5 ways to nail your family photos

preparing for family photos sounds intimidating, but lets make it fun and stress free, shall we?

logistics

first things first. acknowledge the biggest challenge; getting out the door. when you have kids, its impossible to get out the door to run an errand, much less go to a photoshoot. but if you prep and pack ahead of time, it’ll make it easier.

feelings

not every photographer will agree with me on this one, but i’ll take a relaxed (meaning not rushed!) family over a frantically on-time family any day of the week.

relax. take your time. there may be complaints, eye rolls, extended car seat negotiations, ill-timed feedings, diaper blow outs, spousal snippiness. it’s okay! it’s normal!

you don’t have to be a happy family on the way to the session, to be a happy family at the session itself. that is way too much pressure. forget it. relax. and text me if you’re running super late so i can sneak a coffee in or something.

food

i don’t know about ya’ll, but snacks are an excellent way to keep me happy. #realtalk make sure everyone is well fed at home before you start getting ready.

for the session itself, have some surprise snacks packed. the best snacks are ones that won’t drip or stain. but we’re also going to need bribes… #morerealtalk hear me out. take their favorite snacks, open them ahead of time, and put them in a clear bag, or a neutral colored container. otherwise your family session is going to turn in to a commercial for pepperidge farm goldfish crackers real quick.

while you’re at it, consider dinner reservations for after your session. how often will you find yourselves all dressed up, loaded in the car, with nowhere to go. make an evening of it!

friends

for families with babies and toddlers, pack accessories that won’t mind having on camera. where possible, pack the blankies, lovies, dolls, cars and other accessories that will look best on camera. neutral colors, or ones that will coordinate with your outfits are best.

details

higher resolution cameras show higher levels of details, that may have been imperceptible on a phone camera. wipe down little one’s faces, and cheeks. for toddlers and kids, make sure paint, markers and dye have been removed from their hand. wipe off peeling temporary tattoos with baby oil, and remove or change chipping polish. clean nails. ask yourself, wwgd? (what would grandma do?). grandma would iron. and so should you. #sorry its true though…

and while we’re at it, why not bring grandma to the session too?

that’s it! those are my five ways to prep for your session. did i miss anything? what has worked well for your family?

-charlotte