How to Get Ready for a Family Photoshoot in Portugal

A family photoshoot isn’t just about beautiful images. It’s about time together — the glances, the touches, the laughter that may never repeat. Especially when you're in a new country — by the ocean, under the palms, or wandering old tiled streets.

This guide is here to help you make your photoshoot not just successful, but truly memorable.

When is the best time to shoot in Portugal?

The timing of your session depends on many things: lighting and weather, the layout of the location, your kids’ nap schedule, venue opening hours — even how windy the coast is that day.

For beach sessions, sunrise and sunset are usually perfect — warm, glowing, soft. That magical golden hour light.

In Portuguese cities, narrow streets and pastel facades give us the luxury to shoot almost any time of day. Sunrise means clean, gentle light and iconic locations all to ourselves — no crowds, just calm. It’s ideal for any kind of story: couples, families, or big multigenerational shoots. If you're after something more vibrant or dramatic, midday or sunset brings that buzz and strong contrast that fits the mood.

For parks and gardens, it’s best to schedule your session when the sun is higher — this way, we avoid deep shadows under Portugal’s massive, leafy trees.

A midday photoshoot for a big family from the USA

The timing of your session depends on many things: lighting and weather, the layout of the location, your kids’ nap schedule, venue opening hours — even how windy the coast is that day.

For beach sessions, sunrise and sunset are usually perfect — warm, glowing, soft. That magical golden hour light.

In Portuguese cities, narrow streets and pastel facades give us the luxury to shoot almost any time of day. Sunrise means clean, gentle light and iconic locations all to ourselves — no crowds, just calm. It’s ideal for any kind of story: couples, families, or big multigenerational shoots.If you're after something more vibrant or dramatic, midday or sunset brings that buzz and strong contrast that fits the mood.

For parks and gardens, it’s best to schedule your session when the sun is higher — this way, we avoid deep shadows under Portugal’s massive, leafy trees.

If you're visiting, I recommend not placing the shoot on your first or last day. Give yourself a little time to arrive, breathe, and settle in. It always shows in the photos.

The exact start time is always chosen individually. We confirm it shortly before the shoot, based on the forecast, your energy levels, and the feel we want to create.

And if the weather doesn’t match the vision — no stress. We’ll adjust, shift the timing, or find a plan B that feels just as beautiful.

Where to shoot: city, ocean or nature?

Portugal is beautifully diverse. Here are a few options:

• City – Lisbon’s narrow alleys, pastel walls, yellow trams, and azulejos.

  personal favorites: Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Jardim Júlio de Castilho, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

• Ocean – sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and soft evening light in Cascais or beyond.

  personal favorites: Praia da Crismina, Praia da Adraga, Praia do Magoito

• Green spots – parks or hidden gardens if you're after peace and calm.

  personal favorites: Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais, Tapada das Necessidades, Jardim Botânico da Ajuda

It all depends on your vibe — do you want energy and color, or softness and stillness?If you're not sure, I’ll help you find the perfect fit and share example photos to guide you.

What to wear for your session

One of the most common questions!

Here’s what works best in photos:

Natural fabrics — like linen, cotton, muslin, wool, or bamboo — and soft tones such as beige, white, sand, sky blue, or warm terracotta.

Avoid big logos, text or loud patterns — they pull the focus away from what really matters: your connection.

Think about harmony over matching — it’s not about everyone wearing the same thing, but about the whole picture feeling calm and cohesive.

If you’re unsure where to start, here are a few color combinations that always feel timeless and beautiful on camera:

Most importantly — choose comfort. You should be able to move, sit, hug, dance, and just be you.

And yes, that includes shoes. Even with a flowy dress, comfortable shoes can be a lifesaver — we might walk, climb, sit on rocks or wander cobbled streets.

👉 I’ll send you a style guide and inspiration moodboard once we confirm your shoot.

How to prepare your kids

Kids aren’t models. They’re real — and that’s the beauty.

For little ones, bring something familiar and comforting: a favorite toy, snack, or even a cozy blanket. These small things help create a sense of safety and ease. Please don’t expect perfect behavior — instead, think of the session as a relaxed walk and a shared adventure.

For older kids, a simple explanation usually works: “Today a kind friend with a camera will join us for a bit.” That’s often all it takes.

And please — no scolding during the session.If someone needs a break, we pause. If something feels off, we adapt. Comfort, trust, and fun are always the priority.

I always bring a little magic in my backpack.

In the city, we can play with bubbles, stickers, or a mini toy camera.

At the ocean, we might bring a kite — and let the wind do its thing.Small surprises help kids stay engaged and even excited.

I guide with gentleness, play, and presence — never pressure.

Tiny details that make a big difference

Bring water and snacks — especially for warm days or longer sessions. A quick sip or bite can make all the difference in mood and energy. Wet wipes and a comb can also come in handy for small touch-ups.

If we’re heading to the ocean, consider packing a change of dry clothes — just in case someone gets adventurous with the waves (which happens more often than you’d think).

And most importantly: don’t expect perfection. Expect life. And life — real, spontaneous, and unfiltered — is always the most beautiful thing we can capture.

Ready to create something together?

If this feels like your kind of experience, send me a message. I’ll help you with everything — from location and outfits to creating space where you can just be yourselves.

Let’s make something honest, light-filled and true — together.

Message me on Instagram