1. DON’T WAIT TILL LAST MINUTE, GIVE YOURSELF TIME…
Thinking ahead about outfits, poses, locations etc will help make your experience at your family shoot much less stressful. This will help me capture more real moments because everyone will hopefully be relaxed. Yes, things are going to go wrong, you will be stuck at a train that makes you late, your little boy throws a tantrum right before you have to leave, maybe you wake up with a lovely pimple or maybe it’s just been a long week. Whether it is big or small something will happen, there is going to be something whether it’s big or small that will happen. No matter what it is I want you to repeat after me, “It’s gonna be ok, stop worrying”. We will make it all work out just fine and most things can be avoided with a little pre-planning. I like to send plenty of communication emails in preparation for your shoot because it helps in the end to create a fun, memorable experience and helps create the images that will take your breath away!
2. DON’T BE AFRAID OF CREATING YOUR VISION
There are plenty of resources at our disposal now to help create the vision and feel of the type of session you would like to have. There is nothing wrong with using Pinterest or Instagram to find photos that have the feeling and look you are hoping for. You are welcome to check out my website HERE and my Pinterest Family Inspiration board HERE. Just remember that its ok to have a vision but ultimately we will be capturing your family and the moments of your family. We won’t be re-creating images exactly but it does help give you an idea of the type of photos, interactions, poses etc that you like.
3. DRESS SO EVERYONE CAN BE THEMSELVES
Outfits are probably the number one stressful part of family photos. I always say the first priority is to choose outfits that help you and your family be themselves. Sometimes it’s a little bit more dressed up version of themselves but avoid clothes that are stiff or that make your kids grumpy. Be aware of our location and footwear. Heels up in the mountains might be difficult, or perhaps you want to be able to bend down and hug your sweet littles but your skirt is short so that won’t work. The more your family and you can be yourselves, the more fun we will have at our shoot because truly it’s about capturing the memories and the moments of your families life right now. Laying out all your clothes, accessories, jewelry etc the night before can really help save some stress the next day as well!
4. KIDS WILL BE KIDS
Capturing the fun, silliness of children is one of my favorite parts of family shoots. I know sometimes we want them to stand still and smile perfectly at the camera but I promise those silly moments where they are being their fun selves will be some treasured photographs. For the most part, it’s ok to let your kids be who they are. The most important thing, whether your child is behaving perfectly or throwing a tantrum, is to stay calm and don’t worry I will be there to help you with this. Sometimes kids just need a second or a mini break to be able to get back to the session. If your kids do certain fun things together often, interactions that show their relationship, even if it’s putting each other in a headlock, as much as you will probably want to correct that action, them being them and showing the relationship the way it naturally is will be moments you can look back on and smile 10 years from now.
5. HAVE FUN WITH YOUR FAMILY
Don’t be afraid to pick up your children and toss them in the air, or give them a kiss on the cheek, or whisper something you know will make them laugh. Don’t be afraid to give your husband a sweet hug or to give you wife a sweet kiss on the forehead. Even telling your husband how much you love him and appreciate him being there for your family. Basically, have fun, laugh, giggle, joke, embrace, kiss, tickle, snuggle, play. Doing these things will allow me to capture the emotion and true beauty of your family. I love to see who you really are, right now, together.
6. NOT EVERYONE HAS TO BE LOOKING AT THE CAMERA
The best photographs are often the ones where everyone is engaged or interacting with each other. Understand that not every picture needs to have everyone looking at the camera and smiling at the same time. We will be sure to get some of those traditional posed shots as well, but if you are engaged as a family and loving on each other, your eyes will be on your family members and your smile will be natural. These are photographs that you will cherish most because they depict your families connection and story.
7. BE RESTED AND FED
It helps so much if your family members were able to go to bed at a good time the night before. Obviously sometimes this isn’t possible but when everyone is well rested from the night before or from their naps, it helps everyones mood to stay positive. Also, don’t show up to a photo shoot on an empty stomach. I meet many families who come to a photo session with dinner scheduled at the end. If this is your plan, be sure to give everyone a healthy snack before the photo shoot.
8. WHEN THE DAY COMES, NO MORE PLANNING, ONLY RELAX AND HAVE FUN
I promise I will be with you every step of the way in planning your family session. Sure it might be a little stressful, you might worry as you plan now. BUT once we are at the shoot, let all the worries and the stress fall away and just have fun. Laugh, be silly, have fun and let me help you show off the beautiful love, connection, story and relationship in your family.
Loved all this info? Book a session with me and I’ll help you get ready!
