What to wear, prepare, and how to keep the family happy!
Family photos are an amazing way to celebrate what makes your family so unique and capture happy memories. But for some parents, the thought of taking family photos can sound more stressful than enjoyable.
Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way! With a skilled, experienced family photographer behind the lens and a bit of thoughtful preparation, it can be a great experience that rewards you gorgeous photos. As your family portrait photographer, I’ll provide you with beautiful family portraits that capture all of the friendship, fun, and love in your family unit. (And I’ll help your kids have fun while doing it!)
Four Steps for a stress free photo session with your kids
As any parent knows, making sure your kids cooperate and behave for hours at a time is no easy task! Family photo sessions can seem a bit daunting. But with some preparation and a lot of patience, your family photo session can be an enjoyable experience for the entire family. Here’s how you can make sure your photo session is stress-free.
- Prep your kids in advance
Tell your kids about the photoshoot well ahead of time. Tell them what to expect. Let them know how much you’re looking forward to it and why your family is doing it. If you’re excited, they’ll definitely catch your enthusiasm!
- Let them be involved
Include your children in the planning process. Ask them what colors they think the family should wear. Help them pick out an outfit, when children feel involved, they’re much more willing to participate.
- Bring Backup
We will keep the shoot short and sharp, but make sure you’re well prepared for the photoshoot. Bring along a change of clothes, snacks for your child etc. That way, even if the unexpected happens, you’ll be ready for it!
- Make it fun!
Make photoshoot day a special occasion. Bring along snacks and toys to keep their energy up. Plan on doing something fun after the session so they look forward to the outing all day.
Clothing: Tips on what to wear
When it comes to family portraits, one of the most common questions we get is, “What should we wear?” It’s a tricky decision! Since these photos will last a lifetime, you want to make sure your entire family looks as good as possible. But at the same time, you also want them to look like themselves — not wearing stuffy clothes that make them feel uncomfortable. We always recommend wearing clothing that makes you feel and look your best, which can be different for every person. Here are a few other wardrobe suggestions that photograph beautifully.
Wear coordinating (not matching) outfits
Make sure your outfits coordinate well with one another. Stick to a color palette of one or two colors. Matching outfits can look a little dated — coordinated outfits look harmonious and pretty. To make sure all of your outfits go well together, try laying out everyone’s photoshoot outfits together the day before. Your encouraged to bring a few different outfits- for example a more ‘casual’ set and a more ‘smart’ set too. We can discuss on the day what you’d like to be photographed in.
I like to find inspiration for my shoots online and happy for you to share with me any images that you have found and love. Don’t hesitate to send me by WhatsApp or Email any images that you love. Check out my Pinterest Board for inspiration too, but don’t worry too much, I have you covered – we will work together to capture the best side of you all.
Let your kids have a say
Ask your children what they’d like to wear. Asking their opinions will help to make sure they feel comfortable and involved. (Just make sure they know their picks are subject to your final approval — otherwise, you might have a little Spiderman in your family portraits!)
A few don’t’s
While what you decide to wear is ultimately up to you and your family, there are a few things that tend not to photograph well.
• Patterns: One or two family members wearing a pattern is OK, but too many patterns tend to clash and draw too much attention.
• Large logos: Graphic tees tend to distract from the most important part of the photo — your beautiful faces
Timing is Important!
Timing is always important to consider when it comes to photography, especially when children are involved. Timing can be the difference between a frustrating session and an enjoyable, memorable photoshoot. So when is the best time to have your family photo session?
After a meal
Make sure children (and adults!) are well-fed before the photoshoot. If they’re hungry, they might start to get a little antsy and cranky. If you’re planning on going to dinner after the photoshoot, give your kids a snack before the session and pack along a few extra snacks just in case.
Whenever your kids are well rested
Nothing makes kids grouchy and uncooperative like being tired. Be sure that your family photoshoot doesn’t interrupt any of your kids’ naptime or bedtime routines.
Outdoor Shooting
The best time for natural lighting is during the ‘golden hour’; either two hours before sunset or two hours after sunrise. However, if neither of those times is ideal we can shoot beautiful photos at any time of day. No matter the season, just be sure to plan accordingly. Bring plenty of layers if it’s cold outside, and wear breathable fabrics if it’s warm.
After your shoot
After the shoot, we will book you in for a Reveal Session. During this Reveal Session, I will show you your best photographs. Sometimes this part is best left to the adults. It can take up to one and a half hours to view all and carefully select your images, and generally this is too long for little ones.
As part of your portrait package, you’ll be able to choose your favourite and I will deliver it complimentary printed and matted on archival quality paper, ready to frame. You’ll be able to choose and purchase additional photographs at that time. They start at £150 ala carte and collections of 6 or more start at £900. I offer beautiful products to store and display your new photographs, including Folio Boxes and Wall Art. You will also get a digital version of each and every image you order.
Let me know if you have any questions. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon for your photo session!
