Tips for Taking Awesome Family Photos

It’s that time of year- time to update your family photos! They can be so special with all the silly little toddler smiles & giggles and the moments when you realize how lucky you are to have a family as amazing as you do… you look forward to capturing moments to share with family & friends and treasure for years to come. But the process of planning, preparing, and executing those awesome family photos with kids can be so stressful… often there are many outfit changes, accidents, and sometimes even tears leading up to those photos. (I’m guessing many parents can relate!) Here are some helpful tips to make the whole process run smoother and, hopefully, even make your photoshoot enjoyable! 🙂 

Let me break down the ‘Family Photo Session Experience’ to you in 3 easy stages that you can process in your own way. Being aware of these things prior to photo day will help make the process run much smoother and get the experience & photographs that you have been dreaming about! The 3 main things to think about are: The Planning Stage, the Preparation Stage, and the Photoshoot Day itself. Here is a breakdown of how to devise a plan for your own family photoshoot.

The Planning Stage:

Heads up- if this is your first (or even second family shoot) – when the kids are toddlers then lower your expectations… then lower them some more. Then, you will be pleasantly surprised! 🤗 Hoping to control every aspect of this process is only going to lead to disappointment.

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• Schedule in advance!
  • It is easy to let things like this sneak up on us. After all, it’s not an everyday occasion, so we tend to put off scheduling until the last minute. That can be problematic because your schedule may not line up with your photographer, you could end up with a difficult timeslot, or maybe you won’t have time to get prints/cards made for a special occasion. Make sure to reach out to set up a date and time with plenty of advance notice! This will also give you time to plan for the big shoot!
• Research style, location, and poses in advance!
  • Going into a photoshoot without researching what you want to get out of it can lead to unnecessary stress and disappointment. Some important things to look into once you decide to set up a family photoshoot are: style, location, and poses. You will have to take into consideration your city, time of year, availability of space, time, etc. while thinking about these things. 
  • Some questions to consider:
    • What style or theme are you going for? Traditional/classics/posed?  Holiday-themed? Lifestyle? Dramatic & dark? Black & whites?
    • What type of location do you want for these photos? Indoor- at home or studio? Staged outdoor? Natural outdoor options- trees, fields, backyard, city? Tip: If your kid is 18mo-3yo, a beach session might not be the best idea unless you’ve taken them to the beach recently and you know they love it. In that case, best to choose the beach they are used to/comfortable with. Kids around that age start to have fear of the waves. 
    • What style of posing do you prefer? Do you feel comfortable in front of the camera, or do you want more guidance from the photographer? Are you looking for more candids or posed shots? What limitations do you or members of your family have in terms of posing? 
• Work with the photographer & share important information.
  • Remember that your photographer has a wealth of knowledge and is a great resource when it comes to planning and executing family photoshoots. I love to help clients who feel a bit nervous in front of the camera to open up and have fun with their photography experiences. If you feel comfortable, relaxed, and happy, then it will transition into the photos. 
  • Things to discuss with your photographer:
    • What important things should I know about your family? Do your kids get shy in front of new people? What makes them laugh? How do you and your partner feel about couple pictures, or do you only want kids/family photos? What makes your family unique? What are things you love to do together as a family? What makes you/members of your family uncomfortable in front of the camera? 
• Timing! Don’t schedule near naptime or the witching hour!
  • When you are thinking about what day of the week or time of day will work best for your family pictures, please take into consideration a few other things going on in your lives first. Are there any other big or stressful events going on? Is the time of day that you want close to naptime or during the dreaded baby ‘witching hour’? (Parents- you know that crazy time!) Do you have time constraints that may limit how long you can be at a location? Will the time of year affect the lighting? There are many things to consider- I can help you navigate these timing issues if you keep me informed though.

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The Preparation Stage:

• Figure out props & find ways to limit mobility.
  • Are you interested in using props in your family photos? Maybe you want a theme, or some holiday decore, or a family event is fueling your desire for photos? If so, then think of ways that you can use props to aid in the overall feeling of the pictures. Props can also help limit mobile toddlers who just want to run all over when you need them to sit for a minute. *I do want to remind you though- often, less is more! Going overboard with props can take away from the focal point- your family!
• Coordinate clothing!
  • Luckily, there are so many resources out there to help plan and coordinate your family’s attire! I have a style guide that I am happy to share with you if you’d like some help too! Also, I am so glad that we live in the age of Pinterest! There are so many helpful pallets and ideas to check out on there as well. Keep in mind a few key things: time of year/weather, indoor/outdoor, style/mood of session, etc. For the current autumn season, I have a super helpful post on How to nail your Fall Family Photo Session Style that you should check out!  

