Family session questionnaire
Family session questionnaire
Hi, friends! Whether you’re a seasoned professional, or just starting out in your photography journey, it’s really important to understand your clients needs and expectations, going into a session. That’s why I put together this example photography questionnaire.
Capturing the true essence of a client requires a lot more than just technical skills and a good camera;It involves really understanding your clients unique preferences, personalities, and expectations of each individual you work with.
This is where a well crafted questionnaire becomes invaluable tool for photographers. By asking clients a set of intentional questions, ahead of time, you can create a personalized and unforgettable experience with each and every person you photograph.
This level of customization not only enhances the quality of your photos, but also makes the entire process enjoyable and stress free for your clients, who now really trust that you can bring their vision to life, and capture them with authenticity.
So, what makes up the perfect questionnaire for a family session? I will walk you through why it’s helpful to ask each of these questions. Feel free to copy, paste, and customize it to make it your own.
If you’re looking to create an online questionnaire, or set of questionnaires, I highly recommend Usesession.com. It is extremely customizable, and easy to set up. It’s also very simple for clients, as well.
EXAMPLE PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION QUESTIONNAIRE:
(family focused, but can be adjusted accordingly)
I am so honored and excited to capture this chapter in your life story. By taking a few minutes to fill this questionnaire out, you will help me understand your style, and preferences, so that I can tailor the session to fit you perfectly. My goal is to create images you’ll love and cherish forever. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I can’t wait to create beautiful memories together!
1. Please list each name of those who will be included in this session. If you’re comfortable, please list the general ages of the children (this helps me plan for the best poses & prompts, ahead of time)?
2. Tell me more about your family. What do you enjoy doing together? Is there any topics or interests I can bring up with the kiddos to get their attention?
3. Do you have a specific vision for the location of this session? Would you like help in finding the perfect setting?
4. Do you prefer a morning or evening timeframe? (The best lighting is the hour or so after sunrise, or the two hours leading up to sunset)
5. What kind of music do you enjoy listening to? (genres and artists, work great! I’d love to create a personalized playlist to play during your session)
6. What is your preferred style of shooting?
A) Very posed, looking at the camera for a majority of the portraits
B) Documentary, natural prompts, candid, lifestyle
C) A mix of both styles
7. Is there anything specific you would like me to be aware of, going into your session? Do you have any concerns or pet peeves from past sessions, that I can do my best to avoid?
8. Are there any specific portraits you would be heartbroken without?
9. Is it okay for your child chooses a prize from the treasure box, at the end of the session?
A) No thank you
B ) Yes, but no candy or sweets
C) Yes, they can choose whatever!
10. Do you have a Pinterest board you would like to share with me? Please attach the link below.
I can’t wait to capture your session! I am here if you need anything at all, or have any questions.
Some of these questions may seem more obvious. For example, we know that asking for names is helpful so that we’re not saying “hey you! Move over to the right, just a tad” during our session. But you may be asking yourself, why did Cheleana ask about music preferences in that questionnaire?
Well, if there is one thing I’ve learned over these ten years, it’s that music relaxes people. Being photographed is a vulnerable experience. Most clients feel nervous and tense going into a session, even if they are simultaneously excited. It’s natural to feel a little uncomfortable with a big camera in our face, and the pressure to show up as our best selves. When you ask a client for their favorite musical genres and artists, you can not only make their experience feel special and personalized, but also help them relax-because their favorite tunes will feel comfortable and soothing, in a situation that is normally more rigid.
Unless someone doesn’t enjoy music (I have yet to meet a human who does not like music. Does one exist?), this is a GAME CHANGER in the session experience.
I pay for Spotify premium, and create personalized playlists for each client through the app. I own a JBL speaker that I bring along to each session. This was purchased off of amazon, for anyone looking to buy one themselves. It is $44 dollars approximately, and worth every cent. I will link it below.
You may also be wondering of the mention of a treasure box.
Let’s be real, a photo session isn’t going to be a kids first choice for a fun activity to do in their spare time (I know dads, it’s not your fave either. You guys are troopers, as well). When you see the kids light up, when the treasure box comes out at the end of the session, your heart will explode. Not only does this make the kids excited for the session, it also is so fulfilling to watch, as a photographer.
This isn’t something I have always included. Becoming a mama myself is what sparked the idea, years ago. I am a firm believer in positive reinforcement (and maybe a touch of bribery, ha!) I now have regular kiddos who get so amped up when they see me, because they know that means treasure at the end of the session! So maybe they viewed it as this really dreadful thing their parents were forcing them to do, but now because of the treasure box, they’re actually looking forward to getting photos done with you. See? It’s magic.
So, what do you put in the treasure box? Think back to visiting your doctor/dental office, when you were a kid. If it was anything like my childhood experiences, there was a box of goodies at the end of the visit (probably why I actually enjoy going to the dentist). It was full of fun little trinkets, stickers, suckers, etc. There are so many options of fun stuff you can add to your treasure box, to make the experience for kids more fun!
I purchased my treasure box & all the goodies, off of amazon. I find it helpful to look up “kid party favors” on amazon, for some solid bulk ideas.
Please note: It is highly recommended that if you include a treasure box, you have your lawyer add a section in your contract, in case of any unforeseen instances. ALWAYS make sure to get a verbal and written okay before giving a child a toy, etc, after a session.
Check out my blog on providing a luxury session experience here!
Thanks for reading.
I hope you’ll be back soon!
Written by Cheleanamarie, a photographer who specializes in micro-weddings, based in Michigan.
©Cheleana Rowan, with Cheleanamarie Photography, 2015-2025. Unauthorized use and or duplication of this material without express and written consent from Cheleana Rowan is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full clear credit is given to Cheleana Rowan with Cheleanamarie Photography with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Hi, friends! Whether you’re a seasoned professional, or just starting out in your photography journey, it’s really important to understand your clients needs and expectations, going into a session. That’s why I put together this example photography questionnaire.
