Planning a family photography session can be an exciting yet daunting experience. From selecting the perfect location to coordinating outfits, there’s a lot to consider to ensure your photoshoot captures the essence of your family beautifully. In this blog, we’ve compiled eight expert tips to help you navigate through your family photography journey seamlessly. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or embarking on your very first session, these invaluable insights will empower you to create unforgettable memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Let’s dive in!
1. Plan your outfits
Begin with the most difficult person to dress first. Plan all other outfits around that person, remembering to coordinate colours and patterns as if you were pulling ONE outfit together. Consider the colours in your home when you’re planning your outfits. Don’t forget to also wear nice smart but comfortable shoes.Your portraits will ultimately hang in your home and need to fit cohesively, reflecting the personality and style of your family. Take your time with this one as it’s a special occasion to get together to capture your family, so get it right and it will really make your family photos look amazing.
2. Get Plenty of rest
Get to bed early and get a good night sleep. Happy children = beautiful portraits. Rested parents = beautiful family portraits.
3. Make Sure you eat!
Fill the bellies of all session participants before your family photography session. This is especially true for young children and DADS! For younger children I do encourage you to bring along a drink bottle of water and some small snacks, sultanas and rice crackers make a good snack as they do not make much mess. 🙂
4. Don’t forget Props!
Bring along any small, meaningful items you would like incorporated in your photos, think favourite cuddly toy, thomas the tank trains, a truck to push along, sentimental blanket for little ones to add that extra sentimental value to your family photos.
5. Arrive early!
Arrive 10 minutes early to give yourself plenty of time for last minute issues that may arise. We shoot late afternoon to get that dreamy light, but if you are late it will eat into your photo session time.
6. Have Fun!
Relax, have fun with your family, and trust me as your photographer to capture the real essence of your family the way you are.
Relaxed families = Beautiful family photos
7. Watch for Preview!
Wait excitedly for your sneak peek on social media and start planning your portrait needs. Don’t forget to take a photo of the walls in your home that you want to hang your beautiful photos and send it to me, so we can design the perfect sized wall art for your space.
8. It’s time to order!
Within 1-2 weeks you will have an In Person Image Purchase and Design appointment in my McLaren Vale studio. This is where you get to view all your family photos for the first time. You will watch a beautiful slideshow of your images and get to choose all your favourite family photos and together we will design the perfect wall art for your home and any albums, prints and gifts for the grandparents you wish to order. This is where you place your order, that will be ready for collection between 4-6 weeks!
family photos family photo shoot