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• Get comfortable with candids!
  • Seriously! Candids make for such natural beautiful photos that you’ll definitely want to share. If your family can relax and play, then your true personalities and happiness will shine through in your pictures. 
• Practice posture and angles.
  • This sounds so weird- I know! Practicing poses and looking at angles in the mirror will probably feel super awkward, but it can help you prepare for the big day. Sometimes you notice that you tuck your chin when smiling (oh, hi! Triple chins!… or, is that just me?) Or, maybe you’ll notice that you slouch without realizing it. In any case, it doesn’t hurt to practice a few poses that make you feel confident and happy. As a photographer, I can spot these little things and can direct you at the shoot too. 
• Have a fashion show for kids- talk it up like it is so much fun!
  • This is a fun activity for kids…. If you have the time, then I highly suggest putting on a little fashion show prior to our photo shoot. It is a goofy way to check that outfits fit and coordinate in the way that you envisioned too. Kids will feel empowered to show off their modeling skills if you make it a fun activity instead of a stressful rush at the last minute. 
• Get Packing! All the random things like baby wipes, a change of outfit, snacks, and water!
  • I know parents are usually pretty good about knowing what to bring out on a daily outing, but make sure to cover all the bases to help your photoshoot run smoothly. Make a list in advance and then pack it up in an easy travel container. Babies, specifically, will require so much more than you think they should! All ages require some planning though. Check out our list below to help you get started on your own. Tip: if you are planning to do some walking or parking is a bit far away, then a wagon can be such a helpful tool to carry everything while also juggling kids.
  • In the end- the only essential things to bring for a shoot with kids are snacks!! Even if your kid just ate a 5-course meal before the session, SNACKS!! The smaller, the better. Goldfish or those small fruit snacks are perfect. One little thing at a time. 

Photoshoot Day:

• Bring someone along to help with the kids.
  • Does grandma want to spend more time with the grandkids? This is the perfect opportunity to give her that and get some extra help! Or, do you have a trusting sitter that you can count on to always help make the kids laugh? It isn’t always easy to juggle diaper changes, kids running in opposite directions, or meltdowns on your own in the middle of a photo shoot. Having an extra set of eyes, or hands can be invaluable. This certainly isn’t necessary- it can just be nice if it is an easy option for you to arrange. I am here to help as much as I can too! 🙂
• Relax and have fun… & trust your photographer!
  • When it comes time to actually take the photos, you will probably feel like you’ve spent a lot of time planning for these perfect family shots. Sometimes things don’t go as perfectly as you imagined though- someone forgets to put on socks, there are clouds when you wanted sun, your spouse was late getting to the location and you feel overwhelmed… but those aren’t the things people will notice or even know about in your family pictures. They will pick up on the laughing kids, swooning parents, and overall love in the family. Just take a moment to let the stress fade for a bit and enjoy a day with the family …and I will be a fly on the wall (with a few basic instructions) to capture it all. 

• Play games & give so much attention and praise!
  • Instead of focusing on how great the kids will be – focus on being the best version of a parent. Instead of focusing on what you can’t control (aka our toddlers), focus on what you can (how you react to your toddler). If your toddler is having a meltdown, try getting down to their level (height-wise) and comfort them. Those photos of you comforting your kids will be so special to them now, and also when they are grown up. Plus, you just look like this patient, amazing parent. Or, if they are curious about a twig (I know 🙂 ), then pretend to be super into that twig and have fun. I will let you know to look over real quick, so I can capture you two smiling at the camera.
  • Kids often fight back when you aren’t giving them some sort of control… hello random temper tantrum because I gave the blue cup instead of the green without asking! Back to my point- making the photo session into a fun activity will help to distract kids and get the happy candid photos you have envisioned. Play follow the leader, tickle monster, pretend to be animals, or use whatever interests your kids have to get them to relax and have fun. Then, remember to praise them for all the little things. This goes such a long way instead of just pointing out things that they can change- especially true for the older kids. 

• Be flexible- things may not go exactly as you planned in your head. If you’re a parent, then you already know this all too well. Remembering that this is a chance to have fun with the family and get a couple of captured smiles instead of perfection can help make it more enjoyable. 

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Helpful Packing List for your Family Photoshoot

No matter where you choose to have pictures taken, there are a few things you should consider bringing with you that could end up saving the day. (These are in addition to all of your essentials of course.)

• Masks (because Covid…sigh) but, there are so many cute options on Etsy. 
• Backup Makeup if wanted (foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, blush, etc.) or just some simple Lipstick and a light powder for touch-ups
• Brush, comb
• Hairpins, hairspray, gel
• Letterboard as a prop option
• First aid kit (e.g., medications, bandaids, tissues, etc.)
• Clear Umbrella  (if there is rain in the forecast)
• Storage Bins are your best friends! So easy to keep organized, stack, and travel!
• Reusable Waterbottle – kids always need a drink when you’re out it seems
• Picnic Blanket – great for relaxed pictures and saving outfits. FYI- If your kid is anywhere between newly walking to 2 years old, they most likely won’t want to sit 🤣 but it’s good to have!
• Backpack to carry little things to location for photographs
• Snacks, snacks, and did I mention snacks?

Remember – Don’t panic! Embrace the moment! 

Family photos are meant to capture- you guessed it- your family! That means you should embrace your silly, weird, chaotic sides and let the session unfold naturally. Your attitude will set the tone for the entire photo session. Get ready to roll with the punches and have fun! It’s okay to give in to their demands a little (I promise they won’t be spoiled forever because you told them this one time it’s ok to throw leaves instead of smiling at the camera.) Your family will follow suit & you will get some of those awesome shots that you are hoping for in the end.

If you have questions or comments about family photos, then feel free to reach out to me! I’m happy to help! 

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