Let’s get real for a second: family photo sessions aren’t always full of sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes dad doesn’t even want to be there, and your hair looks frizzy, and the outfits don’t really even look good together. Sometimes it feels like a complete disaster. But I have great news! You can actually prevent so many of the things that turn family photo sessions into stress machines!
Creating family heirlooms shouldn’t make you lose sleep at night. With just a little bit of additional planning, you can practically guarantee a family photo session that is enjoyable…even fun! So, check out my top six tips gathered across years and years of experience as a family photographer, and prepare for your next family session with excitement, confidence, and joy!
1. IMAGINE YOUR IDEAL SESSION
Your family is unlike any other, complete with its own personality, likes, and dislikes. With that in mind, what works well for another family may not be ideal for you. What one family considers a fun time might be your family’s worst nightmare. And depending on where you hope to display your images, the style you’re looking for can vary from photo session to photo session.
With all that in mind, the very first step toward genuinely enjoying your family photo session is to imagine what a perfect session would look like for your family. Would you prefer something adventurous or cozy? Will your kids enjoy racing through wildflowers, or would they rather snuggle up with mom and dad? Write down some of the qualities of your ideal family session, and then let’s create a perfect experience to match!
2. CREATE A MOOD BOARD
Once you’ve nailed down some of the hallmarks of your family’s perfect photo session, we will create a mood board together that encapsulates those traits. We will select everything from the perfect color palette to the ideal location. Yep, even if your session is happening in or around your own home! By solidifying the vibe for the session, we will create cohesive, beautiful images effortlessly. It will ensure we are on the same page as I location scout, not to mention give you some guidance as you choose outfits for the session.
3. PLAN YOUR WARDROBE IN ADVANCE
Then, with your location, colors, and session mood in mind, you can start to choose outfits for the session! I recommend opting for pieces that are classic, logo-less, and with minimal-to-no patterns. This will give your images a timelessness that makes them look as good in 50 years as they will next month! Solid colors within the same tones [Check out this PINTEREST BOARD that is full of drool worth color combinations] are often the best way to go, but let’s all agree to avoid the matchy-matchy look, alright? For example, instead of buying the same blue shirt for everyone in the family, consider spreading outfits across the cool color spectrum by incorporating purples, greens, and some neutrals. And if you’re unsure which outfits to choose, I’m always ready to give you a hand!
4. BOOK HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTISTS
Avoid the morning-of-photo-session stress by hitting the salon instead of trying to do your own hair and makeup. This makes your photo session into a fun, pampering experience while ensuring you’ll look amazing in the photos, too. And nothing makes a little one more excited for a photo session then joining in with mom on a pre-session hair, makeup, and nail adventure!
5. GET YOUR WHOLE FAMILY EXCITED
Yes, even dad. Or perhaps especially dad! If he’s reluctant, unhappy, or complaining about taking photos, your kids will follow his lead. I promise your family photo session will be fun, but arriving with an upbeat attitude is vital. And if one of your children isn’t feeling it, try presenting your session as an exciting family adventure or just an extension of playtime in slightly nicer clothes.
6. LET THE KIDDOS BE IN CHARGE
Believe it or not, the super-secret sauce that makes a family photo session incredible is to let the kids rule the session. If they want to go for a walk, let’s go for a walk! If they don’t want to sit still and smile, let’s play a game instead! The more fun they have during our session, the wider their smiles will be in the final photos. And, at the end of the day, isn’t that the most important goal? By ensuring your little ones have a fun time, you’ll have memories from your session that you’ll adore as much as the images we take!
Follow these six tips, and you’re well on your way toward the family photo session of your dreams! And if you decide to book with me, I’ll be with you every step of the way to troubleshoot any new issues that arise! I hope these tips help give you the confidence to book a family photo session and that I get to capture a chapter in your family’s story soon!
