for the photos she wanted!
Here’s what she had to say about her photo session:
"Valerie was absolutely wonderful for our maternity photoshoot. She made us feel very comfortable and spontaneous so we could capture the raw happy moments. And of course the photos came out beautiful! I would definitely recommend her to everyone!" -Sumaiya M.
Will our family photos be posed or candid?
You’ll get a mix of posed and candid photos. I usually start with lightly posed shots where everyone is looking at the camera, and then move into more natural interactions that bring out real connection, laughter, and personality. I like to use fun prompts to encourage families to relax, have fun, and interact with each other even during more posed moments.
If you have a preference for one type over the other, just let me know—I want your photos to feel like you.
Who are petite or mini sessions best for?
These shorter sessions are great for families with kids aged 4 and up who want a simple, short and sweet session. They're also a lovely option for milestone moments like maternity photos or even a quick senior portrait session.
If you have young children (especially toddlers), or anyone in your family takes a while to warm up to the camera, a classic full-length session is usually a better fit—it allows plenty of extra time for everyone to relax so we can get those natural smiles.
Classic sessions are also a better choice if you’d like to choose your location, or if you want your photos to have a variety of backgrounds. Petite sessions are held at one location (Garden Home Park), and there’s usually only time to do photos at one spot.
A few more frequently asked questions…
When will we receive our gallery?
Your photo gallery will be delivered within two weeks of your session. You’ll receive a link to a private online gallery with all the best images, professionally edited.
Classic sessions include all final images.
Petite & mini sessions include 8–10 images, with the option to purchase additional images if you fall in love with more (and you will!)
You’ll also be able to order professional-quality prints directly from your gallery—perfect for wall art or gifts!
Can we print our family photos?
Absolutely—and I highly recommend it! Every session includes a print release so you can print your photos wherever you’d like. You can also order professional-quality prints directly through your online gallery.
If you choose to print your photos yourself, I recommend ordering prints through Mpix for color accuracy. Unlike many consumer labs (like Walgreens or Walmart), Mpix won’t alter the colors or exposure in your images.
Bonus FAQ: What should we wear for our family photos?
Choosing what to wear can feel a bit overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be! I have a whole blog post with tips on how to choose family photo outfits, including tips on color palettes, outfit ideas, and what NOT to wear. My sessions also include a complimentary outfit consultation (optional)—so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need a little extra help!
Ready to book your Great Falls family photo session?
Whether it’s your first time doing professional family photos or you’re ready to update your gallery wall, I’ll help you capture real, joy-filled moments that reflect the love and laughter of your perfectly imperfect family.
Let’s document this beautiful (and sometimes chaotic!) season of life with heartfelt, joyful images you’ll treasure for years to come.
Learn more about my Great Falls, MT family photography sessions here.
Have questions, or ready to book your session? I’d love to hear from you!