What to Bring to Your Family photo Session
Tips Every Family Is Looking For
Preparing for your family photos can feel overwhelming. A lot of thought has already gone into selecting a photographer, planning your vision and even picking wardrobe (for the whole family). Between all the resources out there, it can get to be a lot!
Before Your Session
- Prepare your family– this seems like an easy one, but the reality is having a quick family meeting will really help. Talk to your partner and get a little jazzed about the session together! Chat about what family photography is all about, what your vision for the session is and how they can be supportive. Have a talk with your children about what the session will be like and let them know what you are doing together as a family. Get them excited!
- Make sure everyone is well fed and rested– we all know how stressful it can be to plan family photos. Don’t make it harder by being too tired or hungry. Bring snacks, drinks and even your favorite adult beverage (wink wink) so everyone is relaxed and ready. (Pro Tip: snacks make good behavior incentives!).
- Plan Ahead– a hard one for me, but still solid advice. Make sure you have your outfits planned out in advance, so you are not rushing around the day of trying to get everything together.
- Bring backup clothing– if you have little ones, bring a backup outfit. Spit up and messes happen, it’s just solid advice. Don’t forget a well-stocked diaper bag!
During Your Session
- Activities– the number one rule at my sessions is always be touching. After booking, I always ask clients a few questions. Make sure to include your favorite things to do together and plan to play some games during our session. Whether it’s ring-around-the-rosey, or blowing bubbles, we will be busy!
- Family heirlooms– Including a family heirloom is a special way to pay respect to family members who are no longer with us. Do you have a special blanket, rocking chair or photo that is special to your family? Please bring it along!
- Family pet– sometimes it’s nice to include mans best friend. Bring your fur baby along!
- Enjoy your time together– remember you don’t need to always be looking at the camera. Just embrace the mood your family is in and slow down to enjoy the process. I always find that the best photos are the ones where you are interacting with each other instead of just looking at the camera.
At the end of the day, this is all about you and capturing memories. Take a deep breath and lets have some fun!
