Preparing for a Family Photo Shoot

FIVE QUICK TIPS FOR A STRESS-FREE FAMILY SHOOT!

Doing a little bit of planning can save you a bunch of hassle and hair-pulling the day of your shoot! Look over my quick tips to make for a fun and easy day for your family photoshoot!

TIP #1: ​COORDINATING YOUR LOOK

Please don't do this to your family

Planning ahead can save a lot of panic and stress. Is the clothing comfortable and attractive? Does it fit well, move well? And this might be almost the most important...are the kids loving what they are wearing? We don't want them itching, pulling at their clothes and...well, uncomfortable. Playing and having fun is our #1 goal!

Also put some thought into this question: What do your dream family photos look like?  If they are soft and elegant?  Solid neutral colors with flowing fabrics…. think creams, very soft pastels, oatmeals, light browns, tans, grays, and slate blues.  Want to showcase the fun and spunky side of your family?  Choose coordinating colors (but not matchy, matchy) with bold accent colors, such as hues of gray with yellow or bright red accents.  Don't forget to add fun accessories like scarves, headbands, hats, etc. can add a funky twist to your images.​

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TIP #2:  BE WELL RESTED AND WELL FED

A full belly is a happy belly, so please 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. Also, be certain not to schedule your photo session around your child’s nap or bedtime.  The best time for lighting is the two hours before sunset and after sunrise.  If this is a bad time for your children, please let me know. Good photographers will be able to shoot at any time of day by utilizing areas of open shade that will give your skin a beautiful hue and put a sparkle in your eyes.  

TIP #3: LEAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO GET READY

Making sure you have plenty of time to relax and get ready before your photoshoot (see snacking and napping, above) is essential! Play music, iron that super cute outfit, strike some silly poses in the mirror. Preparing in the weeks prior can also help relieve stress the day of. Schedule haircuts approximately two weeks out. Brows and nails should be shaped up ahead of time. Dad, trim that facial hair or shave yo' face. Mom, getting a facial or doing an exfoliating treatment on your skin a few days out will ensure that makeup looks flawless. If you want to relieve the stress of makeup application, scheduling a makeup artist is always an option (just ask me-I know some amazing ones!).   

TIP #4 HAVE FUN WITH YOUR FAMILY

I’ve found that often parents will tell their kids “you need to be good and smile” before a photo session. For many kids that puts too much pressure on them to “perform”. I usually prepare my parents by getting them to tell their kids this instead:

We’re going to the park to take some photos. It will be a lot of fun.

That’s it! No expectations other than fun.
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Getting silly is OK. Not everyone has to be looking at the camera and smiling at the same time. Candid smiles and laughter make the BEST photos, and ones you will treasure. Don't be afraid to show me who you really are. Save the stiff posed smiles for your Aunt Fran at the family reunion. Ok...and one more thing...DADS...this is not a visit to the dentist. Kiss your wife, tickle your kids. Have a great time. You'll love the results.

TIP #5: BRING AN ACTIVITY THAT YOUR FAMILY ENJOYS DOING TOGETHER

Bring some props-books you enjoy reading, toys the kids enjoy playing with...or we can brainstorm beforehand about an activity that you enjoy doing together. Maybe it's music or golf or heck...I dunno, frisbee. Whatever it is, we can let the kids have at it for a while!