Nothing brings me more joy than preparing for a family photo session. Knowing that I will get to capture cute personalities, little quirks, and precious smiles warms my heart like you wouldn’t believe!
My preparations are pretty straight forward; camera bag, memory card, lens with cap, battery, backup battery, and a water bottle to stay hydrated (it can get intense out there!)
But for the moms and dads preparing for the same experience, A LOT more has to go into the preparations!
I always tell my photoshoot clients that I want them to come to the shoot relaxed, happy, and ready for some fun. But I understand that organizing outfits, getting kids clean and presentable, and making it on time is not easy (I’ve been there!) That being said, I also think it can be helpful to come extra prepared for the what-if’s. That’s why I’ve come up with a helpful list of things to bring to a family photoshoot that you might not typically think of!
Use this handy list to rock your next family photo session with confidence and ease and avoid any major meltdowns or panic moments.
6 Must-Bring Items to Pack for an Outdoor Family Photoshoot
1. Backup Outfit for the Kids
Before you cringe, just hang with me! I know you spent hours planning out and color coordinating everyone’s outfits, but there’s a SMALL possibility a disaster could occur (think mud, torn dress pants, or even poop!) and you’d be stuck with a child in a dirty or ruined outfit. We want these pictures to turn out perfectly, so a backup outfit is important to bring JUST in case. (We will do our best to make sure you don’t need it, but you never know!)
In the event something happens to the perfectly styled outfit you originally chose, just go with the flow and do a quick change! Ideally, your child will be okay with an improved outfit to better let them be themselves and we will be on our merry way!
2. Wet Wipes
Something about being outdoors draws all the dirt, mud, and tree sap into your children's hands (and mouth!) I am capable of redirecting and helping your kids find comfortable seats on the ground, tree branch, etc. that ideally aren’t messy, but it occasionally happens!
Having wet wipes to help with clean up drastically improves a photoshoot disaster. A quick wipe or two and we can get back to business. Right?
3. Snacks and Water
Speaking of a quick wipe or two, you might need those wet wipes to help with a messy mouth or sticky fingers! While I don’t recommend having snacks or drinks DURING the shoot, I totally understand a reward for after it’s all done OR, when necessary, right before we begin (to keep that hunger at bay!) The snacks could be motivators for the kids, could be the difference maker in a scrumptious smile versus hangry grimace, or could be just the ticket right before you step out of the car to calm anxiousness for yourself. Whatever you decide, know that having these on hand could prevent a meltdown or two!
4. Favorite Comfort Toy
Obviously keeping your kiddos smiling and happy is the goal, but I do understand a posed photoshoot is not normal for them. I will often do whatever it takes to get that adorable smile that you know and love to show up on camera, but even my personal tricks don’t always work.
This is when I typically resort to using a child’s favorite comfort toy to elicit some smiles. By making monkey do a dance, a bear fly high in the sky, or even a favorite race car go vroom, I’ve gotten that million dollar smile and laugh to appear. I strategically can use their favorite comfort toy as both a motivator and a comedy routine, typically helping kids to stay calm, happy, and enjoying the process.
When in doubt, bring 2 toys just in case you aren’t sure which one they will prefer. And if they absolutely HAVE to hold that toy during the shoot, don’t panic! I can get creative with where they are sitting and what angle I shoot at to hide the toy if necessary.
5. Bug Spray
What is with bugs that want to pester you when you’re dressed all fancy and smiling at a camera? It’s like they KNOW you are trying to look your best and they want to ruin it!
While I wish I could zap them all away with my flash, I always warn my families to bring some spray just in case.
Oftentimes, lighting is best at dusk, so it’s common to get hit with some bugs during an evening shoot. I don’t want that to deter anyone from shooting during that time though because those sunset photos are just so good! That being said, let bug spray help everyone out so we can all enjoy the session with a bit more peace.
6. Blanket
One of my favorite looks to capture is a family sitting on a blanket in a meadow, on a bridge overlooking a river, or even using the blanket to wrap around everyone in the family. Blankets are an excellent prop for a photoshoot and one I recommend you bring!
Not only do I think they make a great prop, but they can also represent something more meaningful for your family. I’ve had some clients who have a family blanket they always use for fort-making or even a blanket made by a relative. This is a fun addition to your photos that you will remember for years to come.
Lastly, a blanket can keep your clothes clean from sitting on the ground or even be a nice barrier between you and the poky parts of a tree branch, fence, etc.
Without a doubt, having these items ready to go before your photoshoot will ensure a smoother experience for all. By prepping a bag with these items the night before even, you’ll be so relaxed the morning of, you’ll even get to enjoy your getting ready experience!
Best of luck at your next photoshoot! And if you’re looking for a family photographer in the Denver area, I’d love the chance to make wonderful memories for you!