5 Tips For a Successful Family Photo Session
Booking a family photo session can be intimidating - especially if you’ve never had professional photos taken or it’s been awhile. Today I’m excited to share with you my top 5 tips you can use to prepare so that you can have your own successful family photo session! Take these and use them - I guarantee they will have you looking forward to your upcoming photoshoot instead of dreading it.
As you scroll please enjoy some photos from one of my family photo sessions this fall. They did an amazing job being themselves and in the moment with each other and it shows! Also, I can’t get over how adorable their four girls are - just look at those smiles.
Tip #1: communication with your photographer is key
One thing that is so important is making sure there is an open form of communication with your chosen photographer. From inquiry to gallery delivery, your photographer should be in constant communication with you about expectations, helpful tips and advice, and so much more. It also doesn’t hurt for you to reach out with any questions, concerns or expectations you have - actually it’s welcome! The more we as photographers know about what you want the better your experience and photos will be!
When I first book a client, I immediately send out a questionnaire, as well as a prep guide and style guide. The questionnaire is designed to help me get to know you, your family and what your expectations are. I know it might seem like just another thing to do, but filling this out is crucial and should take less than 10 minutes to fill out. The prep and style guides are designed to help inform you of my entire process and what to expect, as well as helpful tips for choosing your wardrobe.
I also like to let my families know there is an open invitation for phone calls, FaceTiming (very helpful for outfit selection questions) as well as texts and emails so that you feel ready for the big day when it arrives.
Tip #2: Plan out your wardrobe - don’t wait until the last minute
There’s nothing more stressful than realizing you have nothing to wear a day before your scheduled photos. In order to ensure a successful family photo session, I recommend planning out everyone’s outfits (and having them on hand) at least a week in advance. Moms - I always recommend you choose what you want to wear first, and plan everyone else’s outfits accordingly. Make sure to choose clothing that you feel beautiful and confident in as it will show through in your photos! I love helping choose color schemes and outfits for my families and I provide a mood board upon request - it helps being able to visualize what your outfits and photoshoot will look like.
Check out this blog for information on what to wear for spring/cherry blossom photos, and this one for what to wear for summer lavender field photos. Though these are location/season specific, the same general rules apply when planning outfits for any season/location. Some of my favorite shops for purchasing clothing for photo sessions are: Baltic Born, Joyfolie, Gap, Old Navy and Little Bird Boutique (local here in Newberg, Oregon).
Tip #3: Prepare your kids ahead of time
When I say this I really mean let your kids know they’re going to have fun taking some photos with your new friend (insert photographer name), but don’t make it a big deal. And as important as it is to prepare them, it’s equally as important not to over-prepare them. You don’t need to practice smiles or how they are going to act ahead of time - I actually prefer you don’t do that. Just have them come prepared to play, give lots of snuggles and explore. I 100% would rather them act themselves and get natural smiles and expressions than be scared, stiff and intimidated when they arrive!
Tip #4: Come prepared
It’s important that you come prepared when you arrive for your photo session. If you have young children, bringing some snacks or comfort objects such as a favorite stuffed animal or toy is always a good idea. Having low expectations is also important - kids will get messy, act up, and not stand still when you ask them to and that’s perfectly ok! Knowing this can happen is a great way to prepare yourself for when it does actually happen - you will still get amazing photos and be less stressed in the process.
One other tip that usually works wonders - having your family (yourself included) well fed, rested and relaxed before you arrive is very helpful in achieving the goal to have a successful family photo session. And planning to do something fun as a family (play a game, go for a walk) before the photo session is a great way to lighten the mood.
Tip #5: Be yourself
As a family photographer, my goal is to capture authentic, real-life moments. In my experience those moments make for the best photos, and the only way to achieve that is to just relax and be yourself! Let your family be themselves as well and see their personalities shine through in your photos. During your session we take breaks as needed if someone is having a rough time, and I work with you to make sure everyone is comfortable and able to make the most of the time we have together.
are you interested in booking your own family photo session?
Contact me for package pricing and more details - I would love to hear from you!
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