Let’s get you ready for your next family photoshoot! I’m here to guide you through the process of prepping for your upcoming shoot so that we can capture those heartwarming moments and infectious laughter that make your family uniquely wonderful. Let’s dive right in and uncover some playful and fun tips to ensure your photo session is an absolute breeze.

Getting Ready for your Family Photoshoot: A bunch of Tips you Can Actually Use

First thing: Empty Those Pockets – Say Goodbye to Phone Outlines and Key Bulges!

First things first, let’s rid those pockets of any bulky distractions. We’ve all been there: in the excitement of the session we forget about a pocketful of keys and a phone and you end up with some rather awkward outlines in your photos. Let’s avoid that fashion faux pas by making sure your pockets are free and clear. You wouldn’t want a rogue set of keys stealing the limelight from your dazzling smiles!

The Outfit Dilemma – Mixing Casual and Dressy with a Dash of Harmony

Now, onto the fashion frontier! Don’t stress about everyone wearing matching outfits like you’re part of a family band. Instead, opt for a mix of casual and dressier ensembles that reflect your family’s unique personalities. The key here is to ensure that while you’re not twinning, your outfits still create a harmonious visual palette. Remember, variety is the spice of life, and the same goes for your outfits. Bring a casual outfit that lets your personality shine and if you’d like you can switch to some dressier options for those elegant shots. Mixing it up never looked so good!

Let’s talk shoes! Your choice of footwear can significantly impact your comfort during the shoot. If those stylish stilettos or fancy Oxfords are a tad uncomfortable for traipsing through grassy fields or exploring charming urban spots, consider bringing a pair of flip-flops or other comfy shoes to get you from location to location. Once we’re in position, feel free to switch back into your fabulous footwear. Comfort and style? It’s a win-win!

Need some more specifics for outfit choices?

A few key points about outfits to help you get ready for your family photoshoot:

1. Feel free to mix solids, prints and patterns. Don’t stress too much in a group setting if you have a plaid and a floral- just make sure you have a few solid colours and neutrals mixed as well.
2. Avoid graphic tees, large logos and of course dirty shirts.
3. Also void plaids or patterns that are smaller than a quarter- they don’t photograph as well as you’d think.
4. Black isn’t always your best friend. We’ve all heard the saying that black is slimming, and while this is true, a family session that heavily dressed in black, creates images that are well heavy… If you are aiming for light and airy family photography choose a colour palette that lends itself to that, avoid too much black.
5. Neutrals Neutrals Neutrals- I cannot encourage using neutrals enough. Colours like, beiges, greys, creams, denim, khaki, off whites, heathered colours and natural greens are always beautiful choices for your session.
6. If you are wanting to add some extra colour to a neutral palette my favourites for this fall are things like burgundy, forest green, mustard yellow and rusty orange. Gone are the days of 90% white with one pop of identical colour on every person- feel free to mix the tones, textures and materials!

Lip Color and Hairspray(and maybe a couple gummy snacks!) – A Touch-Up Arsenal for the Elements

Nature and photography go hand in hand, but sometimes the elements can get a little too enthusiastic. Wind, humidity, and other environmental factors can give your hair and makeup a run for their money. Fear not! Pack your secret weapons: your favourite lip colour for touch-ups and a trusty hairspray or brush to tame any unruly tresses. Mother Nature might try to play games, but you’ve got your A-game in your bag.

Including kiddos in your family session this year means we need to add one or 2 more things to that bag; my fave: a few gummy snacks or mini marshmallows in case some bribery needed. I also recommend a couple of wet wipes just in case.

Speaking of Kiddos! A few extra Tips!

Let’s talk about kiddos for a couple minutes. Have you ever had a family session with your kiddos and it was NOT fun? The kids may have been grouchy, somebody got their outfit dirty before you even started, mom felt frazzled… The list goes on. If you’ve ever had that session, then I bet you know what Im talking about when I say it is harder to look at those photos than it is with photos from a really great session. What I mean by that, is your experience during your session really dictates how you feel about the shots when you get them back!

So I have a few tricks up my sleeve to reduce the kiddo grumps and increase the odds that we will have a great session:

1. We will likely walk around.. like quite a bit during your session! We will move from place to place, we will let the kids run, hop, skip play and be silly. Not only will this get us more variety of backgrounds, but those hopping playful photos will often become your absolute favourites. Capturing their true joy, not just manufactured smiles!
2. We will interact together ALOT. Although, I will certainly capture a few classic family shots where everyone is looking at me, we will spend a lot of time capturing images of you looking at each other, playing together, telling stories, tickling, laughing etc.
3. If your young child is deadset on including their favourite toy, stuffie or blankie in the session, my suggestion: just let it happen! Your family photos are meant to depict who you are as a family and if that means your young child feels best with their stuffie in tow then maybe we just let it be. I promise you will love the shots of a smiling kiddo holding their doggy way more.

Last but definitely not least, a big deep breath and a whole lot of enthusiasm are in order. I’m here to make this experience a blast for you and your loved ones. We’ll be capturing candid moments that embody the essence of your family, and that means there’s no room for stress. So, take a moment to soak it all in. Enjoy the laughter, the playful interactions, and the sheer joy of spending quality time together. In the end, it’s all about preserving those priceless memories that will warm your hearts for years to come.

There you have it, lovely families! Getting ready for your family photoshoot doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

Embrace the process, have fun with your outfits, and remember to capture the genuine essence of your family – those sparkling eyes, infectious giggles, and heartfelt connections. So, let’s embark on this adventure together and create a treasure trove of memories that will last a lifetime. With cameras ready and laughter in the air, let’s make magic happen! Additionally, remember I’m not just your photographer. I’m your partner in preserving joy, love, and togetherness. So, follow these playful tips, take a deep breath, and get ready to shine like the incredible family you are. Let’s create a visual story that reflects the enchanting spirit of your family.

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