Having a professional family photo session is a great way to create memories for a lifetime. A family session can be a fun and playful time for you and your kids, but the thought of it and planning for family photos can also be stressful, especially when it comes to getting everyone dressed and ready to go. Check out these tips for taking the stress out of your family photo session.
Talk to your kids.
The best way to prepare your children for a photo session is to tell them what to expect. Help them understand the importance of following the photographer’s directions and smiling when asked. That said, don’t stress too much about this. Kids will be kids and in photoshoots they can be unpredictable. Don’t worry about it! My sessions are always laid back and fun. I’ve found over the years that it’s best to just go with the flow. Leave the photography to me and I promise we’ll get some great images. After all, you want to capture your family enjoying spending time together!
Pick out your outfits early.
You may not want every member of your family to match perfectly, but you don’t want the colors in their clothes to clash. Try to choose outfits for each of you that coordinate—similar styles and all in the same color palette. Plus, having your outfits chosen in advance will save you time on the day of the session. “What do we wear?” is one of the most common questions I hear from my clients before the shoot. The truth is, anything can work but click here for a few simple tips on what will really make your photos stand out and be amazing.
Make sure everyone is comfortable.
Even if you have visions of your kids dressed in their Sunday best, it’s more important that they’re comfortable. If your children are in overly warm or restrictive clothes, they’re more likely to become irritable and less likely to smile for photos. With younger kids, a change of clothes can be a good incentive. So if you choose outfits that they don’t particularly want to wear, let them know that for the 2nd part of the shoot they can wear clothes they really love. Everyone wins!
Work around naptime—and get plenty of rest.
If your kids take a nap during the day, try to schedule your photo session after that time, so everyone will be refreshed. If you need to book a time that isn’t available on my online calendar, just give me a call and I’ll work with you to fiund a good time for everyone.
Above all—have fun!
Do your best to relax and have fun with your family during your photo session. Candid shots with genuine smiles are better than forced grins and will better capture your family’s personalities. Don’t worry too much about the little things and just enjoy being with your children and capturing memories!