What to expect on the day of your session?
Your photoshoot is going to be amazing! 99% of the time the first 10 minutes or so will feel super awkward and that's TOTALLY normal. But don't you worry! A good photographer will never leave you hanging wondering what's next, they will always prompt and guide you along your way so that you feel confident in yourself and the outcome of your session. It should feel like playing and can be the perfect way to reconnect when we all live such busy lives!
I promise it will be fun and by the end, you will feel like total pros in front of the camera!
What to wear ideas
Look, I get it. Dressing yourself in the morning is tough enough when you don’t have to stand in front of a camera and be your best self. Add having to dress a couple of kids and perhaps even your partner, and things can get a little complicated!
But the number one thing I want you to remember is that being comfortable is everything.
It’s normal to want to shop for new fancy clothes to wear to a photoshoot, but usually, the best route is to go with something that’s tried and true.
Things to consider
Wear something that’ll keep you at the right temperature.
Bring a couple of outfits so that you can play with different options and combinations, and get a little sandy/wet/muddy if you’re game and the moment calls for it!
If you feel like getting a little glammed up, do it! Just try to keep it as natural as possible. I love the motion that is captured with hair blowing in the wind.
If you have anything in your wardrobe that is textured, sheer, or billowy, fabrics that flow show up so beautifully in photographs.
Avoid starchy, stiff-seeming garments that get crumpled in weird spots and need adjusting.
Be careful with prints, logos, and bright colors as sometimes these detract from the most important parts of the photograph – you!
Avoid matching. Find complementary outfits that showcase a controlled variety of textures and colors so you can look good together without looking the same.
Timing
I love to shoot when the sun is low in the sky (just before sunset or just after sunrise) because that’s when everything looks magical. Depending on when the sun rises and sets, this window of time might not work for everyone.
But let’s have a chat about when the kids are at their best and work according to their schedules.
Hot Tip!
One day before the shoot, get all of your things ready and have them in the car. Give yourself lots of time to get to the location so you don’t feel frazzled and rushed on arrival. When a family shows up to a shoot having had to drive illegal speeds to get there, it sets the tone for a chaotic session. Allow plenty of time for showers, baths, grooming, and forgetting things.
How to Prepare
There are lots of variables in family shoots that are beyond our control. When photographing kids, I’ve learned relatively quickly that every plan is contingent on their mood. In the leadup to the session, get the kids excited about what’s to come.
Let them know we’ll be playing lots of fun games, and there might even be delicious snacks on offer. Packing a stash of mini marshmallows to bust out right when the kids need that slice of motivation buys
us a lot of precious time and cooperation!
Let them bring it!
If your kids want to bring their favorite stuffed toy or wear their favorite rain boots, let them! It will only add to the authenticity of the session!
Location
If you already know where you want to shoot, that’s amazing – I’m always up for discovering new places. If you’re not sure, don’t sweat it! I’ve got my own little index of locations for almost every scenario and we can go through them together.
Ideally, we’re looking for somewhere where there aren’t too many distractions, where the light is soft, and where there’s enough space for us to move around without breaking anything.
If it feels like too much of a struggle to get everyone dressed and fed and out of the house on time, consider having the session at home! From candid moments around the kitchen table, to rolling around in tickle fights on the bed, I am a huge fan of in-home sessions for the way they authentically capture a snippet of your family reality.
So you want to bring your pet?
They are part of the family, after all! If you’re arriving with your a four-legged-friend in tow, here are some things to consider first:
- Make sure the location that we’ve chosen is dog-friendly
- Brush up on some commands and tricks to make sure they’re on their best behavior
- Make sure they’ve had lots of exercise beforehand so that they’re calm and attentive when it’s go-time
- Pack treats, toys, and a lint roller
- Give ‘em a good brush beforehand
One last Thing!
If you walk away after reading this and only remember one thing, let it be this: have zero expectations. Embrace what comes – the wind, the rain, the laughter, whatever unfolds. It’s all about YOU and capturing your life exactly how it is on the day of your shoot – wrinkles, tears, joyous abandon, and all.
Throw your checklist out the window and know that magic will naturally unfold. When it does, I’ll be there to capture it.
