If you ever wondered what family sessions look like or perhaps you have just booked a family session with me and want to find out a little bit more about it - here's your read!
It will help you prepare for your photoshoot and put you at ease if you try to follow these few little steps:
1. Choose your clothing carefully
Have your clothing chosen way in advance and make sure that your outfit choices are comfortable and attractive. Chose neutral colours with soft, flowing fabrics,. think creams, very soft pastels, oatmeals, light browns, oranges and tans. Want to showcase the fun side of your family? Choose coordinating colours (but not matchy, matchy) with bold accent colours, such as hues of greens with yellow or red accents. Adding fun accessories like scarves, headbands, hats, etc. can add a modern twist and sassy flair to your images. Say NO to logos and other distracting patterns on your clothes as they can be quite distracting.
Avoid coats. In colder weather, layers are best! Hats, scarves and all the knitwear, will complement you and you family more than a heavy coat and won't restrict your moves during the busy photoshoot!
2. Make sure you and your family are well rested and well fed
Be certain not to schedule your photo session around your child’s nap or bedtime. The best time for lighting is the two hours before sunset and after sunrise for that dreamy, warm look and the pretty, golden sunrays. Although, if this is a bad time for your children, talk to me about your alternatives. I'm still able to shoot at any time of day by utilizing areas of open shade that will give your skin a beautiful hue and put a sparkle in your eyes.
Don’t show up to a photo shoot on an empty stomach. I often meet families who come to a photo session with dinner scheduled at the end. Although this seems like a lovely idea, it often results with children being slightly distracted and cranky. If this is your plan, be sure to give everyone a healthy snack before the photoshoot., also feel free to bring some nibbles with you (picnic basket is more than welcome!). And finally, don't forget about some water and a bottle of milk for your little one just in case, even though your baby has been recently fed!
3. Be sure to leave plenty of time to get ready
Parents are often rushing around before a photo shoot, making sure that their family is dressed and ready.
I always encourage mothers to have their hair and makeup professionally done. This will prepare mums for their pictures and make them feeling pretty and confident, this will reflect on the rest of the family as well.
If this isn't possible, remember that a natural make-up is always best and if you need any skin corrections, this can be requested during filling out your pre-shoot questionnaire free of charge.
Leave plenty of time for showers, dressing and grooming. When a family shows up to a family photo session rushed and disorganized, it sets the tone for a rushed and disorganized session. Give yourself extra time so that you are ready before it’s time to head out that door.
And remember, whatever happens, the most important thing for you to do is to turn up and have fun!
4. Be cheerful participants
Children grow so fast and one day they won't reach up for us, they won't need as much comfort,
I truly believe documenting and freezing these memories is so important. Be in the photo, for all they will see is how much you love them. I pride myself on offering an experience like no other, a place for your child's imagination to run wild and for them to run free, a safe space for intimate and raw moments. These images will be left as a legacy, when your children are grown, with families of their own some day. Family photos are treasured forever and they are so important.
Parents cheerfully participating in their family photo session will set a happy tone to the whole family session, making their children eager to participate too.
And finally, once you see your amazing photographs, you will be so glad that you gave this time to your family.
5. Let's keep it happy and natural
So many times I have found parents who stand behind the photographer and scream, “Say cheese to the lady kids!” Demanding your children to look at the camera to smile will only stress your children out and will result in strained, unnatural and often unflattering photographs. Step back, and allow me to naturally interact and talk with your children. This will result in natural, gorgeous smiles. This will help to capture the true essence of your child’s personality by talking with and coaxing out those smiles naturally and easily.
6. Have fun with your family
I always get a few posed portraits of the whole family as a standard during every session.
I will also guide you through your entire photoshoot and make sure you have plenty of fun.
The more you contribute to this the better! So don’t be afraid to pick up your children and toss them in the air.
Give your wife a sweet kiss on the check. Have fun. Laugh. Giggle. Joke. Embrace. Kiss. Snuggle. Play. Doing these things will allow me to capture the emotion and true beauty of your family. My most successful family sessions have incorporated an activity that the family loves to do together. This gives you something to do with your hands and feet, engages the little ones, and brings an authentic smile to your face. Show me who you really are!
So that I have the opportunity to capture your love through my lens.
8. Know that NOT everyone has to be looking and smiling at the camera at the same time
The best photographs are often the ones where everyone is engaged or interacting with each other.
If you are engaged as a family and loving on each other, your eyes will be on your family members and your smile with be natural. These are the photographs that you will cherish most because they depict your family connection and your love. It will result in a successful photoshoot and ultimately gorgeous, timeless family images that you and your family will treasure for a lifetime.
