Communication is key
Before your session day arrives, you need to communicate a few things. The first is with your photographer. You’ll want to tell your photographer about your kids’ routines and energy levels to schedule your session. Keep in mind the days of the week and times of days they have more energy. Some questions to ask yourself before you schedule is when are they the happiest? The morning after a snack? Then that is the sweet spot for your family portrait session. Getting photos taken at a time when your child is used to nap time is challenging.
Let them know the following things about your kids: their age, their likes (some examples are characters they might like, Paw Patrol, their favorite colors, favorite songs or types of music, etc.)
When you plan an outdoor session with your photographer, consider the time of day and how much daylight you will have to work with. Usually, your photographer will have recommendations at which times will work to make the light in your photos look best.
Include your husband
The men in the family need to be included in the photo planning. Make sure to include him in the process. Have them meet the photographer to see if they have a rapport. Conspire together to make it a fun event with the kids. You could promise everyone a trip to their favorite treat spot afterward. Our family loves going to Neill's Coffee & Ice Cream in Pullman, WA.
The next people you need to talk to are your kids. Let them know ahead of time that the family will get their photos taken. The best way to approach your kids is with the idea that this is a fun event. Worrying about whether or not your kids will behave or smile and telling them, “make sure you smile and behave,” causes stress to you and the little ones.
Get the little ones ready
When picking out your children’s clothes, make sure you select the clothes they wear. Clothes that won’t cause a strong reaction like anger. We all know that some of our little ones are picky. Let’s work with it for your family portrait session, not against it. Nothing causes more stress during your session day than an unhappy child trying to pull on their clothes because they are uncomfortable. Pick out clothes that they are comfortable in. However, that doesn’t mean that Paw Patrol shirts are what you want to have in your family portraits. You’ll want images of your family that work with your home's decor if you aren’t sure what to pick for your little ones. My article on Creating the Perfect Look for Your Family's Portrait Session is here.
When styling your kid's hair, don’t over-style it. What I mean by that is tight ponytails or overly slicked hair that will eventually trigger that one unruly hair. We aren’t going for absolute perfection. We are looking for a slightly more polished version of the kids' personalities. The bonus is that you won’t have to worry about them fussing with hair that makes them miserable, and you won’t feel cranky that they won’t leave it alone.
Prepare ahead of time
After clothes are all picked out, iron them and hang them in a location where they will stay freshly pressed and ready for the day of your family session. Remember to check for tags (security tags included) on any newly purchased clothes. Seriously…it happens! Also, pack an extra outfit per little one in case of any spills.
You know who needs it. 😉
Make sure to pack snacks. You wouldn’t think, but getting your photo taken takes energy!
On the day of the session, you’ll want to come a bit early so you have plenty of time for any mishaps. Plan to be about 10 minutes early to your session.
Outdoor or Indoor?
To reduce the stress of your family portraits, consider that indoor sessions will be easier for children. In a studio setting, there are fewer environmental distractions and less room to run around. Our little ones' busy bodies love to get into nature and go exploring. It’s hard for them to stand still to take photos. Not wanting to pet the dogs in the park here! With studio sessions, toddlers can be more present in taking photos. The bonus of in-studio sessions is that the lighting is more consistent, making larger portraits more flexible. You can also have some fun images of you swinging or loving on your kid, where you all are the focal point.
Choose the right photographer
Choosing the right photographer for your family portraits is the most important step in preparing for a stress-free session. You want to find someone who is patient, creative, and professional, with a good reputation, and who will listen to your ideas (and incorporate them into their own). But most importantly, you want a photographer to work with you to create the perfect portrait!
At Courtney Ranck-Copher Photography, we do an In-home design consult before even thinking about picking up the camera to take your photos. We visit your home and discuss how you want to live with your images. Then we go over clothing options and what will look best for how you live with your images. For example, we will discuss the color and design of your home and consider what clothing choices would be complimentary.
Next, we discuss your children what makes them laugh and surprises them, and stories about what makes them who they are so that we can give them an experience that involves them also. I love putting on the music they like to listen to in the studio and talking to them about their favorite things.
During our in-studio sessions, we have the flexibility to cater to the kids and to husbands. Complete with snacks, water, and tv for the kids or parents to take a break if needed. It’s all about having fun, laughing, and loving together as a family.
I know the anticipation of what your photos will look like can be a bit worrisome. But seeing your photos for the first time can be a pleasant surprise. Rest easy that your photos are about the family connection, not the perfection of a pose or smile. I love knowing that family photos are about that love for each other. Your images are here for years to come. You’ll look back on your photos and say, “Wow, we were so happy at that moment.”
Ready to book the easiest breeziest family portrait session? Contact Me Here.
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