Family photos don’t have to be stressful! Check out these 5 tips for a smooth family photo session to help yours go better than planned!
Your little ones are growing by leaps and bounds and you want to document these big changes with your family’s annual photography session. I absolutely understand how much thought and preparation (and a little bit of worry) goes into these sessions. You’ve found a photographer you love, chosen the perfect location, and put together a beautifully coordinated wardrobe, but you’re still worried about whether your little one will have one of her blow out tantrums, or if your oldest will actually smile.
After 10 years of photographing families, I’m sharing some of the dos and don’ts that will ensure that we can document the joy and connection in your family to give you the photographs that will melt your heart for years to come. I hope you find these 5 tips for a smooth family photo session to be helpful!
My goal is to give you an hour with your family where you’re interacting and connecting authentically. Think of it as family time – not photo time.
My number 1 tip for a smooth family photo session is to not plan a “photo session” but instead plan an adventure! Choose a location that facilitates active play like a beach or a field with wildflowers. And as you prepare your family and talk to your children (and husband!) about what you’ll be doing, bill it as a family outing vs a photo session. Tell them you’re excited to explore with them and can’t wait to show them the beach, or castle, or field that you’ve chosen. Of course, tell them that your friend, Becca, will be there with her camera to create photographs, but the main event should be your family enjoying the evening together.
Of course, we’ll get a photograph of your family smiling and looking at the camera, but we’ll spend most of our time together with you playing with your little ones. I’ll lead you into spaces that have flattering light and will gently guide you with some prompts if necessary to help you feel comfortable. Most importantly, just relax and enjoy being with your family. Rather than directing your children to smile at the camera, engage them in an activity that will elicit authentic smiles. And if there are some tears or shyness – that’s ok!! I promise that photographs of your little ones seeking comfort in your arms will be beautiful!
Nobody’s happy when somebody’s hangry. Feed those babies and husbands before we meet up and everyone will be in good moods and ready to play! We’ll only be on site together for about an hour, and we want to use every bit of that time to play and explore. I’d avoid bringing snacks out during your actual session. Not only does this take away valuable time, but often, if a little one is feeling shy or hesitant, they’ll use snacks as a diversion, and you definitely don’t want that Puffs container in your photographs!
We all know that getting a family out the door and anywhere on time can be a challenge. The last thing you want is to have tension in the car ride. You’ll be frustrated, husband will be grumpy, and the little ones will feel the stress. It’s very hard to overcome that and switch to a genuinely happy, playful attitude when you arrive.
My best advice is to add plenty of buffer time along the way. If I suggest a 4:30 arrival, just pretend I said 4:00 and plan your entire day around that. Even if you end up arriving early, this is such a better position to be in than rushing out the door and giving each other the silent treatment in the car.
Every family has a different philosophy with screens in the car, but I’m sure you’re familiar with the meltdown that occurs when you take away a toy or screen from your child. My recommendation is to avoid giving out screens in the car ride to your session so you can make the transition from car to outside a little easier. Same for toys (unless you’re ok with the toy being in your photographs). This is a great time to have a family sing-a-long, listen to a podcast, have someone read a book, etc. Make the car ride fun, but plan for the transition.
You know how a massive blow-out or projectile vomit happens at the worst possible time, every time? Just play it safe and plan to dress the little ones on site. Of course, add in some time for this, but better to be safe than sorry.
I would love to help you document your own family’s story. If you would like more information about a session with me, I’d love to invite you to send a little note my way here.
Did you know my studio wardrobe is available to all of my clients? I know how challenging it can be to find pieces that you love for an ever-changing body. My studio wardrobe is a well-curated collection of boutique and designer dresses for both new and expectant mothers. I also have beautiful options for children up to around age 2. You can read more about my studio wardrobe here and see a gallery of dresses available to you here.
Oct 12, 2024
Becca is an award-winning maternity, family, and couples destination photographer serving destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and The United States including Germany, Iceland, France, Italy, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Greece, Morocco and anywhere your heart desires. She offers a maternity wardrobe, styling assistance, and bespoke packages.
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