Scout the arboretum ahead of time if you can. Look for spots with clean, uncluttered backgrounds, enough distance between the family and the background for better blur, and areas where random visitors won’t walk through the frame. Also check the arboretum’s photography rules before the session—some places restrict or license commercial shoots and may have rules about group size or where you can shoot.

For portraits, lighting matters most. If you’re using artificial light, aim for flattering key/fill/background separation where possible; if you have strobes, use them thoughtfully. Good subject placement and keeping the group well in front of the background will help the photos look more professional.

Lens choice also matters: avoid very wide perspectives for tighter portraits because they can distort faces. Your 50mm f/1.8 is a strong option for individual portraits, and longer focal lengths can also be flattering if you have enough room. In general, focus on flattering light, clean backgrounds, and subject separation.