HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR FAMILY PHOTO SESSION

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR FAMILY PHOTO SESSION

THINK OF THE END PRODUCT FIRST

It all starts to come together easy when you think backwards. Before you decide on what to wear or where to go for your photo session, think about how you want to display your images. Are you planning to update a gallery wall in your house? Would these images be part of an existing gallery? Are you planning to hang a large statement piece in your living room?
Knowing how these images will be displayed in your house will help you decide what you should wear. If you are wanting these images to brighten up your otherwise neutral room with a pop of color, you can wear bright colors. If you want everything to be harmonic with your existing decor, stick with different tones of main colors in your decor and mix in neutral colors. Weather you dress up in classy formals for your photo session or a beautiful bohemian dress, it should match with the decor of your room so your wall portrait looks like it belongs in your space.

COLOR COORDINATE YOUR OUTFITS

Color coordinate with each other to make everything cohesive but don’t be overly matchy-matchy. Pick 1-2 bright colors and mix in the neutrals like shades of beige, grey, navy or white. Avoid creating a uniform for everyone so every picture from your session looks interesting. Accessories like scarfs, jackets, hats or jewelry can change up looks quickly. Don’t forget to plan your shoes according to outfit changes. If you plan on wearing heels, it’s always a good idea to carry a comfy pair of shoes in case you have to walk a lot or there are un-even surfaces where you are shooting. You don’t want to hike in stilettos with a 2 years old in your arms!

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Nothing spoils a child’s good mood faster than too many clothing changes, too many locations, and too many props. I know it’s tempting to try to recreate every gorgeous image you’ve ever seen, but the best images will happen spontaneously as a result of your unique family relationships. When you are not working off of a checklist, you’ll have more time to create organic images that you’ll love. Try to limit your top priorities to 1 or 2 things.

PLAN AHEAD

Discussing your vision with your photographer ahead of time would make it possible for him/her to shoot at the right angles and composition. I was able to create this unicorn picture because I planned this picture in my head before I posed this little girl with her hand up in the air like she’s petting the invisible unicorn.

CHECK THE WEATHER

Make sure your outfits will keep you and the kids comfortable during your entire shoot. Nothing will hinder family photos faster than a freezing baby or an overheated toddler. Dress in layers if possible so that you can add and remove if needed. It’s always helpful to have an extra wrap or blanket if it’s cold.

BE ON TIME

Light changes quickly around sunset. Make sure to start earlier than you think you need, to allow for traffic or other delays. Having good light is essential for good outdoor portraits.

Kids usually take some time warming up to the camera so having extra shooting time in ample light is always good.

KIDS WILL BE KIDS

All professional family photographers have seen their fair share of meltdowns, and we work through them every time! Instead of stressing out because you’re missing “the perfect shot,” let your kid take the lead for a while. Kids (and even babies) pick up on their parents’ stress levels, so laugh it off and know that happier moments are soon to come. And sometimes, that temper tantrum ends up turning into a hilarious image that you’ll cherish for years to come!

REWARD GOOD BEHAVIOR

While every family has different parenting styles and I respect that, I am all for using bribes for one day. Nothing makes a kid sit still longer than a (lollipop, beloved toy, insert your fave here!). However, be sure not to mention said treat until we’re close to the end of the session. Revealing a toy and then taking it back can be a recipe for disaster.

TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

You have hired an expert, leave it to your photographer to make you look your best and your images stunning! Just sit back and enjoy the moment. Create memories that you would remember every time you will look at these pictures. often times what we photographers see through our camera may not be visible to you from where you are standing. This picture of the couple with their reflection in water was not something they saw when I asked them to go stand at this spot.

FOCUS ON THE LOVE IN YOUR FAMILY

In the end, it’s not about what you wore or which location you chose. It’s about capturing the love in your life at this stage. It’s about family hugs and belly laughs.  It’s about showing your children how much you love them so that they have these memories for the rest of their lives. It about how you felt and how you will feel every time you look at these images.

Have a great tip on how to prepare for a photo session that you would like to share with the readers? Leave a comment! 🙂

BENTONVILLE WEST 2018 SENIOR SHARAE

BENTONVILLE WEST 2018 SENIOR SHARAE

 

Sharae wanted her senior portraits to be fun and one of a kind to show her personality. So the fun route we went with a gaint balloon and bright colors! Her images scream FUN loud and clear.

She’s not just a fun girl, she’s quite a talent in singing. This girl made first chair choir to States. We just had to incorporate her talent in her photo session.

Sharae’s a free spirit who is always up for adventure so when she said she wants to get in the water, I said heck yes! These geese were excited to have a new friend too.

We did all her outdoor pictures in downtown Rogers and the lake Atalanta area  and the studio pictures were done in my Bentonville studio.

Sharae picked our handcrafted leather bound album to savor these memories for many many years. She also decided to get our 11×14 image folio box to put up a framed collage on her walls and use some folio prints for friends and family. She also had to have a giant poster for her room of her balloon picture because it captured her true self the best.

Sharae, thank you for being super fun to spend my day playing dress up and splashing water with. Hope your senior year is your best year yet!

If you are a high school senior and would love to create images like these with me, drop me a line here and let’s chat about your dream shoot.

Check out my senior portfolio here.

 

GRAB YOUR FREE

ROCK YOUR PORTRAITS

GUIDE

 

Want to look your best in all your pictures? This guide is packed with top tips, ideas and expert advice on how to get the best out of your portraits, no matter where you are or who your photographer is.

 

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Pin It on Pinterest