Five Tips for a Fabulous Family Photo Session
Five Tips for a Fabulous Family Photo Session
If you’re anything like me, you’re pretty busy and even in the midst of a pandemic feel time speeding by. You know you WANT a family photo session, but are a little overwhelmed at the thought of planning it. Questions like when to book, what to wear and getting the family (from dad right on down to the family dog) camera ready are circling in your mind. I know you have these thoughts because, guess what? When I’m thinking about family photos of my OWN crew, I DO, TOO! But between my own family sessions and preparing hundreds of families in and around Ridgefield for theirs, I’ve come up with five top tips for a fabulous family photo sesh:
1. Pick the right photographer. How do you know you’ve picked the right photographer? A few things to consider – do his/her pictures make you stop in your tracks? Do they make you feel something? If so, listen up. Emotional reactions to photographs are special and don’t happen every day. If something really pulls you in, you’re connecting with it. But you don’t want to simply connect to the photographs. You want to connect with the photographer. Does she make you feel at ease? Is she responsive? Does she come to the table with great ideas on locations? Is she making you feel like you are in good hands? If so, this is a great fit.
2. Perfect your “look” first, then worry about the rest of the family. As a fellow mom, I get it – we are usually last in line on the family preparation train. You have kids’ outfits all ironed and hung with care, down to the accessories and itty-bitty shoes. But in the case of family photos, I say PUT YOURSELF FIRST. Find what YOU feel best in and build the family’s photo style from there. If you’re feeling jeans, a cozy sweater and boots – take that vibe and carry it through to your partner and kids. If a photo session finally gives you a reason to wear that long, flowy dress that’s been hanging in your closet since pre-COVID, ROCK THAT FROCK, and dress everyone else accordingly. If one of you is wearing a print, I recommend everyone else choosing solids that complement it, rather than overwhelm. And above all, whatever you choose, Mama, be YOU. Be comfortable in whatever you pick. The lens will notice that you’re relaxed, and that glow will shine through. And we all know when Mama’s happy, EVERYONE is happy.
3. Bribery will get you everywhere. If you have a finicky partner, or tiny tots (or teens!), who would rather be anywhere but at the family photo session, I recommend dangling a little carrot to sweeten the deal. What, exactly, do I mean by that? Well, you know your family best, but I always recommend everyone is well fed before the session to curb any possible “hanger” that could ensue. I also like to tell my clients to keep their kiddos off electronics about an hour before the session, since nobody likes a device taken away abruptly. However, you could always entice your kiddos with extra Robux, or additional screen time for good behavior. Or have them pick a favorite spot for a nice dinner out or an ice cream cone after the photos are done.
4. Make like a traveler and prepare for any kind of weather. Layers are your friend. They’ll help keep you and your family warm if an unexpected chill comes through and can be easily removed if someone gets too hot.
5. Know that I expect the unexpected. I don’t expect your kids to look at the camera and smile like little models. I don’t expect everyone to be in great spirits for the full session. Mamas, it’s my job to roll with the punches and make everyone comfortable. The number one thing that helps me do that is if you roll with the punches and know I will make it work. Kids really pick up on the energy in the room (or the park, ha!) and when moms and dads are tense, they know. If you take it in stride, they will come around. Every.single.time.