Then, for the photographer, there is a preparation list to ensure a successful photography shoot on location. Prior to the day of the session this can include the following:

• Scouting out potential locations based on the client's wish list.
• Revisiting known locations to ensure no changes or unforeseen issues (i.e. a park you've used multiple times over the years and finding out it is closed for the next 6 months for remodeling!)
• Walking the area to look for the general location with the best backgrounds and light and confirming the best time of day for this location for the session.  Bright, open areas are better in the late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky and is softer.  Shady or covered areas work better when there is more available light that can be reflected in under the shade. 
• Looking for areas that have natural seating and posing that can be utilized such as large rocks, fences, sloping terrain, or other architectural features that will add interest.
• If multiple families are being photographed such as in a generational photo shoot, get a list of each family and all the family members, names and ages to plan the session and various poses to be potentially utilized. 

Now that these basics are determined, day of the session preparations can include (and these vary by session and by photographer): 

• Reviewing all the session planning, especially the names of the people being photographed.
• Pack up equipment needed for the session:  main camera, backup camera, charged camera batteries and memory cards, tripod, off camera lights, light stands, light modifiers, charged batteries, portable posing seating (stools, ladders, posing blocks, etc). reflector and anything else needed for the specific location.  
• Wagon or similar wheeled item to haul the equipment from the car to the specific location.