Tips for Preparing for your Family Photoshoot

Looking to make the most of your family photo session? The following are a few tips to help you prepare.

Choose What to Wear in Advance

Deciding what to wear for your family photo session can be one of the most time consuming but also important aspects of preparing for your session. Choose your outfits ahead of time and ensure all family members have their full outfits planned from shoes to accessories. Lay outfits together on a bed or hang side by side on hangers to make sure no articles of clothing overpower the rest. Have children try on their clothing in advance - knowing they will be comfortable and that clothes fit properly is key. If you have an early spring or late fall session think about bringing layers to keep children warm. Jean jackets, knitted beanies, leggings or tights offer an extra layer of warmth but still look great in photos. Read more about What To Wear for family photos.

Consider the Details

Before heading to your photo session, consider the details that may show up in your photos. Remove chipped fingernail polish, temporary tattoos, hair bands from wrists, and distracting or bulky watches. Although these are small details, giving a little extra attention to these elements will leave you with more polished family photos.

Sessions are full of play, so be sure clothing will accommodate movement. Skirts that are too short or tight could make it difficult to sit and snuggle with your child. A low cut shirt could leave you fussing with its arrangement rather than connecting with your family. Shoes should be comfortable for walking in fields or tall grass. Select footwear that is comfortable and classic. Consider adding tights or fitted shorts under dresses or skirts so children can climb, jump, twirl and swing.

Do Not Over-Schedule the Day of your Photoshoot

Families are busier than ever with after school activities and weekend sports. Children who are tired, hungry, or overstimulated often aren’t in the best mood at family photo sessions. The day of your session consider opting out of extra activities. Rushing from one thing to the next puts everyone on edge and may even cause you to be late to your photo session. Plan to get ready and arrive a few minutes early so everyone has time to make final adjustments and feels relaxed. Be sure family members are well fed, either having dinner beforehand or a healthy snack if dinner is planned for after. Low blood sugar does not look good on anyone!

Remember, Cheese is for Crackers

Please… leave the “cheese” at home. We have all grown accustomed to telling our children to smile, asking them to say cheese and insisting young children look at the camera. However, this will result in stressed out children, strained, unnatural, and even unflattering photographs. I will always do my best to get a few photos of everyone looking at the camera, however, the most endearing and cherished family photos are those where family members are connecting with one another, showing authentic and genuine emotion. As the photographer I come with tricks up my sleeve, games to play, and when all else fails I simply interact and talk with children to bring out true expressions. Check out how to create beautiful connection in your photos.

Travel Lightly for your Family Photo Session

Remember your family photo session is only one hour and typically doesn’t require you to bring anything other than a set of keys for your car and possibly your cell phone. Extra items are usually just a distraction.

During a session we will explore several different areas within your location. Juggling water bottles and toys can be difficult as we move from place to place and causes candid shots in between to be cluttered with items you weren’t intending to be photographed. Removing distractions creates a carefree and connected feeling during your photo session.

If you have a young child who insists on a toy or you know someone will need a snack, bring a simple shoulder bag to carry everything in. This will keep all items corralled and even allows me to carry your items if I am shooting as we move from one spot to the next.

One item I DO recommend bringing is a blanket if your family will not feel comfortable sitting directly in the grass. When choosing a blanket, bring something lightweight and easy to carry. Consider your blanket as another article of clothing that can mix with the color palette you have selected for your clothes. Neutrals such as cream, beige, and grey usually blend in well.

Lastly, come to your session ready to connect with your family. You chose to have your family’s photos taken, which means you want to preserve your family as it is right now. The biggest tip of all is to relax and have fun to capture beautiful connection and genuine candid moments!

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