Family photos can be stressful! Trust me, I've been there. Arranging the photographer, finding the time, coordinating outfits for the whole family and praying that the kids don't have epic meltdowns and all the money you've spent goes to waste. I get it. Here I'm providing a few tips to help ease that stress and hopefully help the process run a little smoother.
Tip #1 Know what to expect. I send all of my clients a link to a page on my website upon booking so they can get a better idea of what to expect at my sessions. If your photographer doesn't maybe shoot them an email and get a bit of a rundown, find out how long it will be, and a little more about the location and what they expect of you guys.
Tip #2 Rested babes and full tummies. Because I try to schedule most of my sessions around that beautiful golden hour light, sometimes (especially in the summer when that sunset is a bit later) kiddos can be a bit tired or hungry. I always suggest giving them a (clean) snack right before the photos so that they're not hangery. If your children are still in the napping age, I'd also suggest trying to put them down a bit later so they're refreshed and ready for photos.
Tip # 3 Make it fun!! Turn it into a bit of a fun family event. Maybe with a treat or picnic after your photos are all done. I always try and do this with my own children when we're getting our photos done and I feel like it makes a huge difference. If they see mom and dad stressing and complaining about having to do family photos then of course they're going to think its some boring, annoying chore and not what it SHOULD be... something fun! An adventure with your family that you will have beautiful photos to document. Build that excitement up!
Tip #4 Outfits. The big "what should we wear?" question. I always encourage mom to wear something she feels beautiful in. Often as mamas we put everyone else first, this seems to apply to outfit choices as well. Moms tend to find beautiful coordinating outfits for the family and then are left wondering what they should wear and in a stressful panic the day of the photos. When I'm getting my family's photos done this is what I do: I pick something I feel good in (I LOVE a good flowy dress, the movement looks amazing in photos) and then choose coordinating outfits for the family. My kids look adorable in anything and Dads usually aren't super hard on themselves like mamas can be.
As far as what I suggest?
I like solid colours, black, white, tan, blush, and blues in the spring and summer, olives, rusts, yellows, burgundy and navy all look amazing in the fall. I also would suggest trying to steer clear of logos or cartoon prints on your clothing since they can be very distracting. Ultimately if you feel good, you'll look good and it won't make or break your photos what you're wearing, so try not to stress about it too much. What really matters is that genuine connection you have with your loved ones.
Tip #5 Don't sweat the small stuff. Kids are kids and don't always cooperate exactly as we had pictured. I feel like with my own children I get better results when they know in advance what we're doing and what to expect. Tell them you're meeting with a friend to take some fun pictures of your family. Maybe show them my photos so they feel a little more comfortable with me. Start hyping up the photoshoot in advance, talk about their fun outfits and how adorable they look (kids love compliments just like adults!) Talk about what you're going to do after they finish photos, (our last family session my daughter was looking forward to a cookie after our photos), and just overall how fun it will be. In the photos I love to take no one needs to be looking at the camera and giving the big cheese smile. I love capturing the connection you have with your littles, so just relax and have fun with them and I promise you won't be disappointed.
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