Getting Ready for your Family Portrait Session
Hey!!
First of all, I am so glad you have booked a photo shoot with me, and I’m looking forward to capturing you & your loved ones in a way that feels authentic and genuine to you.
The process of creating those images starts now, before we ever even get in front of the camera. The prep & info beforehand will set you up to have a successful, enjoyable photo shoot experience.
Alongside this guide, your email included a link to advice on What to Wear. I also offer a complimentary styling consultation with every shoot, but the guide will teach you how to think about dressing for photos as well.
You can also expect a questionnaire in the following couple weeks, which not only helps me get to know you better (and thus capture you more accurately) - it’s also a space where you can share your feelings, hopes & expectations for the shoot so we are on the same page before our session rolls around.
Please read through this page to the bottom, I promise it’s not lengthy, but all of this information will prepare you to have a wonderful photo session!
My Top 4 Family Photo Session Tips & Tricks:
- Wear what makes you feel good. These are YOUR family photos - no one else’s. Don’t feel like you need to dress in the latest trend, or adopt a new style for your photo shoot. Wear the things that make you happy & authentic, because when you look back on these images in the years to come, you want to recognize your life as you experienced it - clothes and all! And remember, you get a complimentary styling session with your shoot, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you wanna work with our in-house stylist.
- Set Expectations with Your Kids. Kids can struggle with new experiences or transitions. It’s totally normal!! The best way to prepare your kids for a smooth photo shoot is to prepare them beforehand. Talk through what is going to happen, have a countdown, for young kids: do a “practice” shoot with your iPhone in your living room etc. If you want to give an incentive for afterwards, that can work well too! Going out to dinner as a family or stopping for a candy at the store can help them stay engaged in the session.
- Leave the Electronics. As tempting as it is to bring those tablets to help occupy busy kids when they aren’t in the picture, I’ve found that electronics really pull kids out of the moment & then it’s harder than ever to re-engage. I recommend leaving all electronics at home.
- Bring a snack! As long as it’s not messy, feel free to bring a snack to have part way through the session. This can help, especially if we are shooting around a meal time! I don’t recommend sugar because that sugar crash is no fun during photos (although afterwards, a treat is a great reward!)
That’s it! As always, if you have any questions at all please don’t hesitate to email me. I also have a lot more info on my Family Page on my website HERE.