Tips for How to Prepare for a Family Photo Shoot
Your big day is about to arrive, and while it is up to the photographer to create a beautiful image, you can help by being prepared and looking your best.
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your family session…
Get your family excited before the photoshoot
In the lead up to your session, try to build up the excitement with your family. You might plan aspects of the session with them, or talk to them about the fun activity that you’ll do. You might get them excited about where you’ll be going—whether it’s your stoop, the park down the block from you, or somewhere you’ve never been before.
Your kids should know beforehand that there will be a photographer taking pictures, but how you tell them depends on your family. Some families have lots of fun with the idea of someone taking their pictures and are able to use being photographed as an excuse to get extra creative as if they were putting on a play for an audience. Other families might want to focus more on what they’ll be doing with each other in order to build a natural and relaxed energy where they forget the photographer is there. So adjust the narrative depending on the type of family you are.
Another idea that some families we know have enjoyed is to spend time before the shoot looking at your own family pictures and telling stories of when you were young. You can use this as a way to show how important and fun it can be to have pictures that are the basis for how we remember and talk about who we are.
Choose outfits that express who you are
When thinking about what to wear, the key point is to do you. Look at your outfits as an opportunity to wear something fun, silly, hip, fancy—whatever gets you excited while keeping you comfortable. The more each member of your family is able to express themselves in the way they want to, the better your pictures are likely to be. And on that topic, avoid forcing your kids, your spouse, or yourself to wear something you/they don’t want. It’ll show in the pictures. Finally, check out Stylish & Hip Kids Pinterest boards if you want some inspiration.
- Choose comfortable clothes
- Choose the style (here’s more about that)
- Plan mom’s outfit first (the most difficult outfit)
- Avoid distracting outfits (loud colors, large logos, fine patterns)
Make sure everybody is well-rested and well fed
This may seem obvious, but it’s worth saying. We want everybody happy and two key elements of that are sleep and food. And on the topic of food, you should bring snacks. We can stop along the way, take a rest, and eat a snack to charge up energy. Just make sure that whatever you bring isn’t going to be messy. You also might want to avoid things like lollipops that turn kids’ tongues blue—unless you’re into that.
Bring items that will get your kids excited
You might want to choose an item or two to bring that your kids will be excited to have or show off during the session. This might be a favorite stuffed animal, balloons, or bubbles, or you could bring a scooter or skateboard. We can incorporate these into the pictures and use them to help everybody have fun. Just make sure that you’re not weighing yourselves down with things you won’t want to carry on whatever route we’ve planned for the shoot and avoid things that siblings might fight over.
List of popular props: cuddly toys, favorite books, toy camera, ballet shoes, boxing gloves, woven basket, musical instrument, bike/skateboard, soap bubbles, balloons, crayons, lollipops, hats, sunglasses
Be yourselves and have fun
This is the most important point and key to a good photo session—your goal should be to have fun. All the previous tips build up to this one. Don’t stress about poses, what to do with your hands, or whether kids have that perfect Hallmark smile. And remember, one of the most important parts of our job as your photographer is to help you feel at ease and generate a fun vibe.
One other thing we’d add: while every family is different, we’ve noticed that often when parents try to bribe their kids during the session it doesn’t work. Not saying we haven’t done it with our own kids, but if you’re waving a cookie at your kid trying to get them to smile, you’re probably not in the space you want. If you want, you can build in a reward in the form of a fun/special activity that you’ll do after the session—like going to your favorite ice cream joint—so it’s a package deal, a fun day that includes several stages.
And one final note: Sometimes awesome kids just aren’t into it (or let’s be real, sometimes awesome spouses too). It happens to us all. If we all show up and it clearly just doesn’t jive, we can reschedule.
Extra clothes
Accidents can happen. Tumbles into mud puddles, spit-ups, and other spills can turn a photo-ready outfit into a bit of a disaster. It’s always a good idea to have extra clothes for your smaller children and babies. You can even use these clothes for a second “look” if you’d like a variety of looks.
