A family photo session is a great investment, and I want to make sure that everything goes well during your session. Below is a comprehensive checklist that will help walk you through every step of the process, and help you feel more confident during your session.
Things To Do Prior To Your Session
- Plan your outfits. Don’t wait to the day of, make sure you plan your outfits in advance. I would typically start thinking about outfits at least a week in advance. Feel free to text me photos of your choices if you are having a hard time choosing your outfits.
- Prepare the kids. In the days leading up to the photoshoot, reference the upcoming photoshoot and keep the attitude playful. Try telling them that they will be “going to the park to play!” and that they will be “hanging out with our friend Stian on Saturday!”. Keep it lighthearted and casual. As someone with a camera shy child, this usually helps.
- Personalize your session. Think about specific props, mementos or any special types of images you want captured. Families usually bring special stuffed animals, personalized quilts, etc.
How to Dress for Your Session
- Dress for the weather. Not only do we want to ensure everyone is comfortable, but if you are doing a family photoshoot for your Christmas cards, you may not want to wear shorts.
- Do not wear matching clothes. Instead wear colors that complement each other on the color palette. Earth tones and neutral colors generally work well.
- No tennis shoes, T-shirts, or shirts with big logos or writing on them. Also be mindful about busy patterns on your clothing.
- Comfortable shoes and clothes you can move in. During a photoshoot, we will be moving around a lot; from constantly bending over to walking. Be prepared to move around!
- Medium or long dresses. This is personal preference, but instead of pants; medium to long dresses generally photograph more flatteringly, and short dresses may raise challenges when we photograph you in seated positions.
- Yes to accessories! Bowties, hats, flower headbands, suspenders, scarves, and hair bows all bring both personality and interest to the images and help them stand apart from other photos.
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What to Bring to Your Photo Session
- Touchup items. Any personal appearance touchup item including a hairbrush, extra hairties or bows, lipstick, or other makeup articles.
- Snacks or other items to bribe children with. I find it best to leave these as a surprise (don’t tell the kids about them). Make sure whatever snack you bring does not stain lips, fingers or outfits!
- A change of clothes for kiddos in case they get muddy or otherwise dirty.
What to Expect During Photoshoot
- Relax, slow down, and don’t force it! Don’t feel pressured to make everything perfect. Just be present with your family and I will make sure everything else comes naturally.
- No need to say “Cheese”! We’re trying to capture natural interactions and unposed moments. No need to force your family or kids into fake smiles
- Stand close together. The closer the better
- Not everyone need to look at the camera. As we go through the photoshoot, you are not always going to want to be looking at the camera. We want you to interact with each other.
- Expect me to move around a lot! Variety is key, and I want to ensure we get more great shots of you and your family.
What to Expect After Your Photoshoot
We’ve finished the photoshoot, you can get back into your comfy sweatpants and put your feet up.
After your session I will work hard behind the scenes to cull the images (filter out people blinking, duplicates, and so on). Your gallery is typically ready within 2 weeks
Lastly, the most important step; ENJOY YOUR PHOTOS! I have found the best way to enjoy photos is through printing them and enjoying them on your wall at home or in the office every single day. I can’t wait to help you capture beautiful, timeless memories with your family!
As you are preparing for your family photo session, feel free to come back to this post as often as you’d like to make sure you feel as prepared as possible!
Not yet booked your family photo session? Contact me today here!
