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Mankai

Family photography questionnaire

Updated October 17, 2026

Find out who is in the family, what the kids love and what to avoid before the session starts.

Family photography questionnaire

Thank you for booking your family session. These questions help me get to know your family before we meet, so the session feels easy and the photos look like you. Short answers are fine, and you can tell me more when we talk.

About your family

Who will be in the photos? Please list everyone's first name and age.

Include grandparents and other relatives if they are coming.

Are any pets joining us?

Name, kind of animal, and how they act around strangers and cameras.

The session

Do you have a location in mind?

A park, your backyard, a beach, your home, a place that matters to your family. If you are not sure, I will suggest a few.

Would you rather be outdoors or indoors?

  • Outdoors
  • Indoors
  • No preference

What time of day works best for your family?

Think about naps, meals and when everyone is happiest.

Personalities

How would you describe each person in a few words?

For example: shy until warmed up, always moving, the family comedian.

What makes your kids laugh?

A song, a game, a silly word, a tickle spot, a favorite stuffed animal.

Is there anything that tends to upset or overwhelm any of the kids?

Strangers, loud noises, being told to smile, hunger, sitting still.

Must-have shots

Is there a photo you have always wanted and never got?

Are there specific combinations you want?

Each child alone, siblings together, grandparents with the grandkids, just the parents.

Anything to avoid

Is there anything I should know so I can be thoughtful on the day?

This might be a recent loss, a blended or separated family, or a relationship that is tender right now. Share only what you are comfortable sharing, and we can talk it through privately.

Does anyone have limited mobility, tire quickly or feel nervous about being photographed?

Outfits and help

Have you chosen outfits yet?

  • Yes, all set
  • Not yet, please send suggestions
  • Not yet, we will manage

Your photos

What will you do with the photos?

  • Wall art
  • Album
  • Holiday cards
  • Sharing online
  • A mix of these

How did you find me?

How to use it

  • Add your studio name to the opening paragraph and keep it in your own voice.
  • Delete any question that does not fit your style of session. A shorter form gets finished more often.
  • Read the answers again the night before the session, and keep the "anything to avoid" answer where you can see it on the day.
  • Follow up in person or by phone on anything sensitive. A form answer is a starting point, not the whole conversation.

Questions

When should I send a family photography questionnaire?

Send it right after the client books, or about two weeks before the session. That leaves time to follow up on anything that needs a conversation.

How long should it be?

Keep it to 12 to 18 questions that take about five minutes. Every question should change something you do, such as the location, the order of shots or how you handle a child. If it does not, cut it.

How do I ask about a recent loss or a blended family without making it awkward?

Ask an open question and tell the family they can share only what they like. Follow up by phone or in person if they mention something.

Should I ask for the ages of the children?

Yes. Age shapes how long the session should run, how you pose them and what will keep them happy.

Almost there

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