What to Wear and Bring: Everything You Need for an Outdoor Family Portrait Session in Coeur d’Alene

Let’s talk real life for a second…

You’ve finally booked your outdoor family photo session. Awesome. Now comes the part that tends to send most moms into low-key panic: What the heck is everyone going to wear? What do we need to bring? And how am I supposed to keep a toddler from throwing herself into a lake in the first five minutes?

I see you. I’ve walked that same terrain – both as a mom and behind the lens. The truth is, a little planning goes a really long way. Your family photo session shouldn’t feel like prepping for a runway show that ends in a meltdown. It should feel like what it actually is: a joyful snapshot of your real, beautiful (sometimes loud, often wiggly) life.

One of my favorite all-time sessions involved a mom who totally rocked the prep phase. She shopped her closet first, texted me with outfit combos, trusted the process, and showed up ready for anything – snacks and all. Was it perfectly polished? Nope. But it was stunning. Her toddler wore a white dress that didn’t hit the pavement until we were on location, their outfits blended like magic with the soft mountain light, and their personalities absolutely soared in front of the lens. That’s the goal.

So friend, take a deep breath. You’ve got this – and I’m here to help.

The real challenge isn’t what to wear. It’s how to feel ready.

If you’ve ever stood ankle-deep in snow thinking “why did I wear these shoes?” or wrestled a hangry preschooler mid-session, this post is for you.

What most people don’t realize is that North Idaho’s beauty comes with a tiny disclaimer: She’s moody. The light can change from golden to gone in a quick 30 minutes. That lake breeze may not show up when you want it… or it may show up and flip your hair directly into your mouth. The ground often has a challenge waiting for your footwear. And the chaos? It’s usually showing up right on time in the form of a three-year-old with Opinions.

But none of that phases me. This is where I live and work. I know what works (and what doesn’t), and I’m here to help you head into your photo day feeling confident and calm.

My top tips for what to wear and bring to your outdoor session in Coeur d’Alene

1. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Please, for the love of everything, do not put every family member in the same matching plaid. Instead:

• Pick 2-3 complementary colors that play well with your setting
• Textures are your friend: think knits, linen, gauze
• Avoid logos, neon colors, and super busy prints
• Let everyone have a little personality, just within a coordinated palette

I always say: Don’t wear something you’d never wear again. If it feels unnatural, it’ll show. Reach out and ask for help – we’ll design something that feels more “your life but elevated” than “Pinterest board panic.”

2. Prepare for the outdoors like you’re going on a short hike (because sometimes you are)

Many of my favorite locations require a bit of a walk. It’s not a 5K, but it’s also not a straight sidewalk from the car to the view. Be ready to shift gears:

• Wear comfy shoes for walking, then swap into your photo shoes at the location
• Layering for everyone in case the weather changes 
• Baby wipes = lifesavers, every time. Mud, snacks, mystery substances? Handled.
• I highly recommend a small bag just for session essentials: water bottles, backup snacks, and maybe an extra shirt for a brave toddler

Bonus tip: If you’ve got a white or light-colored outfit on a little one, wait until we’re on site to dress them fully. Trust me, I learned this trick with my very own wild child.

3. Snacks aren’t a backup plan. They’re strategy.

Every session I’ve done with toddlers has ended in some kind of snack break. Some truths:

• Yes, mess-free snacks are ideal (think applesauce pouches, a can of ready whip is alwasy a crowd pleaser)
• Yes, a lollipop occasionally makes it into the final frame
• No, you will not regret it
• Yes, the expression a happy kid gives after a little sugar is 100% frame-worthy

Pro tip: If you’re dealing with high-stakes emotions, like a toddler who skipped a nap or a teenager currently pretending they forgot how to smile, snacks + patience + a little humor go far.

4. Be flexible with Mother Nature

In the summer, we have long evening golden hours. In the fall? Not so much. The light changes quickly and the weather can play tricks. Be ready:

• Try to schedule your day so you’re not running straight from back-to-back events into your photo session
• Keep an eye on the weather report – I’ll do the same. While I rarely have to reschedule, I want your experience to feel fun, not forced
• Sometimes the chaos gives us something great. If the plan shifts, trust me – we’ll still make magic

Why does all this matter?

Because you’re not here for a mini photo op that disappears into your phone. You’re here to make a memory – a milestone – part of your family legacy.

When we plan intentionally, it shows. In your confidence. In your connection. When your kids freely giggle, and when you finally get that photo with you in it – the one you’ll still love when your toddlers are suddenly taller than you.

And those tiny quirks? Like a popsicle stick clutched in a toddler fist? That thing becomes the heartbeat of the photo. You’ll treasure it.

Ready to start planning your next outdoors session?

If you’re dreaming about family portraits that feel like you – full of color, connection, and just a little dirt on the shoes – let’s talk. I walk you through the entire process from outfits to albums.

Reach out today through my contact page and let me know where you’re at. Whether you’re in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, or visiting North Idaho for a mountain-lake adventure, I’d love to help you turn your chaos into art you will pass down.

And honestly? Don’t stress about that popsicle stick. It’s going to age beautifully.