between all the newborn, family, mini sessions and blog shoots, my family has spent quite a bit of time in front of the camera. while that might not make me an expert i have learned a few tricks along the way that make the process less stressful and the day of way more enjoyable.
1. think ahead – decide what the main purpose is for your pictures (christmas cards, document, gallery wall, etc.). do you want most pictures to be black and white? portrait style? or lifestyle with outtakes? once you know the answer to those things it’s time to do a little daydreaming. (you’ll also want to communicate those things with your photographer!) hop on pinterest for ideas or look through your photographer’s web site. to keep things looking more organic and less staged think simple – a little goes a long way. make a list of props and outfit ideas and then raid your (and your friends’) closets and pullout anything that will work. order or go shopping for anything you don’t have but still think is necessary.
2. prep the kids – i have yet to meet a child that loves participating in family photo sessions. however, i’ve found (especially for the older kids) that if i give lots of notice and reminders about our appointment they are more likely to be good sports about it. picking a bribe or planning something fun to do after pictures also works like a charm.
3. be yo-selves… and trust your photographer – you really want everyone’s personalities to shine through so as long as the kids are following instructions a little, let them be silly (and throw up duces) or shy and snuggly. i also find that if i stay upbeat and playful the rest of my crew tends to fallow suit and play along. when all else fails take a deep breath and trust your photographer – it’s not the first time they’ve worked with a child that refused to smile, etc.!
// LAST THOUGHTS // keep personalities and personal style in mind when picking outfits. everyone does better and looks more natural when they feel comfortable in what they are wearing. also if you want the family to look put together without being too matchy, matchy try picking a neutral palette and then adding a couple different pops of color and some texture. lastly, if it’s important to you, book nail and hair appointments in advance so your not running around like crazy the day before!
here’s to beautiful (low-fuss) family photos you’ll love.
if you have more tips please share in the comments!
xo . rae
//all pics by stacy jacobsen//
I would add, and this is for the photographer, to not cut off the children. I see so many photos where the parents heads are centered and the littles are barely poking over the bottom of the picture. (I know sometimes it’s cute to have a big sky, etc. that’s not what I’m talking about). That’s my personal thing.
I would add that it is good to plan and prep for the location. We have done photos at a nearby park (which i always love! ) but with 3 young kids that doesn’t always work out well. The last few sessions we have done at our house, in the yard, on the tire swing, and maybe our next one will be on the couch ;)
Doing photos at home is 100 % less stressful and it depicts our family where we spend most of our time being a family!