Family Photo Session Planning: Timeline and Checklist
Getting family photos done in Potsdam or anywhere in St. Lawrence County shouldn't feel like coordinating a military operation, but without a plan, it can turn into one fast. Between unpredictable North Country weather, kids' schedules, and finding the right location around Canton or Massena, there's more to think about than just showing up and smiling. This timeline breaks down exactly what you need to do and when, so your family photo session actually happens and the results are worth framing.
6-8 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR SESSION
Book Your Photographer
In Potsdam and the surrounding St. Lawrence County area, fall is peak season for family photos. Everyone wants those autumn colors at Ives Park or along the Grasse River. If you're targeting September or October, book by mid-summer at the latest. Spring sessions around Mother's Day and early summer also fill quickly.
Winter and early spring offer more availability, and honestly, some of the best light. Snow-covered landscapes in Canton or Massena can be stunning if you're willing to bundle up.
What to Do Now:
Research photographers in the Potsdam, Canton, and Massena area who specialize in family photography
Check portfolios for style that matches what you want
Read reviews from other St. Lawrence County families
Contact 2-3 photographers to check availability and pricing
Book your session and put down any required deposit
Mark the date on every family member's calendar immediately
Popular Family Photo Locations in St. Lawrence County
Potsdam: Ives Park (especially the bridge and walking trails), Bayside Cemetery for fall colors, SUNY Potsdam campus, downtown brick buildings on Market Street
Canton: Heritage Park, downtown Canton village streets, Grasse River overlooks, St. Lawrence University campus
Massena: Massena Intake along the St. Lawrence River, Holden Park, Robert Moses State Park beach areas
Surrounding Areas: Private properties with barns or open fields (requires permission), Higley Flow State Park, local orchards during harvest season
3-4 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR SESSION
Plan Your Wardrobe Strategy
This is where most families either nail it or create unnecessary stress. You don't need matching outfits. You need coordinating colors that don't fight with each other or the location. For St. Lawrence County's natural settings, earth tones, blues, and muted colors typically work best.
Color Combinations That Work
Fall Sessions: Burgundy, navy, mustard, cream, olive green Spring/Summer: Light blue, soft pink, gray, white, sage green Winter: Deep reds, forest green, charcoal, cream, plum Any Season: Navy and tan, gray and blush, denim and neutral tones
What to Avoid
Neon colors: Distract from faces All white or all black: Lacks visual interest Busy patterns: Especially thin stripes or small checks Logos and graphics: Date your photos instantly Overly formal: Unless that's specifically your style
Wardrobe Checklist:
Choose one person's outfit first (usually mom), then coordinate everyone else
Aim for 2-3 coordinating colors across the whole family
Mix textures (denim, knits, cotton) for visual interest
Lay all outfits out together to check how they look as a group
Make sure kids' clothes actually fit right now, not "close enough"
Check for stains, holes, or missing buttons
Plan backup outfits for young children (they will spill something)
Consider layers for unpredictable Potsdam weather
Pro Tip for North Country Sessions: Potsdam and St. Lawrence County weather can shift fast. Even in summer, bring a light jacket or cardigan for each person. It can be 70°F when you leave home and 55°F by the river. In fall and spring, layer warmth under your photo outfit and remove it right before shooting. Your photographer can help you find a spot to stash coats.
2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR SESSION
Location and Logistics
Confirm your exact location with your photographer. If you're shooting at a popular spot like Ives Park in Potsdam or Heritage Park in Canton, discuss parking and where you'll meet. Some locations require permits for professional photography, though most public parks in St. Lawrence County don't for family sessions.
Logistics Checklist:
Confirm session date, time, and exact meeting location with photographer
Scout the location ahead of time if you're unfamiliar with it
Check if any local events might cause parking issues (SUNY Potsdam games, Canton village events)
Plan your route and allow extra time for North Country traffic (logging trucks, farm equipment)
Identify a backup indoor location in case of severe weather
Discuss your photographer's rain/weather postponement policy
Prep Your Kids (The Real Challenge)
Getting children to cooperate isn't about bribes, though those don't hurt. It's about managing expectations and energy. For Potsdam area families, this matters even more because our shorter seasons mean you can't easily reschedule if a kid has a meltdown.
