When life gets busy, family photographs can easily fall to the bottom of your to-do list. Between work, family responsibilities, and everything else that fills your calendar, it can be hard to find the time to plan a session.
As a mother of six daughters, I understand how quickly children grow and how much can change in just a few years. Since 2017, I’ve had the privilege of photographing families and helping them preserve the moments they want to remember.
When you’re considering family photography, the cost is naturally part of the decision. You want to know what’s included, how the experience works, and what you’ll have when it’s all finished.
I think it’s also worth considering what you want to do with your photographs once your session is over. You may want digital images to share with family, an album you can look through with your children, or framed artwork to display in your home.
My goal is to guide you through the entire process, from preparing for your session to choosing the photographs and artwork you love. That way, you can spend less time worrying about the details and more time enjoying the experience with your family.
What Makes Family Photography an Investment?
When you invest in family photographs, you’re not just paying for the time we spend together during your session. You’re also deciding how you want to remember this season of your family’s life and what you want to do with those photographs afterward.
Children change quickly. The expressions, personalities, and little details that feel so familiar today may look different a few years from now. Professional photographs give you a way to remember your family as it is right now.
The experience itself matters, too. Planning a session, choosing what everyone will wear, and deciding how to display your photographs can feel like a lot to manage when you already have a full schedule. Having guidance throughout the process makes those decisions easier.
When you have a full schedule, it helps to know what you’re investing in from the beginning. You’re not just planning a photography session. You’re choosing a guided experience, professional images, and the opportunity to turn those images into artwork made for your home. I’ll help you understand the options and decide what makes sense for your family, so you can make an informed choice without feeling pressured to purchase more than you want.
My heirloom albums and fine-art products give you a tangible way to enjoy your family’s photographs at home. Rather than leaving your images stored on a device, you can choose artwork that becomes part of your everyday life.
After your session, you’ll have the opportunity to choose how you want to enjoy your images. You might prefer digital photographs, a custom album, framed artwork, or a collection of prints. There’s no single right choice for every family.
What matters is choosing something that fits your family and allows you to enjoy the photographs long after your session.
Why Choose Heirloom Artwork for Your Family Photographs?
Digital images are convenient. They’re easy to share with family and friends, and you can revisit them whenever you like. Printed photographs offer another way to enjoy your family’s memories.
Think about the photographs you see every day in your home. A framed family portrait can become part of your living space, while an album gives you something to pull out and look through together.
As your children grow, those photographs can become a way to revisit earlier seasons of family life. An album might remind you of how little they once were, while a portrait on the wall can bring you back to a moment you might otherwise forget.
Heirloom artwork also gives you something tangible to keep and share with future generations.
During your design appointment, you’ll be able to explore the available artwork and consider what works best for your home. Options include custom albums, framed fine art, and archival print collections.
I’ll help you think through those choices so you can select the photographs and products that feel right for your family.
If you’re preparing for a session, you may also find my guide on how to prepare for a family photography session helpful.
What Does a Family Photography Experience With Me Include?
I want you to feel prepared before your session and supported when it’s time to choose your photographs. You don’t have to figure out every detail on your own.
Here’s how the experience works.
A complimentary consultation
We’ll talk about your family, what you’re hoping to capture, and how you would like to enjoy your photographs. This is also your opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the process.
Wardrobe guidance
Choosing outfits for the whole family can be one of the more challenging parts of planning a session. I provide access to the client wardrobe and guidance to help you put everything together.
We’ll consider your preferences and the look you want for your portraits, so you can feel comfortable and prepared when session day arrives.
For more inspiration, read what to wear for a family photoshoot in Omaha.
Your photography session
During your session, I’ll guide you while giving your family room to relax and interact naturally. Children don’t always follow a plan, and that’s okay. I adjust to the family in front of my camera rather than expecting every moment to unfold in a particular way.
Your design appointment
After your session, we’ll view your images and talk about how you’d like to enjoy them. You’ll be able to explore the available products and choose the options that work for your family and your home.
Artwork and digital images
You can choose from the products currently offered by the studio, including albums, framed artwork, archival prints, and digital image collections. Products are purchased separately, so you can decide what you’d like to create.
You can learn more about the process on my photography experience page.
How Long Does a Family Photography Session Take?
A family session typically lasts around 30–60 minutes, but I don’t rush your family to fit a strict time limit. Every family is different, and I adjust to your children and the moments unfolding during the session.
Some children need a little time to feel comfortable in front of the camera. Others are ready to explore and interact right away. I take those differences into account as we work together.
You don’t need to worry about making every moment perfect. I’ll guide you throughout the session while allowing room for genuine interactions and the little moments that make your family unique.
Preparing ahead of time can also help the day feel easier. Planning your wardrobe, discussing your expectations, and knowing what to bring can take some of the pressure off.
You can find more practical advice in my guides to preparing for a family photography session and choosing what to wear.
How Do You Choose the Right Artwork for Your Home?
