Family sessions can be very nerve wracking for families especially with small children. I love getting to work with families of all ages and sizes! Whether they have 1 or 10 children, they can be A LOT of fun if there is a good plan in place. To help you navigate your family photo session, I’ve put together my top 5 tips for family photo shoot success. When you book your session, you’ll also receive a style guide and session prep that will help you feel prepared for your session. You’ll also get access to www.styleandselect.com to help you find & coordinate your family’s attire with a few clicks!
This sweet family featured here was visiting the Southwest Florida Area in July of 2021. When Kayla reached out to me we decided on Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, Florida. I captured her adorable family on at 7:30 in the morning! It’s early but we decided on this time for a few reasons.
1. July in Florida can be unpredictable with our afternoon and evening storms. Early morning gives us a better chance of dry weather.
2. Kids generally have a better disposition in the morning. Summer sessions, are typically on the later side to keep close with sunset. This can put you session start time close to or past bed-time. You know where I am going with this?
On to the tips!
Tip 1: Prep your clothing choices well in advance.
I use Style & Select (www.style&select.com) to help take the coordination pressure off your plate. You’ll receive your code after booking. This website allows you to see your outfits in advance before purchasing. It’s awesome! It’s also great tool as a jumping off point if you wish to purchase else where. Once you get your clothing; check the fit, steam or iron and then put them in a safe spot until your shoot. This will help build the excitement for your kids because those outfits are special and a treat for them to wear, so they are excited to have pictures then.
Tip 2: Prep Positively
I get it, you may be worried about your children’s behavior. The debate is should you prep your kids ahead of time. My answer is yes and no. You want to prep them in a way that it’s going to be a fun experience. Showing them pictures of me and describing me in a positive way will make my first interaction so much easier. For example: “Ms. Heather is so excited to take our pictures” “I told her how sweet and fun you are” “She can’t wait to meet you” “She has a little girl just like you” are some examples that can be used. Only use what applies of course.
If your child does not look at the camera or toward me, that is ok. I LOVE candid type shots and sometimes that requires kids to not look at the camera. There is no need to reprimand when they are not “looking directly at the camera.” Not all children connect with looking down the center of a lens.
Tip 3: Prep Your Bellies
You know those classic Snicker’s commercials about “You’re not you when you’re hungry.” This couldn’t be truer for all members of the family! Hungry children are unhappy children. When a dad is hungry the man child comes out and no one wants that during their session. So, depending on your session’s time be sure you have a full meal or a large snack. Plan for a trip to get ice cream or a special treat afterwards. Also, if they still nap, make sure they get their full nap on the day of the shoot. Treat your shoot like the first day of school, everyone is dressed nicely, well fed and well rested.
Tip 4: Take a Deep Breath and Trust your Photographer
During a family shoot we are constantly moving and changing things up. There are lots of opportunity for your children to take breaks. We capture every combination of the family dynamic as possible. Children communicate to us adults in different ways, so as soon as I see they need a break we may go to a new spot or change up who’s turn it is in front of the camera. Bonus tip! If possible, bring a friend or babysitter to watch young children when it’s not their turn or if it’s just mom and dad’s turn.
Tip 5: Pack Back-Up Clothes
Bringing a second outfit or layers for everyone is always a great idea! Either because you want a second look for your shoot or just a precaution in case clothing gets stained or wet during the shoot. If you have a beach session, having two pairs of bottoms is helpful because they will undoubtedly get wet as soon as they close to the water. No one wants a soggy bottom.
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