7 Tips you should know before your family photo session

Have your clothing chosen in advance and make sure that your outfit choices are comfortable and attractive. To ensure your photos are a timeless treasure you can display in your home for years to come I recommend choosing coordinating colours (but not matchy, matchy). Many opt for blue as there are many shades of blue to suit different skin tones and different ages throughout the fa

Be certain not to schedule your photo session around your child’s nap or bedtime.  Try not to show up to a photo shoot on an empty stomach. I meet many families who come to a photo session with dinner scheduled at the end.  If this is your plan, be sure to give everyone a healthy snack before the photo shoot to keep everyones energy up. When you feel great, you’ll naturally look great!

Parents are often rushing around before a photo shoot, making sure that their family is dressed and ready. Giving yourself time to do your hair, makeup and choose the perfect outfit. When you’re feeling your best, this will reflect on the rest of the family as well. Leave plenty of time for showers, baths, dressing, and grooming. When a family shows up to a family photo session rushed and disorganised, it sets the tone for a rushed and disorganised session. Give yourself extra time so that you are ready before it’s time to head out that door.

I always try to interact and talk with all family members, including the littles ones! This interaction results in natural, gorgeous smiles. But do be my little helper too to capture the true essence of your child’s personality by talking with and coaxing out those smiles naturally and easily.

Don’t be afraid to pick up your children and toss them in the air. Give your wife a sweet kiss on the check. Tell your husband how much you love him and appreciate him for being there for your family. Have fun. Laugh. Giggle. Joke. Embrace. Kiss. Snuggle. Play. Doing these things will allow me to capture the emotion and true beauty of your family. Show me who you really are, so that I have the opportunity to capture your love through her lens.

Do you love to read together? Bring some books. Love to play board games or cards? Plan to play a round of Uno or Monopoly during your family photo session. Other ideas include: football, piggy back rides, races, bike riding, hiking, singing, picnics, the ideas are endless. When families are engaged in doing something that they love together, if gives me the opportunity to take some beautiful and authentic photographs.

The best photographs are often the ones where everyone is engaged or interacting with each other. Not every picture needs to have everyone looking at the camera and smiling at the same time. If you are engaged as a family and loving on each other, your eyes will be on your family members and your smile with be natural. These are the photographs that you will cherish most because they depict your family connection and your love.