Once you’ve seen your photographs, the next step is deciding which ones you want to keep and how you’d like to display them.
At your private design appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to view your images and explore the available artwork samples in person. You can see the materials and finishes before deciding what you’d like to order.
You might choose a framed portrait for your living room, an album for your family to look through, or a collection of prints. The best option depends on the photographs you love, the space you have, and how you want to enjoy your images.
I’ll help you work through the choices so you can make a decision that feels right for your family.
Artwork and digital images are offered separately, allowing you to choose what you want. The website notes that clients typically invest around $3,000 in artwork, although the final amount depends on the products you select.
During your design appointment, you can compare the available artwork options, consider your budget, and choose the pieces you’d most like to enjoy in your home.
You can learn more about the available options on my pricing and artwork page.
You’re also welcome to request an in-person appointment to view artwork samples before booking a session.
Can a Photography Membership Help You Document More of Your Family’s Story?
If you’d like to photograph several milestones rather than just one, a membership may be worth considering.
Virginia Schultz Photography lists two membership experiences on the website, each designed to accommodate different family photography needs.
The Session Collective
The Session Collective includes three sessions of your choice within 12 months. It also includes a consultation, client wardrobe access, hair and makeup recommendations, priority booking, design services, membership benefits, and a $100 album credit for each session. Artwork installation is available as an option.
The Family Anthology
The Family Anthology includes one family session and petite portrait sessions for up to three children. It also includes a family session video and a milestone interview video featuring your children, along with consultation, wardrobe access, design services, and additional membership benefits.
The right choice depends on the kinds of milestones you want to document and the experience you’re looking for.
Membership inclusions and availability can change, so I recommend reviewing the photography experience page or contacting me for current details.
When Should You Book Your Family Photography Session?
If you’re thinking about family photographs, I encourage you to reach out as early as you can.
Between work, school, activities, and family commitments, finding a date that works for everyone can take planning. I also accept a limited number of sessions, so contacting me early gives us more opportunity to discuss your plans and explore available dates.
You don’t have to wait for a birthday, holiday, or other special occasion. Sometimes, you simply want to remember this stage of your family’s life.
If you’re expecting a baby and are interested in maternity or newborn photography, I recommend getting in touch as soon as you know you’re pregnant. We can talk about your plans and the timing that makes sense for your family.
The same idea applies to family portraits: if you know you want to document this season, there’s no need to put off the conversation until your calendar becomes less busy.
Where Is the Studio, and Which Areas Do You Serve?
Virginia Schultz Photography serves families in Omaha and surrounding communities, including Papillion, Lincoln, Bellevue, La Vista, Gretna, Elkhorn, Bennington, and Council Bluffs.
The studio is located in Omaha, Nebraska. Depending on the session you choose, studio and outdoor locations may be available.
If you’re moving to the area for work or training, you may also find my guide to relocating to Omaha for a UNMC residency or fellowship useful as you plan your family’s first year here.
Let’s Talk About Your Family’s Photographs
You don’t need a special occasion to have family photographs taken. If there’s a season of life you want to remember, that’s reason enough.
My goal is to make the process straightforward, from planning your session and choosing your wardrobe to viewing your images and selecting your artwork. I’ll guide you through each step so you know what to expect and can make decisions that work for your family.
If you’re considering family portraits, I’d love to hear what you have in mind.
Contact Virginia Schultz Photography to start planning your session.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Photography
Is professional family photography worth the investment?
That depends on what you want from your photographs. Professional family photography includes the session experience and the opportunity to create finished artwork or choose digital images. If you want portraits you can display in your home, enjoy with your children, and keep for years to come, it may be a meaningful investment for your family.
How long does a family photography session last?
A typical family session lasts around 30–60 minutes. Sessions are not restricted to a strict time limit, and I adapt to your family’s needs as we work together.
Do I have to purchase an album?
No. Products are offered à la carte, so you can choose the artwork and digital images you want. Available options include albums, framed artwork, archival prints, and digital image collections.
Can I see artwork samples before booking?
Yes. You can request an in-person appointment to view the available artwork samples before booking a session. This gives you an opportunity to see the products and finishes for yourself.
When should I book my family photography session?
I recommend reaching out as early as possible. A limited number of sessions are available, and planning ahead gives us more opportunity to find a suitable date. If you’re expecting a baby and would like maternity or newborn photographs, you can inquire as soon as you know you’re pregnant.
Does Virginia Schultz Photography offer memberships?
Yes. The website lists the Session Collective and Family Anthology. They offer different session options and benefits for families who want to document multiple milestones. Visit the photography experience page for details, or contact the studio to ask about current availability.
What areas does Virginia Schultz Photography serve?
The studio is located in Omaha, Nebraska. I welcome families from Omaha, Papillion, Lincoln, Bellevue, La Vista, Gretna, Elkhorn, Bennington, Council Bluffs, and the surrounding communities.
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