Plan your time well
Make sure to leave extra time for yourself in the day if you plan on getting your hair and makeup done. Schedule time for everyone to get dressed. The less rushed you are the more relaxed you will feel coming to your session.
Hydrate!
Bring plenty of reusable water bottles not only for the children but for parents too! My main priority is to keep the whole family hydrated and safe during the session because Jacksonville’s weather can heat up unpredictably, and we strive to be prepared. Make sure to encourage your kids to drink water before and during the session, and along those lines, always try to have a bathroom break before the family photo session begins!
Prepare your home for an in-home photography session
Of course, some parents stress out about having a photography session in their home. It’s too messy! It’s not Pinterest-worthy! It’s too small! The lighting stinks! But I am here to help you through all of that…keep reading for tips to help you prepare your home for an in-home photography session.
Clearing clutter in your home is a good thing. Having out elements that tell your story is a good thing, but piles and piles of old mail will help detract from it. The same goes for piles and piles of laundry…and piles and piles of anything. Hide clutter as best you can! I recommend putting away your children’s toys soon before I get there. If your little kids take some of them back out, just go with the flow. No need to get on edge or put them on edge before I arrive.
Deep cleaning of your home is not necessary for your photo session. I will not judge you if your carpet doesn’t have the lines of a freshly vacuumed floor. If you can’t clean anything before I get there, it is totally okay.
When I photograph you and your family, I am primarily watching the light and how it hits your face. After that, I am scanning the setting behind you so that it looks as minimal as possible. This means that if you didn’t have time to prepare your home, I do my best to photograph in ways that minimize clutter. I may make suggestions that we should move something while I am there so that your photos look even better. So please don’t stress about the condition of your home when it comes to an in-home family photography session!
Guide to maternity
Get as creative and personal as you want! In the years to come, you’ll want to remember little things about your pregnancy, so why not incorporate them into the photos as well? If there are any particular items that have stories behind the pregnancy, bring them to the session and have them photographed with you. It could be the ultrasound images, cute baby shoes or onesies, or even decorative props such as balloons or chalkboards.
Moisturize your skin. Pregnancy often causes dry skin, and it will show in the photos. So don’t forget to apply moisturizing lotion before the session, and re-apply if needed in between shots.
Bring a change of clothes and shoes. If you want to wear heels for part of the session make sure you bring flats or sandals so that when we transition locations it’s easy for you to walk. If you plan on a beach session I always recommend bringing a change of clothes so you don’t have to stay in sand-covered clothes afterward.
Prep Your Hands. Get a manicure and shine up your wedding rings in the days leading up to your photoshoot date. Your hands will be photographed in detail while cradling your belly, so you’ll want them to look neat and fresh. Neutral nail polish is typically the right choice so that your bump, not your nails, takes center stage.
Take a deep breath. I know, it’s cheesy. But if you’re feeling stressed about your maternity photoshoot, know that it’s normal! You’re about to enter into a whole new season of life, so you are totally validated in feeling stressed. Just know that at your maternity session, I’ll follow your lead. Need a break? Great. Need to sit for a while? Been there, I understand.
I hope these tips help soothe your uncertainties and I can’t wait to see you soon!
FAQ
I know there is a lot to read here, but this will help you know what you are getting into.
HOW DO YOU SEND THE IMAGES?
I send the finished images through an online gallery, you can download them onto your phone/computer one at a time or as a whole. It’s also super easy to share the gallery with your family & friends, just send them the link, and boom — it’s done! You can even share the PIN with them and let them download their own faves.
WHATE TYPE OF CAMERA/EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
In my work I use one of the best full-frame digital cameras in the world — Sony α7R III with an Incredibly multifunctional lens Sony FE 24−70mm f/2.8 GM
WILL YOU MAKE ME GLAD I PICKED YOU?
Everything I do is client-centered.
I know that might not sound very “artist-like, ” but it is the core of what I do. I exist to create images that show off the beauty of this wonderful, messy, brilliant thing called LIFE.