The stress of an upcoming family photo session feels inevitable…. what to wear, possible child meltdowns, a less-than-excited spouse… but it does not have to be! The less stress the parents have heading into the session, the better the session! Here are my tried-and-true tips for a successful family photo session. I have been using these tips for the past 9 years and they have helped so many families not only have a great photo session, but have tons of fun in the process.
1) Get your outfits ready first
The thing that brings me the most anxiety for my own family’s photo sessions is picking out all of our outfits. Want to know how to make this step a thousand times easier? Choose your outfit first Mom! The first priority with wardrobe is making you look and feel your best! So think of the outfit you feel the best in and consider how it can be modified for the photo shoot. Maxi dresses look great on everyone, but tight fitting jeans and a flowy top are also very flattering. Once Mom’s outfit is chosen, the rest of the family wears clothing with complementary colors and patterns. Working with me as your Family Photographer, I help you with this process by providing you with a detailed wardrobe guide with links to specific outfits!
2) Start prepping the kids
I love talking to my own boys about upcoming important events well in advance. It helps to explain who they’re going to meet, what it is going to be like, and how much fun it will be! Keep the description very light-hearted. We do not want any anxiety building in the kids. Prepped kids (and husbands) make for a smooth session!
3) Brainstorm props or mementos to bring
For maternity sessions, a sonogram photo is a popular option. If a pregnancy announcement is involved, a small sign announcing “Party of…” is always a hit. But some other often-not-considered ideas are…. any loveys or special items that your children cherish? As long as you don’t think it will hurt your child’s cooperation, getting a shot or two with your child and his/her lovey is a nice way to capture those little details of your child. If there are any family quilts that you love, bringing them is also special.
4) Pack your go bag
I supply each of my clients with a prep guide and I end it with stressing to bring kids well-fed…. BUT as we all know, kids are never ending snack machines. At least mine are. So a bag with small, not messy, snacks and water, or milk for the babies, goes a long way. You can even consider an extra outfit for the little ones in that bag because messes (of all varieties) sometimes happen, right!
5) Bribing
Bribing is A-OK when it comes to photo sessions! BUT… the key is to not mention it until the session! Because then all of a sudden the whole session turns into a performance from the kid. They are gunning for that bribe from minute one and that is not what we want!! We bring out the bribe only if needed during the session.
6) Let go of expectations
And my favorite tip when it comes to family photo sessions? Completely let go of any and all expectations. Kids can sense when you are not happy with them…. and you know what? It just exacerbates whatever is happening! Kids will be kids. I want them to be themselves. When my boys were toddlers, they never cooperated for photos. Now that they’re a bit older, a promise of a bribe or an unhappy look from me is enough to get them engaged again. (The magic age is 4 by the way…. complete turnaround!) Your kids will be just how they are meant to be for the session. If you set the bar too high, you will almost certainly go home disappointed. I have worked with hundreds of kids and have tricks up my sleeves.
I hope these tips help you prepare for your next photo session! I give all my clients with a prep guide and wardrobe guide for all sessions with me! If you are interested in learning more about family photo sessions, check out more information here or reach out to me here! I would love to chat with you!
