5 Tips to A Great Family Portrait Session

Family photo sessions can be a really challenging time for the parent(s) who are organizing! On top of everything else you do for your family, you now want to pull off a great photoshoot, so here are 5 proven tips I share with all my clients in order to have a GREAT and FUN shoot! 

 1) Choose Your Clothing Carefully

First and most important, dress for the weather. We all have that one adorable outfit that we adore putting on our children, but they will not be happy if they are freezing cold or melting. Dress authentically for who you and your family are. My niece loves striped stockings with a flower skirt, and she makes it work perfectly! She also feels like she is taking part in something and not being dragged along for the ride. You don’t all have to have matching shirts. In fact, I advise against it. Choose one or two colors that work well together, and let that be your guide.

2) Be Well Rested and Fed

Be sure not to schedule your session around your child’s nap or meal time. The best lighting on location is two hours before sunset and two hours after sunrise. If this is during nap time, talk to the photographer. A good photographer can create beautiful light at any time of day. Be well fed, or if you are scheduling dinner after your session, make sure everyone has a snack to hold them over. A happy parent and child have a full belly.

3) Have Fun With Your Family 

Set the stage that this is going to be fun and playful, and the kids will follow. If the kids are onboard and looking forward to it, your shoot is off to a great start. You can also bring a favorite toy for the little ones to keep them engaged. Share a little about each child's personalities with the photographer so they can gain insight into the family. I love learning about my clients! The children are my biggest priority. When you arrive, my attention will be focused on connecting with them. I create a relaxed and playful atmosphere, which creates a relaxing shoot for the parents.

4) Let It Flow

My sessions are about you as a family, having fun and laughing together. I will give you all a lot of freedom to show up as you are. Let your kids be silly, funny, quirky, or shy. Remember, you don’t always have to be looking at the camera. Some of the sweetest moments are you hugging your child or them rolling on the ground laughing. It’s all okay, and you’ll always walk away seeing that part of your child you love so much!

All of these tips will help you have an enjoyable family photoshoot, and you will leave with gorgeous, timeless family photographs that you will cherish forever.

Jennifer is accepting bookings for fall family photo shoots. Reserve your spot and BOOK NOW