Family photos are one activity many families put off due to busy schedules or just lack of knowledge and confidence! What is meant to be a fun, memorable event can quickly become a stressful, panic-inducing nightmare. Here are some tips from us that will help your session become the beautiful event it is meant to be.
1. Find the right photographer.
Best case scenario, meet your photographer to ensure there is mutual chemistry between the two of you. Bring your kids with you to see how they and the photographer relate to each other. Most photographers perform better when they have a good connection with a family, and visa versa. Most families will feel more relaxed and comfortable with someone they trust.
Review a photographer's portfolio, pricing and policies, and look at their social media pages and reviews. If you want a large portion of your session to be black and white, find a photographer who specializes in that. If you want a natural, candid session with minimal posing, find a photographer whose existing work reflects that. Do not wast time and energy hoping that the photographer will understand your vision, rather find someone who already does that.
2. Plan Ahead
All too often people spend the day or days before their session ruining around to get a hair cut, find clothing, and other items they believe they need for their session. If your photographer does not help you with clothing or location choices, take a few days to review locations yourself, visit clothing stores for color and clothing ideas, and ask your friends! They may have some ideas you might not have thought of.
3. Talk to your kids beforehand
Children are smarter than they seem and they love feeling informed and a part of the decision making process. Tell them you are having family portraits taken, show them the clothes they will be wearing, (or better yet, let them have a choice in the matter depending on their age), involve them in the discussion of what you will be doing and where you will be going. New people and places can be unsettling to kids, so knowing what they can expect ahead of time is most helpful!
4. Decide on a reward
Bring your kids' favorite toys or treats and give them to your photographer to use when he or she needs to get their attention. Do not overuse them, though, or the toys will lose their magic! Kids need far less prompting and are much better at candid expressions than adults. Don't necessarily bribe them, but encourage good behavior by a great reward afterwards. How about a trip to the ice cream store?
Our recommended tip
5. Hire a photographer that will take care of everything for you.
We believe that family is everything. Families should not have to carry the burden of figuring out what to wear, where to go, and everything in between. Your photographer should do that for you. So, we highly recommend someone who is willing to consult with you about EVERYTHING. Someone who is ready help with wardrobe selection, location finding, and being the guided assistant for you and your family.
We do that and would love to tell you how we can help you have a stress free, easy portrait session that will showcase the love and beauty your family has.
Your family deserves a place of honor in your home where you can see the love and beauty you share. You should not have to feel stressed or over burdened or wonder how it will all come together. Relax in our process and relish the event that we call a portrait experience.
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