Capturing the true essence of a client requires a lot more than just technical skills and a good camera;It involves really understanding your clients unique preferences, personalities, and expectations of each individual you work with.
This is where a well crafted questionnaire becomes invaluable tool for photographers. By asking clients a set of intentional questions, ahead of time, you can create a personalized and unforgettable experience with each and every person you photograph.
This level of customization not only enhances the quality of your photos, but also makes the entire process enjoyable and stress free for your clients, who now really trust that you can bring their vision to life, and capture them with authenticity.
So, what makes up the perfect questionnaire for a family session? I will walk you through why it’s helpful to ask each of these questions. Feel free to copy, paste, and customize it to make it your own.
If you’re looking to create an online questionnaire, or set of questionnaires, I highly recommend Usesession.com. It is extremely customizable, and easy to set up. It’s also very simple for clients, as well.
EXAMPLE PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION QUESTIONNAIRE:
(family focused, but can be adjusted accordingly)
I am so honored and excited to capture this chapter in your life story. By taking a few minutes to fill this questionnaire out, you will help me understand your style, and preferences, so that I can tailor the session to fit you perfectly. My goal is to create images you’ll love and cherish forever. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I can’t wait to create beautiful memories together!
1. Please list each name of those who will be included in this session. If you’re comfortable, please list the general ages of the children (this helps me plan for the best poses & prompts, ahead of time)?
2. Tell me more about your family. What do you enjoy doing together? Is there any topics or interests I can bring up with the kiddos to get their attention?
3. Do you have a specific vision for the location of this session? Would you like help in finding the perfect setting?
4. Do you prefer a morning or evening timeframe? (The best lighting is the hour or so after sunrise, or the two hours leading up to sunset)
5. What kind of music do you enjoy listening to? (genres and artists, work great! I’d love to create a personalized playlist to play during your session)
6. What is your preferred style of shooting?
A) Very posed, looking at the camera for a majority of the portraits
B) Documentary, natural prompts, candid, lifestyle
C) A mix of both styles
7. Is there anything specific you would like me to be aware of, going into your session? Do you have any concerns or pet peeves from past sessions, that I can do my best to avoid?
8. Are there any specific portraits you would be heartbroken without?
9. Is it okay for your child chooses a prize from the treasure box, at the end of the session?
A) No thank you
B ) Yes, but no candy or sweets
C) Yes, they can choose whatever!
10. Do you have a Pinterest board you would like to share with me? Please attach the link below.
I can’t wait to capture your session! I am here if you need anything at all, or have any questions.
Some of these questions may seem more obvious. For example, we know that asking for names is helpful so that we’re not saying “hey you! Move over to the right, just a tad” during our session. But you may be asking yourself, why did Cheleana ask about music preferences in that questionnaire?
Well, if there is one thing I’ve learned over these ten years, it’s that music relaxes people. Being photographed is a vulnerable experience. Most clients feel nervous and tense going into a session, even if they are simultaneously excited. It’s natural to feel a little uncomfortable with a big camera in our face, and the pressure to show up as our best selves. When you ask a client for their favorite musical genres and artists, you can not only make their experience feel special and personalized, but also help them relax-because their favorite tunes will feel comfortable and soothing, in a situation that is normally more rigid.
Unless someone doesn’t enjoy music (I have yet to meet a human who does not like music. Does one exist?), this is a GAME CHANGER in the session experience.
I pay for Spotify premium, and create personalized playlists for each client through the app. I own a JBL speaker that I bring along to each session. This was purchased off of amazon, for anyone looking to buy one themselves. It is $44 dollars approximately, and worth every cent. I will link it below.
You may also be wondering of the mention of a treasure box.
Let’s be real, a photo session isn’t going to be a kids first choice for a fun activity to do in their spare time (I know dads, it’s not your fave either. You guys are troopers, as well). When you see the kids light up, when the treasure box comes out at the end of the session, your heart will explode. Not only does this make the kids excited for the session, it also is so fulfilling to watch, as a photographer.
This isn’t something I have always included. Becoming a mama myself is what sparked the idea, years ago. I am a firm believer in positive reinforcement (and maybe a touch of bribery, ha!) I now have regular kiddos who get so amped up when they see me, because they know that means treasure at the end of the session! So maybe they viewed it as this really dreadful thing their parents were forcing them to do, but now because of the treasure box, they’re actually looking forward to getting photos done with you. See? It’s magic.
So, what do you put in the treasure box? Think back to visiting your doctor/dental office, when you were a kid. If it was anything like my childhood experiences, there was a box of goodies at the end of the visit (probably why I actually enjoy going to the dentist). It was full of fun little trinkets, stickers, suckers, etc. There are so many options of fun stuff you can add to your treasure box, to make the experience for kids more fun!
I purchased my treasure box & all the goodies, off of amazon. I find it helpful to look up “kid party favors” on amazon, for some solid bulk ideas.
Please note: It is highly recommended that if you include a treasure box, you have your lawyer add a section in your contract, in case of any unforeseen instances. ALWAYS make sure to get a verbal and written okay before giving a child a toy, etc, after a session.
Check out my blog on providing a luxury session experience here!
Thanks for reading.
I hope you’ll be back soon!
Written by Cheleanamarie, a photographer who specializes in micro-weddings, based in Michigan.
©Cheleana Rowan, with Cheleanamarie Photography, 2015-2025. Unauthorized use and or duplication of this material without express and written consent from Cheleana Rowan is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full clear credit is given to Cheleana Rowan with Cheleanamarie Photography with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
