3 Tips for a stress free family photo session
You did your research, found a photographer you love and booked a family photography session. Now all that is left is to get your family ready to go. You want to make sure that you have a fun and memorable time during your photography session, but there are so many things to worry about! A session that is meant to be fun time for you and family can quickly become stressful, without a little planning. I understand how important your family session is so I want to help you with some steps to avoid any unnecessary stress.
1. Plan Ahead
Get ready for the session in advance: Plan your outfits at least a week in advance—don’t wait until the day before or the day of the session to decide what everyone is going to wear. The day of your session, you want to start your day feeling relaxed and prepared, so plan these details out as early as possible.
Include your kids in planning: Before the session, let kids know that you will all be getting together with a family friend that will be taking pictures of them. This way seeing a person with a camera won’t be a complete surprise. Get them interested in the whole process by involving them in getting ready. Show them the outfits that you’ve selected for the session. Or better yet, get them involved in picking which outfits they will wear (after you have given them some parameters to follow, of course).
Make sure everyone is well rested and fed: On the day of your session, to get the most out of the session, pleas make sure everyone is well rested and fed. Kids (as well as adults) do so much better when they have had a chance to rest, have had their snacks and are hydrated. Just in case someone needs its, I recommend bringing dry, non-messy snacks along so everyone’s faces stay clean during the session.
2. What to Wear
Color Selection: Coordinate your outfits by finding a color palette you love and finding pieces that compliment one another. Choose 2-3 main colors, and maybe one accent pop of color. Neutrals are always a great idea and a great place to start. Feel free to start with neutral colors like white, gray and cream. Then add pops of color that speak to you as a family. Avoid neon and fluroscent colors, greens and all black. Avoid large graphics, logos or writing. Avoid small stripes or dots, as they may warp in camera.
Be Comfortable: Wear clothes that are fashionable, yet still functional for the location. Keep in mind we'll be moving around! I always recommend starting with mom. For mom, find an outfit that most flatters you and makes you feel beautiful. This could be jeans and your favorite blouse, or it could be a dress that allows you to bend down with the littles and move freely. Once you’ve done that, gather outfits for the rest of your family what will compliment your outfit. If you’re buying new clothes, make sure you purchase clothes that fit, and fit well. When you’re wearing properly fitting clothes, it looks more flattering and looks more put together. Baggy clothes, especially on kids, do not look good. Another important tip, don’t forget about your shoes. Shoes are a very important part of your wardrobe, even for boys and men. While you want to be comfortable, for your shoes, stay away from character themed shoes, athletic shoes, and bulky soles and rather closed toed shoes that compliment your outfit. Avoid running shoes, flip flops, and slides.
Be You: Remember, have fun with it. You want your family’s personality to shine through! So wear something that feels like you, that you feel great in.
3. Have Fun!
The most important tip is to just have fun! Remember, your session is meant to be a fun time that just happens to be taking place with someone with a camera. Don’t distract yourself with the constant thought of “Do I look good? Are the kids smiling? Will these photos come out okay?” The answer is, “Yes, you look great and so does everyone else!” You should focus more on having fun during your session and enjoying a wonderful time. Your session is about capturing this special time in your life and all of the joyful emotions around it. With a little pre-planning, you and your family are going to have a great time - and your pictures will look great too!
I would love to work with your family to document your story! If you are interested in creating memories together click on the button below to contact me!
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