Holding a professional family photo session is a splendid way to create cherished memories for a lifetime. A family session can be a fun and delightful time for you and your family. However, it can also be stressful, especially when it comes to getting everyone dressed and prepared to go. Check out my top tips for taking some stress out of your family photo session.
1. Talk to your kids before the photo session.
The best way to prepare your children for a photo session is to explain to them what to expect. Kids rarely like a surprise photoshoot, but knowing ahead of time can help them prepare internally. Give them some control over the decisions made. For example, you select some outfits within a color palette of your choice, and then let them choose their favorite option. Make it a “finals” round.
Attempt to help them see how fun the session can be. If your session will be outdoors, let them know they will get to hunt for rocks or pick flowers after they’ve followed the photographer’s directions.
Teenagers may get excited about the promise of a fun dinner afterward or a trip to their favorite store. Little ones may look forward to a reward of ice cream afterward. You know your kids best. Plan according to their specific needs!
Explain that they don’t have to smile the whole time. Occasionally, I ask for a posed smile and other moments I want to capture them interacting with the family.
It’s important to stay positive, even if something doesn’t go as planned on the day of the session. Your attitude will ultimately affect theirs. After all, you want to enjoy the session too!
2. Choose your outfits early.
Rather than matching perfectly, you’ll want your family’s clothes to complement each other and not clash. Try to choose outfits for each of you that coordinate similar styles and all in the same color palette. Stick with mostly solids and some faint or simple patterns. Consider well-matched accessories and shoes. Plus, having your outfits chosen in advance will save you time on the day of the session.
Not sure where to start with choosing outfits? We’ll discuss it at your consultation! I love helping clients select their clothes and narrow down their style, along with color palettes. I can be as hands-on as needed. Let’s chat!
3. Comfort is key.
Even if you have visions of your kids dressed in their Sunday best, it’s more important that they are comfortable. If your children are in overly warm or restrictive clothes, they are more likely to become irritable and less likely to smile and have fun. Have them try their outfits on ahead of time to make sure they are a good fit (size-wise and for comfort level). Keep the weather in mind as well.
4. Consider naptime and get plenty of rest.
Yes, we want to choose a time with gorgeous light, but we also need to consider naptimes. If your kids take a nap during the day, it’s important to schedule your photo session after that time, so everyone will be refreshed.
Some families prefer scheduling sessions just before sunrise if their children are early risers. Also, make sure that you’re well-rested too! You’ll be able to handle small stresses better if you get a good night’s sleep the night before your session.
5. Snacks
Snacks are often the secret element to success. The appeal of a snack during a session can completely turn a bad moment around! Packing some of their favorites can be done days ahead of time and don’t have to be on the to-do list on the day of. Choose snacks like gummies that won’t melt in their hands or on their clothes but that can be discreet and chewed quickly. Then wait for my cue. I’ll let you know when to pull them out!
6. Fun location for your family photo session
Consider the environment best suited for your family when choosing a location. A new park with beautiful scenery is even better when it might interest your kiddos and keep their attention. I’ll capture them exploring the area while interacting with you. Plus, it may serve as their treat after the shoot. Take them to play when they’re done!
7. Backups and changes
If you have a member or two in the family that tends to get messy, it’s best to bring a change of clothes for them. Pack a small bag to take along on the shoot. Another option is to change them into their final outfits in the car right before the session begins. You can’t have too many backups. It takes some extra prep time, but it’s worth the effort in the long run.
8. Baby wipes
Baby wipes are one of those life-saving items every family session should have on hand.
Missed some chocolate sauce on your little one’s ear? Baby wipes! Snot spills over? Baby wipes! A trip and a fall and dirt on the knees? You guessed it… baby wipes. Although, Photoshop helps too. Baby wipes are there to save the day each and every time.
9. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Photo sessions should be a time for laughing and connecting. Your photographer should be the director. So, relax and hand over those reins! Sometimes things move quickly and other times kids need a little time to warm up. Soak up the moments and just enjoy your time together. Your photographer will look out for noses that need to be wiped and spark connective moments between you and your family.
Wild moments yield joy! Embrace the crazy. As your photographer, I’m your guide. I’ll use storytelling and prompts to help capture the unique moments that form as you spend time together in front of my lens.
Suggested list for the day of the shoot:
- appropriate snacks
- change of clothes
- baby wipes
- bottle of water
- small mirror
- tissues
- brush or comb
- dryer sheet (for emergency static)
Have fun at your family photo session!
Do your best to relax and enjoy your moments with your people during your family photo session. Candid shots with genuine smiles are often my favorites, as well as my clients’. I love nothing better than capturing your connection and documenting all the ups and downs.
Try not to worry about the details and just soak up the experience. Repeat those words to yourself often on the day of the session to remind yourself of your ultimate goal… to make amazing, wild memories with those you love.
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