5 Tips for a Successful Family Photography Experience
So You’ve booked a session, Here’s some tips for ensuring things go as smoothly as possible!
PLAN YOUR OUTFITS AHEAD OF TIME!
You don’t want to be running to the store the morning of your shoot, because Timmy has grown 6 inches since the last time he wore his good pants. I also recommend picking Mum’s outfit first - She’s most likely to be the one who picks everybody else’s outfits first and then hate everything she has left in the closet and end up wearing something that she’s not comfortable in. By picking Mum’s outfit first she’ll be in something that she LOVES and is comfortable in, and then coordinating everyone else around her can be easy! Lay all the outfits on the floor or bed together to make sure they all go together and look “right” and that no one person sticks out more than the others and make sure everyone’s outfits fit them too!
Get everyone involved!
In my experience, if kids are a part of the planning process they’ll be more willing to participate (and excited to do so too!) If you involve them in the planning, asking their opinion on clothing choices, locations and what they would like to do in the pictures makes them feel like a helper and not just like this photoshoot is something that is being forced on them. During the shoot I always ask kids to help me in some way, either asking for their opinions or things we could do to make mum and dad laugh. When they feel like they’re a part of the process it generally goes much smoother!
Get a good nights sleep
Make sure everyone has a good night’s sleep and plenty of water the day before your shoot. this will help your skin to look fresh and clear! I’ve got the ability to photoshop out bags under the eyes, but my gosh having a good nights sleep can make the world of difference!
Make sure you eat!
I am guilty of becoming a hangry monster when I haven’t had enough to eat, and I know I’m not the only one! Make sure everyone has had enough food to avoid an unnecessary meltdowns (from kids and adults) and bring snacks for during the shoot - even if you don’t think it’s necessary!
Don’t sweat the small stuff!
Sometimes kids just do not want to cooperate, but you know what, that’s okay! It’s my preference to let kids be kids, cause you know what no one wants in their family portraits, is anyone throwing a tantrum! It’s easier to sway them to be a part of the group if they haven’t been told off in front of the whole family. Same goes for before the shoot when getting ready! It makes my job a million times harder if you’ve spent an hour beforehand fighting a child who just wants to wear their Bluey tshirt instead of the outfit you’ve picked for them. Let them wear the Bluey shirt, bring the other one, and we’ll make it their idea to change!
If you want to book in a chat about your own portrait session then head to my booking page!