Are you preparing for a family photoshoot and feeling a little anxious about the whole process? Don't worry, it's normal to feel that way! After all, you want to capture amazing photos of your family that you can cherish for years to come. With a little preparation and a positive attitude, you can help ensure that your family photoshoot is a success. Here are some tips to help you and your family feel calm, prepared, and excited for your upcoming session.
1. Prepare your kids for what a photoshoot is beforehand
Before the photoshoot, take some time to explain to your kids what to expect. Let them know that you'll be taking pictures as a family and that it's a fun opportunity to create memories together. You could even show them some of your photographer's work so they can see what the end result will look like! Here is a behind-the-scenes look at one of my family photoshoots that you could watch together as a family:
2. Make sure kids are well-rested and fed before the session
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a family photoshoot is to make sure your kids are well-rested and well-fed. A tired or hungry child is much more likely to be irritable and uncooperative during the shoot. You might need to adjust nap and dinner times to accommodate the timing of your photoshoot, so it is good to plan ahead. It can be a good idea to bring non-messy snacks and water to keep everyone fueled and happy.
3. Embrace the moment and try not to stress
One of the best things you can do during a family photoshoot is to relax and enjoy the experience. Kids can pick up on their parents' stress and anxiety, so try to stay calm and positive. Trust that your photographer will guide you through the session and capture amazing photos.
4. Incorporate games and activities into the session
To keep everyone engaged and having fun, consider incorporating games and activities into the photoshoot. Your photographer can help suggest ideas that will work well for your family, such as playing tag or having a tickle fight. Here are a few other family activities that can be really fun to incorporate into a photoshoot:
Playing music / singing together (bring along a guitar/ukelele/harmonica/etc.)
Pack a picnic to enjoy together
Bring a deck of cards or a simple game like uno/skip-bo
Toss a ball or frisbee together
Fly kites
5. Don't repeatedly ask your kids to smile
It's natural to want your kids to smile for the camera, but asking them to over and over again can make them feel stressed and uncomfortable. Instead, let your photographer guide your whole family into prompts and poses that will elicit genuine smiles and natural interactions. The biggest and most genuine smiles happen when they aren't forced!
6. Let your kids be themselves
Remember that your family photos should reflect your family's unique personality. Kids are very often, and should be, quite silly! Encourage your kids to be themselves and show off their personalities during the shoot. If your child wants to wear a superhero cape or dress up in a tutu, embrace it and let them shine. If your kiddo insists on showing me their favorite dance moves or telling me the same joke over and over again, that is A-O-kay! The best photos of kids are always when they are just being themselves.
7. Expect the unexpected
Last, but not least...No matter how well you prepare for a family photoshoot, things may not go exactly as planned. A child may have a meltdown or it might start raining unexpectedly. Try to go with the flow and trust that your photographer will adapt to any situation. Sometimes the most unexpected moments can result in the most memorable photos.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your family photoshoot is a fun and stress-free experience for everyone involved. Remember to relax, have fun, and let your family's unique personality shine through in your photos. Thanks for stopping by and best of luck with your family photoshoot! Love, Lillian