Planning the perfect family photoshoot
When I was young, my mom hung up a brand new skirt in my room and said, “Look at how beautiful this is!” To my 5 or 6 your old brain, it undoubtedly was the most incredible piece of clothing I had ever seen. My mom explained to me how special this skirt was and that I was going to get to wear it on a fun family outing. My siblings were not shy to the idea of family photos, visiting the JCPenney Photo Studio in our hometown mall on a regular basis, but my mother’s clever tactics of setting our expectations for a fun day wearing special clothes always set us four kids up for success.
Family photos tend to be a once a year occasion for most families. It can be a huge investment, and sometimes it feels like a lot is at stake. Kids are even more aquatinted to having their photo taken on a regular basis. For some kids, the idea of stopping to pose in the middle of a game of tag is a grueling concept, while others automatically flash their biggest smile whenever a phone is pointed at them.
Me and my younger sister, in our princess clothes.
Of course from both a photographers and client’s perspective there’s no such thing as a perfect session, but I’d like to think I’ve gotten pretty darn close! Wherever your family lands, from absolute chaos to not a wrinkle in your clothes, I hope to offer some insight from the photographers point of view of how to best prepare for your family session!
Consider your Family first
While us photographers do have a particular time of day we love to shoot at, it’s much better to prioritize your photoshoot around your kids schedules and nap times. Making sure everyone is in tip-top shape will coax out those natural smiles!
Typically I don’t plan shoots longer than 30 minutes for families with toddlers. They just don’t last! Double check that your photographer offers shorter 20-40 minute session if you think your kiddos (or dad) may not be able to survive it.
Packing some extra treats as a surprise usually get kids through the last 10 minutes of any session.
Picking a location
For families with younger kids you will want to choose locations that avoid noisy parks or streets. Picking a quiet spot with little distractions will make a huge difference and keep your session family oriented. Families bringing dogs will need to double down on unstimulating areas. Personally, I love spots that have a lot of visual variety in a small space. The Stanford University Campus, for example, has backdrops of gorgeous brick buildings, green fields lined with oak trees, and a sculpture garden all along one paved path. Picking a spot that isn’t a hassle to move around but that will still create plenty of visual interest will give you so much variety to add to your walls!
Connect with your photographer and touch base about any extra needs your family may have. Whether that be accessible parking, onsite restrooms, or if you have a sentimental spot. Your photographer should be able to offer some suggestions that are perfect for you.
Spring offers locations that fall and summer might not! If you are looking for a specific look, we will want to book your session at the right time of year. Be prepared for sessions booked during the cold seasons- it’s a great opportunity to bring in cute props like blankets to snuggle up in.
BUILDING YOUR OUTFITS
Start with a color palette that you love and choose outfits that compliment. I recommend starting with moms outfit first and building from there. Avoid graphic t-shirts, matchy-matchy pieces, or dark tones as your main colors. Ideally your outfits will be timeless and look fantastic hanging on your walls for years to come! Soft, muted colors like blues, pinks, and beige look great with most photographers styles. Long dresses photograph beautifully and create lots of fun movement, plus the length will make sitting down posing a lot easier. You can follow the links below to see additional inspiration!
PUT A BOW ON IT
Don’t forget to accessorize! Jewelry, headbands, bowties and belts. You want to make sure there is something for everyone. Layering is another great way to add variety to your outfits. All of these things will be great visual elements and bring so much more interest to your photos. Avoid apple and smart watches as these will quickly date your photos. Opt for shoes that are comfortable to move around in, and remove any chipped nail polish before your session.
LET'S NOT STRESS
Unfortunately I hear a lot of jokes online about families getting into huge arguments on the way to their family photoshoot. I totally understand how organizing an event like this can be stressful, but I cannot express how important it is to do everything you can to keep things fun and light. Your kids will pick up on this stress and it makes for stiff, uncomfortable photos.
Plan your outfits out a week in advance- don’t wait until the last minute! Lay them out the night before. (And don’t forget to tell your kids how special these outfits are!) Get out the door 30 minutes early. The sun doesn’t wait, and arriving early for your session ensures your family will have enough wiggle room to warm up and play!
NO MORE CHEESIN'!
I am all about those natural, un-posed moments! Personally I love to start out my sessions with a couple of quick posed photos, and from there we will move to exploring and playing games. Connect with your photographer and ask them about their approach. Most family oriented photographers will be able to get your kids to cooperate, but everyone has a different method and structure.
Letting kids be kids is a huge part of my style, and many others too. I would much rather capture those sweet, authentic moments you all will share. If you trust your photographer and connect with their process, there is no need to point at the camera or tell your kids “Say cheese!”
SET EXPECTATIONS
Start talking to your kids a couple days before your shoot. Let them know where you are going, how long the shoot is going to be, and most importantly, how much fun you are going to have! Planning something fun after your shoot as a reward is another great way to get them to look forward to it.
THIS IS AN EVENT!
Don’t forget to prepare your kids like this was any other event. Make sure everyone is well rested and fed.
You can secretly pack treats as a bribe for your kids at the end of the session- but I wouldn’t let them know about it until the end.
I have some games that can easily be incorporated to your shoot! I use these all the time and they photograph beautifully. You can practice some of these with your family beforehand. The more fun you have as a family the more laughter will come out during out session!
It’s all fun and games
Follow the Leader
Following the leader starts with the youngest (or most enthusiastic) guiding your family through our location. You can sing or dance along!
Another great option is Ring-Around-The-Rosy
I spy
Get your family really cozy and all together. Start with Mom and Dad spying an object giving one clue as to what it is. Everyone gets to take turns guessing what it is.
It’s super silly when the object you spy is a member of your own family!
Red light, green light
When I yell “Green light” the group will start walking towards me!
“Yellow Light” means we all start walking in super slo-o-o-o-w motion.
Everyone has to freeze when I call “Red Light!”
THE ULTIMATE FAMILY CHECKLIST
FOR EVERYONE
A backup Outfit
The boys dress shoes (It’s the most frequently forgotten thing!)
A bag to carry phones, wallets, keys, etc.
Touch up items like lipstick or hairbrushes
Walkable shoes
FOR YOUNG FAMILIES
Mom and Dad arrive dressed in their outfits. Babies under a year old can be dressed at the photoshoot location
A fun music playlist
A stroller or carrier to put little ones in (if your location allows, ask your photographer!)
Squeaky toys, keys, or any object that may capture your baby’s attention
Neutral colored blankets for sitting photos
FOR PUPS
Treats!
Toys to get them to look at the camera
Leash and doggie bags
Don’t forget to add the cost of printing your beautiful images into your budget! Canvases, high quality albums, and prints can range from $300-$1,000, depending on the quality you are looking for. Most photographers will have recommendations or an option to purchase directly through them. This is a great way to guarantee that your photos stay true-to-color and look beautiful for years to come.
