5 Tips For A Great Family Photo Session

a great family photo session

Let’s face it, arranging your family photo sessions can feel daunting.  Use the following 5 tips to help you achieve a great family photo session.

1. Choose your clothing carefully

Have your clothing choices ready way in advance and made sure that your outfit choices are comfortable and attractive.  What do your dream family portraits look like?  Are they soft and elegant?  If so choose neutral colours with soft, flowing fabrics and colours like soft pastels, oatmeals, cream, pale greys and slate blues.  Or do you want to show the fun and bright side of your family?  Then choose co-ordinating colours (but not matchy, matchy) with bold accent colours, such as primary colours and add fun accessories such as scarves hats etc that can add a modern flair to your portraits.

2.  Leave plenty of time to get ready

Mums are often rushing around before their session making sure that everyone is dressed and ready.  I always encourage Mum’s to have their hair and makeup professionally done.  This will prepare mum for her photographs and when Mum is feeling beautiful and confident this reflects on the rest of the family as well.  Leave plenty of time for showers, dressing and getting ready.  It’s a shame when a family shows up to their session rushed and disorganised as it usually shows on their final images.  So give yourself extra time so that you are ready before it’s time to head out of the door.

baby laughing at teddy during photo shoot sarah offley

 

3.  Be well rested and well fed

Don’t schedule your photoshoot around your child’s nap or bedtime, they won’t be able to have fun if they are tired and possibly a bit cranky.  Be certain that you don’t show up to your session on an empty stomach.  give everyone a healthy snack at home before the photo shoot.

4.  Cheese is for crackers

Parents, please leave the “cheese” at home.  Yelling and demanding young children to look at the camera to smile will only stress your children out and the result will look strained and unnatural.  Step back and let’s interact naturally with your children, talking, singing etc.  This will result in natural gorgeous smiles.  Help me capture the true essence of your child’s personality by talking and coaxing those smiles naturally and easily.

playing lego at our portrait experience session

5. NOT everyone has to be looking and smiling at the camera

The best photographs are the ones where everyone is engaged or interacting with each other.  Not every photograph needs to have everyone looking at the camera and smiling at the same time.  If you are engaged as a family and loving your eyes will be looking at your family members and your smile will be natural.  These are the portraits you will cherish the most because they depict your family connection and your love.

A little bit of preparation goes a long way in preparing yourself ahead of time.  It will result in a successful photo shoot and ultimately glorious, timeless photography that you will treasure for a lifetime.

Not sure where to start with your session preparation?  Don’t worry we help all of our clients from start to finish with our handy booklet with lots of help and inspiration so it’s simple for you!

CONTACT US for more information.

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