How to prepare for a family portrait session

Family Portrait Sessions are so much fun! And with some easy preparation the pictures taken during these sessions will show the true beauty and emotions that are your family. Here are seven things you can do to help make your photo session a success:

#1 Plan ahead 

This will save you from arriving stressed and flustered for your portraits. When a family shows up to a family session rushed and disorganized, it sets the tone for a rushed and disorganized session. Been there done that on both ends. So here is a game plan:

• Plan what to wear and finalize your outfits at least 3 days before the shoot
• In the three days before the shoot make sure the outfits are cleaned and if needed ironed.
• The day of the shoot plan time for everyone to get ready. Leave plenty of time for showers, baths, dressing, and doing the hair. 
• I encourage my moms not to forget about themselves. Treat yourself to a salon visit the day before or of the pictures. It will make you feel pretty and confident.

#2 Prepare the kids

Tell your kids about the up coming photo session. Let them know what to expect, how long it might take and why you are doing it. Create some excitement around the session and brainstorm ideas of things you can bring or poses you can do during the session. Let them know that it will be fun and they have the opportunity to play and run around. This is also the time to set expectations. Give them an incentive to cooperate during the photo shoot: Be good and we will go for ice cream afterwards, or offer another activity they love to do as a reward.

#3 Ensure everyone is rested and fed

This is true for children and adults. Get the kids down for a nap and make sure the adults get enough beauty sleep the night before. And let’s prevent the “hangry” feeling. So, sleep lots and bring snacks! Which leads us to the next topic…

#4 What to bring to your Family Photo Session?!

• Snacks
  Bring some snacks. Things like fruit snacks, goldfish, water, and maybe a treat. Small bribes often will work wonders to motivate an uncooperative little one or get a few more minutes of their attention. I once had a session with a toddler that was just not feeling it. Once animal crackers enter the stage the toddler was highly motivated,  played,  had a blast and we were able to capture all the tickles, giggles and laughter. 
  A word of caution. Choose your snacks wisely. Avoid chocolate for the obvious mess factor, but also items like suckers which can lead to unsightly lip colors. And we don’t want anybody getting upset because we have to take the sucker away to take the picture.
•  Back up cloths 
  Mishaps happen. Spilled food, mud puddles, potty accidents, you name it. Bring a set of back up cloths just in case. Lets be rather safe than sorry.
•  Furry friends
  Does your family have a furry family member? Pets are family and deserve to be in the picture as well. I myself have Newfoundland dog by the name of Athena and she is around me whenever possible, our family portraits included. With me your pets are always welcomed at your Family Photo Sessions. Just let me know ahead of time that you are bringing them. I have a written a whole blog post about this topic. If you missed it check it out right here for more helpful tips …

• Bring an activity 
• During my sessions I try to capture a good balance of posed and lifestyle pictures. Activities help keeping your hands and feet busy and they engage the little ones. When you are engaged in doing something that you love to do together as a family, it gives me the opportunity to take some beautiful and authentic photographs. So how about bringing some bubbles that the little ones can chase? Or do you love to read together? Bring some books! Ballgames, piggy back rides, singing, picnics, the ideas are endless. 

#5 Prepare for the weather

My biggest goal is to ensure that everyone is comfortable. And nothing makes that harder than when you are too cold or too hot. 

In the cold
Let’s prevent blue lips, dripping noses and chattering teeth. Dress in layers rather than bulky jackets, it will keeps you warm and add interest to you outfits. Scarfs and knitted hats can add texture and color. Consider bringing some disposable hand warmers. They work wonders in pockets and even shoes. 

When it is warm
When planning your outfits check the temperatures for the day of the Family Photo Session. Think texture over layers to avoid sweating. Lace, fringe, beading or tulle all are ways to add texture and visual interest to your outfits with adding layers. Light, flowy fabric works for temperature control and will look awesome, adding some movement to the picture while flowing in the late afternoon breeze. And don’t forget to put on some sunblock to prevent sunburns. 
 

#6 Have fun with your family.

I want to see who you really are as a family, so that I have the opportunity to capture your love through my lens. So please don’t be afraid to pick up your children and toss them in the air. Give your wife a sweet kiss on the check. Tell your husband how much you love him and appreciate him for being there for your family. Have fun! Interact as if I was not there and I will capture the emotion and true beauty of your family. 

#7 Cheese is for crackers.

Dear parents, please leave the “cheese” at home. Cheese is for crackers. 

In my experience it is counterproductive if somebody is standing next to the camera or behind the photographer asking the little ones to look at the camera and say “cheese”. I know it is well intended, but more frequently it results in rather unnatural and strained faces. I prefer to interact with your children. It will allow me to capture the true essence of your child’s personality by talking with and coaxing out those smiles naturally and easily. The best way to help is for you to write me some lines about your children. Send me an email a few days prior to the session and share their personality, let me know what they like in food, name of their friends, favorite activities and characters. And I promise you will love the results.

With these straight forward tips preparing for your Family Portrait Session will be a breeze. Let me know in the comments below if this was helpful. And maybe you have other tips that have been helpful for your family in the past. Please feel free to share. I can’t wait to love on your family and leave you with beautiful artwork you will love.