Kid-Friendly Preparation:
Talk about the photo session several days before, not just the morning of
Show them family photos you love to build excitement
Schedule the session when kids are typically well-rested (avoid nap time, late afternoon slumps)
Feed them a good meal before the session, avoid sugar spikes
Bring snacks and drinks for after photos, not during
Pack a small toy or book to keep toddlers occupied between setups
Lower your expectations for perfection—some chaos makes photos real
Prepare them for outdoor elements (bugs in summer, cold in fall, mud in spring)
Reality Check for Potsdam Parents: If your child has been sick, recently stopped napping, or is going through a difficult phase, seriously consider rescheduling. One cooperative session is worth more than three where everyone is miserable. Most local St. Lawrence County photographers would rather reschedule than push through a disaster session.
1 WEEK BEFORE YOUR SESSION
Final Details
This is your last chance to handle anything you've been putting off. Don't let small details derail your session.
Week-Before Checklist:
Get haircuts scheduled if needed (but not the day before—allow time to grow in)
Check weather forecast for Potsdam and have a rain plan discussion with your photographer
Try on all outfits one final time to confirm fit and comfort
Iron or steam any wrinkled clothing
Prep any props (but keep them minimal—one or two meaningful items max)
Charge phone/camera if you want behind-the-scenes shots
Confirm babysitter if younger siblings aren't included in photos
DAY BEFORE YOUR SESSION
Last-Minute Preparation
Keep things calm. This isn't the day to deep clean the house, run twelve errands in Massena, or let kids stay up late.
Day-Before Checklist:
Check Potsdam weather one final time
Lay out everyone's complete outfit including shoes and accessories
Pack a session bag: snacks, water, wet wipes, tissues, brush/comb, safety pins
Fill your gas tank (especially if shooting in more remote St. Lawrence County areas)
Put session time in your phone with a 30-minute early reminder
Get kids to bed on time
Charge your phone
DAY OF YOUR SESSION
Morning/Afternoon of Photos
The goal is to arrive calm, fed, and on time. Rushing creates stress that shows in photos. Build in buffer time.
Session Day Checklist:
Start getting ready 15 minutes earlier than you think you need
Feed everyone a solid meal well before photos (not right before—bloating is real)
Get kids dressed last to minimize dirt and wrinkles
Leave house 10 minutes earlier than GPS says (you will hit something slow on Route 11)
Arrive 5-10 minutes early to settle nerves and scout the exact spot
Use the bathroom before meeting your photographer
Put phones on silent
Take a deep breath and remember: these photos capture your family as you are, not as Instagram perfect
Pro Tip - During the Session: Trust your photographer. They've done this in every St. Lawrence County weather condition imaginable. If they suggest a different spot at Ives Park or want to wait five minutes for better light, they have a reason. Your job is to interact with your family naturally and follow direction when given. The best family photos in Potsdam, Canton, and Massena happen when parents relax and let professionals do their job.
AFTER YOUR SESSION
What Happens Next
Most St. Lawrence County photographers will have a turnaround time of 2-4 weeks for edited photos. Some offer sneak peeks within a few days. Ask about their specific timeline and how you'll receive your images.
Post-Session Actions:
Send a thank you message to your photographer
Start thinking about how you'll use photos (holiday cards, wall prints, gifts)
When photos arrive, review them promptly and place print orders
Share your favorite images on social media and tag your photographer
Leave an honest review to help other Potsdam and St. Lawrence County families
Book next year's session if you found a photographer you love
SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY FAMILIES
Spring (April-May)
Mud season is real. Choose locations carefully—Heritage Park in Canton has paved areas that work well. Weather is highly unpredictable, so have flexible expectations. Spring green is brief but beautiful in Potsdam.
Summer (June-August)
Best for younger kids who can't handle cold. Bugs can be brutal near water locations along the Grasse River or St. Lawrence River. Evening sessions avoid harsh midday sun and reduce bug activity. Dress lighter than you think—July in Potsdam is humid.
Fall (September-October)
Peak demand season for good reason. Colors in St. Lawrence County are spectacular but brief. Book early. First two weeks of October are typically prime, but this shifts yearly. Weather is usually cooperative. Layer for temperature drops, especially at Massena waterfront locations.
Winter (November-March)
Underrated for family photos in Potsdam and Canton. Snow provides clean backgrounds. Shorter days mean tighter scheduling around good light. Dress warmly but keep outerwear removable. Sessions tend to be shorter due to cold. Works best with older kids who can tolerate discomfort briefly.
Ready to Schedule Your Family Photo Session?
Serving families throughout St. Lawrence County—Potsdam, Canton, Massena, and surrounding communities. Let's capture your family during your favorite North Country season. Contact JD Meyers Productions to check availability and discuss the perfect location for your session.