As a family photographer of over 7 years, I can tell you that I’ve had my fair share of successful family portrait sessions. However, I’ve also experienced the opposite where it felt like nothing could go right.
While I always do my best to prepare myself and my clients ahead of time on what to expect, I want to share some of my best advice for preparing for a family portrait session that you may not have heard before!
When it comes to photography, the little details really matter. So with that in mind, read over these suggestions and take into account the way they can help make the details of your family really come to life!
5 Expert Tips for Having a Successful Family Portrat Session
1. Don’t let anyone come hungry
Before you consider this a “no-brainer”, I’ve seen it happen where a family comes to the shoot with the promise of ice cream or a yummy meal afterwards and it was obvious how hungry and cranky everyone was!
Make sure to feed yourself and all of your family members well beforehand. HOWEVER, please don’t let everyone eat in their beautiful outfits! Stains or spills would only make the situation more stressful.
With full bellies, your photographer will capture a happier attitude and everyone will be able to breathe easier knowing that a hungry toddler tantrum isn’t about to ensue.
2. Give yourself more time than you think
Nothing is more stressful than feeling like you’re running late to something AND trying to look your best. Plan for a minimum of 2 hours of prep time for the whole family and that does NOT include driving time. You may think you can get everyone bathed, fed, dressed, and hair done in an hour, but something will take longer than normal. It just always happens!
Along with giving yourself more time than normal, I recommend packing your bag the night before. Call me crazy, but a packed bag sets the tone for an outing. If it’s stocked with snacks, water bottles, extra diapers, changes of clothes, and even a few activities, you are bound to have a more smooth outing. If you feel rushed to get everyone photoshoot ready and hardly have time to pack your bag, chances are you will regret not having one or two things when you are desperate. Pack the bag the night before so it’s not even a worry the day of!
3. Pick comfortable outfits
I am all for color coordinating, perfectly matching, gorgeously styled family portrait outfits. But the biggest regret I see families have is when they put their handsome boys in a bowtie and suspenders (which they’ve never worn before) and the entire session includes fidgeting and messing with said accessories (not to mention some whining on the side). While absolutely adorable, leave the extras out and keep everyone as comfortable and familiar with their clothes as possible.
This includes mom and dad! I know how tempting it is to go out and buy a new outfit for family photos. New outfits are still allowed! But make sure that you feel comfortable in your new dress, blouse, or dress shoes and are not pulling, tugging, or questioning your outfit in the middle of the shoot. Your photographer will do their best to capture your family happy and comfortable, but uncomfortable clothing or accessories could shine through in the moment. Go with ultimate comfort and you won’t be sorry!
4. Let your kids be themselves
One of my favorite ways to capture families is by having them act like they normally would at home in a happy family moment. This may look like tickling each other, playing chase, or even tossing the littles up in the air. This may seem simple, but the smiles are more genuine and the “fun side” makes for better pictures!
Keep in mind that this tip allows for candid photography but also some staged posing. If one of your children always loves to throw their hands in the air for a photo, let them do so a few times. If mom and dad always give big squeezes around all the kids, definitely embrace that tradition and get it captured on camera. Poses where everyone is looking at the camera AND some casual and playful scenes always turn out the best.
5. Celebrate afterward
Notice I said “celebrate” and not “bribe.” While I’m not opposed to bribery, celebrating seems a lot more fun AND applicable of this joyous occasion. You just completed a special experience as a family that you will get to look back on for years to come. That’s worth celebrating!
I recommend discussing what you will do to celebrate beforehand. Let the kids be involved in where or what you do and don’t be afraid to go big or keep it simple. Whatever you think is best for your family, but talk about it beforehand and remind everyone WHY you are celebrating. You should be proud of your family for working together towards a common goal: having family pictures to look at and enjoy for the rest of your life!
Had you heard of these tips before? Hopefully you learned something new to help you during your next family photoshoot. Regardless of what you do before, during, or after, know that your choice to photograph your family will be one you never regret!
Good luck!