3 Slightly Unconventional Tips for the Most Heart-warming Family Photography Session Ever!
If you've ever felt like family photo sessions are more about stiff poses and awkward grins than genuine moments, I'm right there with you. I've been in the thick of it as a family photographer, and let's be real – those picture-perfect expectations can sometimes take the joy out of the whole experience, and keep you from capturing who you really are as a family. That's why I'm here to share my three go-to tips that might just change the way you look at family photography. Let's dive in and explore how clothing choices, leaving the smiles to the expert (that's me!), and pretending I'm invisible can lead to those heartwarming, 'oh-my-gosh, that's so us' kind of shots you’re hoping for.
One. You do You!
One of the things clients stress over the most is what to wear! My ultimate tip is be you and be comfortable. Is your family all about Carhart’s and sweatshirts? Are you most often found wearing your favorite college team’s merch? Or is your family up on all the latest trends? Clothing choices play a key role in capturing images that genuinely reflect your family’s personality, and authentically tell your story. When you feel comfortable, you will be more at ease and those swoon worthy moments you’re hoping to capture will come more naturally. So, contrary to popular belief you do not have to get dressed in your Sunday best for beautiful family photos, you just need to be you.
Two. Don’t Fret Fussy or Apprehensive Kids.
Kids are unpredictable, and that is okay! When kids act that way though, it’s every parent’s knee jerk reaction to try to get their kids to behave and smile, I get it. But, that’s why you hired a professional…leave the smiles to me. When you choose me as your photographer, you’re choosing a stress-free and light-hearted experience. While you stay focused on the camera, I’ll work my magic behind the scenes to engage your little ones in playful activities, games, and heart-melting interactions. By allowing me to handle the smiles, you're ensuring that your session is all about joy, connection, and those spontaneous moments that make your family unique.
This little guy was not about having his picture taken. When his parents and I let him find a stick and pretend he was playing a fiddle the smiles never stopped! And, his momma will forever have cherished photos of when all he wanted to do was play the fiddle.
Three. Pretend I’m not There.
One of the things I hear most from clients when they receive their galleries is how much they love the candid shots I captured of their family just being them. Yes, it’s important to get those Christmas card worthy, everyone smiling at the camera images, but the images you’ll look back on and cherish most are those that show the personalities of your kids and of your family as a unit. I tell my clients during our planning session to come to their photography session with the mindset that they are going on a family adventure. I direct them to interact how they normally would if it was a family day and I’m not there. Let kids run, pick up bugs, and get their feet wet, all while you and your hubby hold hands and enjoy watching your children explore. Trust me you’ll LOVE the outcome!
Having the true essence of your family captured is what makes the most heartwarming and treasured photos. So when preparing for your family photo session the best way to do that is just be you.