For families, a photo session with everyone together is a memorable experience. Not only will it produce photographs to hang on the wall or rest on the mantle, the event itself can be a time to let loose and have fun with loved ones. It’s vital that every member of your family is rearing and ready to have their portraits taken the day of the photo shoot. Below, we will discuss some of the ways you can prepare your family for the session so there aren’t any mishaps or unhappy participants!
Inform Your Kids
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Once you book the photo session, start talking to your children about what to expect. Express the importance of smiling and being happy during the time of the photo shoot. Make sure the children understand they need to listen and follow the directions given by the photographer. Portray the entire session as a fun way to spend time with each other, because that’s what you want to capture!
Seek Inspiration
Though your photographer will be able to guide your family through the portrait session, you may want to have your own ideas. Look at different poses on Pinterest and photography websites. Save any shots you especially like to your smartphone to show the photographer the day of the session. Also, consider any props you may want to include, such as a board game your family loves or maybe a favorite stuffed toy or blanket that has become one with your kiddo!
Coordinate Clothing
Everyone in the portraits should have matching clothing – not exact, but close. All outfits should be in the same style, whether it be casual attire or something more formal. Make sure none of the color choices clash with one another. Varying shades of one or two colors that work well together is usually the way to go for a family portrait session.
Choose Comfortable Outfits
The worst thing for your child during a photo session is having clothing that feels too itchy or tight. It’s really hard for them to be happy and give genuine smiles when all they want to do is change clothes. Opt for breathable cotton for most kids, since it will keep them cool and is comfortable to wear for an hour or two. Also, refer to the weather forecast for the day of your session so you are dressed appropriately.
Get Haircuts in Advance
Getting a haircut is harsh on the ends of your locks, so you want to make sure you update your ‘do at least one week before your photo session. This gives your hair time to recover from the “shock” of the cut – appearing more natural and not so fresh in the portraits. Also, make sure you don’t do anything too drastic that will be hard to style the day of your session. Don’t add any extra stress!
Schedule the Session Around Naps
If you have young children that usually nap during the day, never schedule a family portrait session during this time. If possible, book the shoot for an hour after your child wakes up. That way, she will be refreshed and ready to smile, while also having time to get her ready before the photos.
Eat Before the Photos
You certainly don’t want a hungry child in your photos – there’s no way you can get smiles when tummies are growling! Make sure to feed the whole family before your photo session. Allow time to change into portrait clothing after the meal, so you aren’t rushed. Also, you don’t want to risk anyone getting a stain on their cute photo outfit!
Have Fun!
Above all, you want to make sure the family photo session is fun and enjoyable for everyone. Getting candid shots with real smiles will be better than the stuffy, forced grins any day! Avoid being overly strict with how your child sits or the way his hair falls. Just relax and let your photographer capture the natural beauty of your family!
Choose a Quality Photographer
It’s essential that you choose an experienced photographer to capture your family during the portrait session. You don’t want to trust just anyone with a camera to take the right photographs of your family. It needs to be someone used to working with families and children.
With over 30 years of professional photography experience, Donald Chambers’ passion is working with families to capture genuine moments between loved ones. His black and white classic shots are just as amazing as his bold color portraits. Donald also has a very impressive line of previous clients, including celebrity Steve Harvey.
During a photo session, you have Donald’s camera as long as you need it. You also get a quick review of your portraits after the shoot to ensure he adequately captured your family’s authenticity.
*Is your family preparing to do a photo session? Have you had successful photo sessions in the past? What are your tips? Tell me in the comments. I always love to hear from my readers!
