The 3 Tips That Will Make Your Next Family Photo a Breeze
Don’t Say Smile
That goes for “CHEEEEESE” too. First of all, have you ever seen a natural smile come from that word? Short answer, no. Secondly, what will most likely result is a downward spiral of mood and a bonus eye roll. Neither are probably what you are wanting for your photo session. What should you do instead? Encourage them to laugh, even if its a fake laugh. Do something silly. Let your photographer in on a family joke that’s sure to make everyone smile.
Moms, stand back
Moms, put a hand up if this sounds familiar: You come home to the kids and they instantly turn into little maniacs, whoever was with them says “they were great all day!” It’s true, kids behave better for others than their moms usually. There’s this whole unconditional love thing they get from us and it makes them feel safe. This is especially true at a photo shoot. If the kiddos aren’t exactly being little angels, it’s not the time to start a battle of wills. Even if you win, it will come at great cost. The best thing to do is take a step back, around the corner, in another room, whatever you’re comfortable with. Another thing, if the kids are smaller, they will 100% pick up on a stressed out vibe and that will make them more anxious so it is better to step back and stay calm.
Just breathe.
Take a deep breath. Focus on the present moment. Giving into the stress of the moment will not help, if anything it just robs you of the right now and that’s all we really ever have, right? If the kids are being less than charming, if you just realized you forgot to lint roll, whatever, it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you are celebrating your family and your life just as it is because its beautiful just as it is. You are healthy and safe and that the biggest thing you are worried about probably won't matter in five years. If the kids are making silly faces, refusing to smile or even outright crying in the photo - guess what, you will look back and laugh and love this moment because it was real.
BONUS TIP: It doesn’t have to be all on you.
Look for a photographer that helps you plan this day. We have a ton of knowledge on what looks good in photos, how to stand, and how to go about getting the best images. Even if your favorite photographer doesn’t advertise style or planning tips, don’t be afraid to ask them!
As a mom I know how hard it can be to get the day scheduled, plan, actually getting every out the door on time without yourself looking like a hot mess - that’s why I like to make it as easy as possible by walking my clients through their own closets, being a personal shopper if needed, digging into their own authentic style and how they want to be photographed even when they don’t quite know how to express it, so they know exactly what they need to bring they day of the shoot. I provide a professional hair and makeup artist the day of the shoot so you have some pampering and time to relax. I guide them the entire shoot so they never need to feel like they have to know what to do. I even walk them through finished product options that I’ve designed just for them because I don’t feel like my job is done until you have printed products that you love in your home or on your walls.
Are you wanting a family portrait that you adore? A photoshoot experience that easy, fun and beautifully captures the authenticity of you and your family? An expert to hold your hand from start to finish? Click here to get started .
Want to see more work? View my portfolio here.
