Ok, I know Fall hasn't technically even started yet, but I feel like once it does, it's going to FLY by! I'm SO excited for this time of year: the college football, the pumpkin-flavored EVERYTHING, and most importantly the family photos! I adore taking family photos! I know many people dread them- having to organize everyone's schedules, having to figure out what to wear and making sure everyone looks "perfect"- it can be totally stressful, I get it! This blog will helpfully ease some of that stress- so sit back, relax and let me break it down :)
Leading up to the Session
Scheduling: The best time to take your family's photo is when everyone is happiest! Schedule your session during a time of day when everyone is fed and well-rested. I know this can sometimes be tricky with naps and meal-times, but the extra effort will be worth it when you and your family are fully present and can enjoy the session!
Prepping: My goal is to make your family as comfortable as possible during the session and that all begins with easing the anxiety before the session. When dealing with kids, especially, it's important to emphasize that the family is getting to spend some time together and someone will be there to take photos. By emphasizing the family time vs. the photo time, the mood shifts from feeling like everyone needs to be perfect to feeling like everyone is able to be their authentic selves. When everyone gets to the session, the expectations for being perfect are lifted and they feel like they are able to enjoy themselves!
Wardrobe: Obviously, we all want our family to look the best since we will look at these photos for the rest of our lives and share them with friends and family. Here are a few tips to help make this process easier!
- Be comfortable! Don't get me wrong, I love an adorable dress with heals but if your goal is to capture genuine and playful interactions with your family, you will need to be able to comfortably move around.
- Variety is a good thing! Don't worry about making sure everyone is wearing the exact same shirts or colors- you don't all wear the same thing in real life, so why would you for a photo? When I plan for my family photos, I determine where we're having the photos taken and try to determine a vibe for the session. If we're out in the country, I'd plan on boots and tennis-shoes for my littles with nice jeans and shirts that allow us to move around. If we're in a more urban setting, I'd wear cute flats and maybe dress-up a bit more. I consider the colors of the setting- if it's large green field, I'd want the family to be in colors that stand out from green instead of blend in with green. Once I determine the general feel for the session, I go to our wardrobes and pick out unique pieces I love and think would be perfect. From there, I determine what colors would compliment the colors I've already picked and try to find pieces in those colors. If you're stumped about color palettes and complimenting colors, check out a basic color wheel or my Pinterest board :)
- Accessorize! I am not an accessory girl by any stretch of the imagination- I'm pretty simple and often forget to even wear earrings :) In photos, it's nice to have accessories to tie different outfits together and to give more visual interest. It's something little that can make a big impact.
The Session
Much like sharks, children can smell fear (statement not scientifically proven). So if you show up to your session all tense because you're nervous what your kiddos are going to do, they will sense that and perform to your lowest expectation. If you're relaxed, open to play, genuinely interacting with them and having a good time- they will be too! You won't have to stress about getting great images and worrying if everyone is smiling because it will all happen authentically :)
Family photos are meant to capture your family as they are right now- so don't get caught up on trying to be the "perfect" family- there is no such thing. The perfect family is the family who is made up of unique individuals who all love each other and that's what I want to capture! So, go out there are have fun at your family photos this fall! :)