5 tips for a wonderful Family Photo Experience
You scroll through your social media and see beautiful pictures of families, of kids laughing and playing, parents looking lovingly at their kids and everyone having such a wonderful time! Those images are priceless and you want such pictures of your family too. The pictures that show the love and connection of your family! But how do you go about finding the right photographer, outfits and create this family heirloom for yourself?
Below we will talk about the 5 things you can do to prepare for a memorable Family Photoshoot.
Be clear about your expectations
Before you start looking for a family photographer, know what is it that you actually want? Do you want more candid and emotive photography or do you want studio style posed portraiture. Is everyone looking and smiling at the camera important to you? or do you want pictures that showcase the beautiful bond of your family? Once you know your vision then choose the family photographer whose end-product matches your vision.
Be very clear about your expectations.
- Do you want to include your pets in the picture?
- Do you want to include the lovey that little Jonny clutches to sleep everyday?
- Do you want to recreate an image from your Wedding or Maternity photoshoot?
- Are you children shy or outgoing?
- Does your family prefer outdoors vs indoors?
It is very important for your photographer to know and understand you and your family and your expectations from the photoshoot. So share all the details!
Plan your outfit
Now that you have chosen a photographer and cleared your expectations, its time to plan your outfits. There are a million articles out there that tell you what to wear for your family photoshoots. If there is just one thing that you will take away from here, let it be this:
- Be yourself! If you don't ever wear flowy dresses, don't wear flowy dresses for your photoshoot. When you look back at these images, you would want to look at You! Choose comfort, especially for little kids. Smiley faces look way prettier than the grumpy ones in pretty dresses.
-Be mindful of the location and colors around that location. Are you photographing in a lush green garden? Wearing green in that situation will not result in beautiful images.
Chose your color palette based on the time of the year and colors at the location.
Arrive on time
I can not stress on this one enough! Rushing through the parking lot to get to your location will only result in angry parents and anxious kids. Give your self plenty of time to arrive and familiarize yourself with the location. If you have younger kids, it is especially important they feel safe and happy in a new setting. When you walk to your location talk to them about how excited you are for this photo session and how fun this park is. Keeping mood light will result in more willing kids.
Let the kids be!
Once you arrive at your location, let the kids be! Stopping to smell the flowers and stuffing their pocket with rocks will only provide you with happy kids and beautiful images. Apart from basic safety, try to not give them too many instructions. Don't ask them to fix their clothes or hair or force them to smile and say cheese! Crumbly clothes, air blown hair and stoic expressions are all part of childhood and should be celebrated. 10 years from now you will actually miss their dirt filled faces :-)
Strive for Connection
Once at the photo session, let go of all expectations and the Pintrest boards you have carved out for your photoshoot. You are here with your beautiful family whom you love very much, just savor the moment, let them know how loved they are, sing, dance, kiss and laugh! Have a wonderful time and always remember that you are here to create memories. Years from now when you are looking at your pictures, you will remember this day and I hope you will smile from nostalgia of this beautiful day well spent!
Beautiful Stories Photography
by Heena Mukhi
Beautiful, emotive and authentic photography for busy families and couples looking for a premium boutique photography experience. My style is influenced by beautiful light and genuine connection.
I believe every family has a story worth telling, a story of love and warmth. I am here to capture yours!
Serving South Bay Area, Los Gatos, San Jose, Saratoga, Cupertino.
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