Preparing for your family session

So, you finally got that long-planned family photo session in the diary! Sigh of relief and excitement… and then it dawns on you, now what!! Here are some tips to help you prepare for your family session.

Well, let’s start with the most obvious worry factor… Getting everyone to smile and say cheese! You’ll be glad to hear there is no need to say ‘cheese’! I am chasing natural interactions and unposed moments. My style of photography captures the emotionally rich moments as a family and I encourage authentic expressions. No need to coax your kids into those fake smiles we know all too well. Laughing, playing, tickling, and snuggling are what can be expected with me. This is how I capture those REAL moments. So, relax and don’t force anything, don’t feel pressured to make everything perfect! Just be present with your family and I’ll do the rest. I will place you in certain positions but ultimately it is the family interaction that I am after. So, stand close together, and when in doubt, just smile and look at your family lovingly!

Bring along snacks, snacks, and more snacks! With a treat in there too if you wish (but it is best not to tell the kids that you have this before the session as this will be all they think of from the get-go). Be sure to pack extra clothes because kids will be kids and dirtiness could always happen at any moment. Also, walkable shoes are always a good thing to pack to keep their pretty shoes in tip-top shape for the actual photos. As a photographer, I love kids fully interacting with their surroundings. This might mean that you end up with muddy shoes, so be sure to bring clean clothes and perhaps even a towel! And parents, remember to bring touch-up items you might want, things like lipstick, hairbrush etc.

I know I know, the biggest concern every mom has is how to dress! These are portraits that will ultimately be displayed in your home for everyone to see, probably for a very long time, no pressure right! So, make sure to plan this well in advance. I do not recommend wearing matching clothes. The days of jeans-and-matching-shirts are gone. Wear colours in a complementary colour palette, such as earth tones and neutrals. Whatever you choose to wear, make sure it is comfortable and also makes you FEEL comfortable. If it’s not comfortable, the moments and expressions may not be as natural as we want them to be. If your dress suddenly gets too short when you bend over, or your trousers are too tight to sit down, opt for more breathable pieces. Be prepared to move!

Prepare your kids (and their Dad!) with low-key references letting them know what is coming and what to expect. Keep it fun and light-hearted. Tell them they will be hanging out with your friend on Saturday! Or going to the park to play and meeting up with a friend! Keep it casual. This helps especially with shy children.

Last but not least, make sure everyone gets a good night’s sleep and eats a good meal beforehand. Empty tummies make grumpy & fussy kiddos. Ultimately, see this is a fun day out with the kids. Just another fun relaxing activity as a family! Family photos are a special occasion, I hope these tips will help you feel prepared and confident for your portrait session.

Still need more tips! Don’t worry, when you book your session with me you will receive a comprehensive ‘Welcome’ pack with 30 tips to prepare you for your family photo session.

Ready to book? http://www.carinaduvenagephotography.co.uk/contact-me/