If you’ve ever tried to wrangle your kids for a family photo, you know it can be a mix of fun and frenzy.
I’ve been through my fair share, from perfect, cute smiles to full-on toddler meltdowns. Along the way, I’ve picked up some great tips and found some amazing ways to really make those photos pop. So, let me share my personal experiences, favorite times of the year, and a few tricks to make your family photo sessions a little smoother and a lot more memorable.
Find the Right Photographer
Choosing the right photographer for your family photos is key to capturing those special moments in a style that reflects your family’s unique personality. Start by browsing portfolios to find a photographer whose style resonates with you—whether it's candid and casual or more posed and structured. Don’t hesitate to reach out and chat with them about their approach to working with families, especially if you have little ones. It's important that they have patience and a knack for engaging with children to capture those genuine smiles.
Ask for recommendations from friends and read online reviews to get a sense of their reliability and professionalism.
Find those people who have worked with the photographer and ask them all the questions you have. Lastly, talk with the photographer to ensure their services fit within your budget and discuss all the details, including session length, location options, and package deals, to avoid any surprises.
Finding a photographer you click with can make all the difference in not just the photos themselves but in how enjoyable and stress-free your photo session turns out to be!
How Often Should You Do Family Photos?
We plan our photos twice a year. We do one in the springtime and one in the fall. I personally love photos, ESPECIALLY with kids. They changed so much, so every six months seems like a good amount of time to capture all of the changes! But it's important to consider what you want. Ask yourself some questions:
What does your budget look like? Are there seasons you want to capture with professional photos? Are your kids younger like mine and constantly changing, or do you have older kids? What special occasions will be happening this year (births, big birthdays, etc.)?
You also have to make sure the photographer you want will be available at the times you want! I book it six months in advance because photographers fill up really quickly, especially around busy times like fall photos with the changing leaves or around certain holidays.
So start planning and reaching out a lot earlier than you'd expect so you won't be disappointed!
How Do I Plan Outfits?
As a mom, I typically cater my outfit, as well as my husband’s, to whatever we decide to have our kids in. Over the years, we’ve created a color scheme that we stick with. This honestly helps me narrow down any type of clothing choice, which can get overwhelming.
Think about what colors you and your family look best in. It might sound a little crazy, but certain colors make eye colors pop, bring out natural highlights in hair, the natural pink of cheeks, and so much more.
Typically, the colors will also coordinate somewhat with the season. However, you can have staple colors that transition with you no matter what the season or occasion of the pictures!
Check out Pinterest to see premade color schemes and get ideas. Look at other family photos and pull what you like from them!
Keep it simple and go with what YOU want!
How Do I Pick the Location?
Picking the perfect spot for your family photos can really set the tone for the entire shoot! I always go based on the photographer's recommendation because they will usually have a place where they feel comfortable shooting. They also typically have good spots picked out, which makes the photos turn out even better.
If you are looking to pick your own location, maybe think about places that hold special meaning for your family or have that "wow" factor. A spot where your family feels comfortable and happy is key, whether it’s the vibrant colors of your favorite park in the fall or the calm backdrop of a nearby beach.
Consider the lighting, too; soft morning or late afternoon light can add a magical touch to your images. And don’t forget about accessibility, especially if you've got little ones in tow or family members who might find it tough to navigate difficult terrain.
A location that combines beauty, comfort, and a dash of personal significance will not only enhance your photos but also make the experience memorable for everyone involved.
However, I do recommend doing in-home photo shoots because they are absolutely adorable and fun to incorporate every once in a while! The photos from our in-home shoots have been some of my FAVORITES!
Start Planning
Once you have your color scheme and ideas, start planning!
A couple of months before my photos, I start figuring out outfits for the kids, then for myself, and my husband wears whatever pulls the outfit together, ha! Typically, he wears a solid color shirt that coordinates well with the more "colorful" outfits my daughter is wearing.
A couple of weeks before the photos, I will pull out everything that we need, including our clothes, accessories, and shoes, to make sure that we have everything. This also includes any props! This is the point where you can shop for what you need without feeling rushed. Check out multiple stores, if needed, to make sure that you find exactly what you want!
During the week of photos, I will iron all of our clothes and text the photography any specific photos we want. I am comfortable with our photographer at this point, so I just text her ahead of time. If you don't feel as comfortable with that, write down your ideas and bring them with you on the day of the pictures.
The day before the photos, I lay everything out so that I KNOW I have everything we need, and it's all ready to go.
I also get snacks, toys and water ready for the actual photo shoot. (SNACKS ARE GREAT MOTIVATION FOR KIDS!)
The Day of The Shoot
On the day of the photos, I do my best to ensure that the kids get a good night's sleep and good rest time during the day so that we have the best chance for a happy photo shoot.
I also try to do anything possible to put myself in a good headspace because it can get stressful super fast. Keeping things calm and enjoyable is key to capturing those perfect, natural smiles.
As a mom who’s been there, I always recommend packing a small bag the night before with essentials like snacks, water, and a few favorite toys to keep the little ones happy and cooperative.
Arrive at your location a little early to give everyone a chance to explore and settle in—this can be especially helpful in easing any jitters your kids might have about being in front of the camera.
And remember, the goal is to capture the beauty of your family just as you are, so embrace the imperfections and spontaneous moments. These often make the most cherished photos!
Conclusion
Remember that the best pictures often come from simply being yourselves. Embrace the chaos, the laughter, and even the occasional toddler meltdown. These moments are fleeting, and capturing them in photos creates memories that will warm your heart for years to come. So go ahead, plan with care, but let go a little on the day of the shoot. Trust your photographer, enjoy the process, and look forward to the beautiful snapshots of your family's unique story. Here’s to a photo session that’s as fun as it is fruitful—happy shooting!
Xo,
Jess
Comments