How To prepare for Family Photo Session

Hello Friend!

So , you’ve done the research, considered the cost and made the exciting choice to document your family in a unique and authentic way!

Great!

And then you realize you have to get your family prepare too. Where do you even begin?

Here are five of my best tips!

• Kids Will Be Kids -Let them!

Remember that your kids are just kids! Trust me when I tell you, I have seen it all -shy kids, wild kids, hyperactive kids, kids who literally run from camera. Guess what? We still get images you love.

As you prepare for family photos , remember your little have minds of their own. We might try something for a bit and discover it’s not working. That’s okay! We will move on to something else.

It will be great if you share with me an idea or two that will be sure to surprise and delight your little one.

• Keep It Light

This is the most important point and key to a good photo session- Your goal should be to have fun. Kids feed off your mood, so you want to keep the session as low stress as possible.

Commit to yourself that you’re going to have a great time with your kids during the shoot. Let that joy lift everyone’s spirits throughout the session.

• Let Your Photographer Take The Lead

I get it… You know your kids better than anyone else. You know what makes them smile or giggle. However, this is one occasion where you need to let the photographer work with your kids to encourage them into happy, engaged portraits.

Step back and allow the photographer to naturally interact and talk with your children. This will result in natural, gorgeous smiles. Help capture the true essence of your child’s personality, by talking with and coaxing out these smiles naturally and easily.

• Don’t Let Yourself Feel Rushed

By far, the easier way to prepare for family session is to give yourself plenty of time to get ready.

Please arrive on time.This will ensure everyone is relaxed when the shoot commences, and we make the most of the time we have.

Please, make sure your kids are rested and pack everything you need hours in advance.

Do not show up to a photo session an empty stomach. I meet many families who come to a photo session with dinner scheduled at the end. If this is your plan, be sure to give everyone a healthy snack before the photo shoot. Also is great idea to bring a treat/water for your kids on location. Just remember: Super-sticky treats, or rewards that stain cloths and/or skin, should be avoided until after the session.

• Get Dad on Board

I can usually tell as well as the kids feeling it when a Dad is a little less then enthused about being in family session. I get it! Dressing up, wrangling your kids into cooperating. None of it is high on your list of ways to spend the weekend. So talk to your spouse and ask them to put their game – face on and Lets have fun!