Key Insight: The magic of a portrait doesn’t just happen in front of the camera — it starts with intentional planning.
When you take the time to prepare, your session becomes less about posing and more about capturing the love, laughter, and legacy that make your family unique.

At Phil Hyman Portraits, we believe every family deserves a portrait experience that feels effortless, meaningful, and deeply personal. Here’s how to make the most of yours.

1. Choose a Session That Matches Your Family’s Energy

Every family has its own rhythm. Some are full of laughter and energy, others are calm and reflective.
When planning your session, think about what feels most like you.

• Playful families: Bring movement — walking, tickling, laughing together.

• Classic families: Opt for elegant, timeless poses that feel like fine art.

• Sentimental families: Choose a space that means something to you — maybe your home, your backyard, or the family lake house.

Your session should reflect your personality, not anyone else’s Pinterest board.

2. Plan Your Outfits Around Your Home — Not the Camera

Here’s a pro tip most people overlook: your portrait lives longer on your wall than on your feed.
So, plan your outfits around the colors and tones of your home decor.

If your living room has warm, cozy tones — soft beige, sage, and cream — lean into earthy neutrals.
If your home is modern and cool — whites, blues, and grays — go for classic tones with texture.

Your portrait should feel like it belongs in your home, not just in a frame.

3. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

Your kids don’t need to smile perfectly. You don’t need to lose ten pounds.
What matters most is authentic connection — how your family laughs together, looks at one another, and feels in the moment.

We guide you every step of the way, but the most powerful portraits are the ones that feel real.
So, take a deep breath. Let go of “perfect.” The beauty is already there.

4. Think Ahead About How You’ll Display Your Portraits

Most families who love their portraits most are the ones who planned their artwork before the session.

• Want a large statement piece? Plan your wall size and placement.

• Love collections? Create a series — like each child’s portrait framed together.

• Prefer subtle elegance? Consider a Masterpiece Mixed Media Painting, hand-finished for timeless beauty.

This step ensures your portraits are designed to fit seamlessly into your home — and your life.

5. Make It a Family Tradition

The most powerful portraits are the ones that build a visual timeline through the years.
Create an annual or milestone tradition:

• Every few years

• Each child’s graduation

• When grandparents visit

• Every 5-year family milestone

Over time, your portraits tell the story of your family’s growth, joy, and love — year after year.

Bonus Value: How to Make the Day Stress-Free

• Schedule around naps & meals (happy kids = happy portraits)

• Bring a small snack or water — tiny energy boosts go a long way

• Trust the process — the best moments are often the unplanned ones

• Celebrate afterward! Make it a memory — go for ice cream or dinner as a family

Your portrait day should feel like a celebration, not a chore.

Final Thought

A family portrait is more than a photo — it’s a moment of intentional pause in a busy world.
It’s the day you say, “This is who we are, right now.”

At Phil Hyman Portraits in Greenville, SC, we don’t just take pictures — we help families create heirlooms that remind them every day what truly matters: love, connection, and belonging.

Call Becky today at 864-235-7864 or visit PhilHyman.com to start planning your family’s portrait session — and make this season one you’ll always remember.