Family photo shoots elicit ideas of beautifully dressed families running through grassy fields at sunset, hand-in-hand and laughing in absolute family bliss.

The reality is much more sobering. Golden-hour photography sessions can prove to be very challenging when you factor in that it’s after most toddler’s bedtimes. When added to the stress for parents to get everyone presentable for a session, you can often end up with a moody, tired, and irritable family presenting themselves for a love-filled family session.

Doug from Twig & Olive Photography shares with us all his best tips to dealing with late in the day sessions, moody participants, and styling his families to fit the brand and style of his photography studio (and what to do when their style don’t fit!)