10 Things Your Family Photographer Wishes You Knew

As a photographer, there are definitely some things we wish we could tell you in the middle of a shoot - so here’s a little peek inside your photographer’s brain.

Communication is Key
I love being collaborative! There’s nothing better than creating a great flow that gets everyone excited and I want to make sure you are getting exactly what you want out of your portrait session. Please share your ideas! And don’t be shy - if you notice something in the background that doesn’t fit the feel you are going for, ask if you can move it. If you’re hoping for a specific pose or type of image, speak up and let me know. Even before the session, reach out and let me know if there are any tips and tricks to get your child to smile or jokes that will make your husband laugh or some insecurities you may have. I want to make you look and feel your best so communicate that information as much as you can!

Be Prepared to Print Your Photos Right Away
I promise if you don’t print your photos asap, they will hide in a folder on your desktop longer than you’d like to think! As a busy parent, I know that life tends to move super fast. Let me help you print your photos right away, so you can see your beautiful smiling faces on your walls every day!

Don’t Rush Around Too Much On Photo Shoot Day
Weekends (and life in general) can get hectic. But please remember to leave some room in your schedule to relax before our session. Moms, dads, and kids can ALL get grumpy when the day has been too busy, and you don’t want that to show in your photos. Make sure you treat yourself to some quality down time before we meet up. Leave enough time in your schedule that you can leisurely drive to our meetup spot AND still be early. Have a snack, drink some water, maybe even grab a quick nap before your appointment.

Choose a Photographer Whose Style You Love
Pay attention to the photos your photographer shares on their website and social media. Photographers are artists, and most of us specialize in a specific style. Don’t assume that anyone with a camera can produce the images that you have your heart set on. Make sure you are working with a photographer that can give you exactly what you are expecting!

Bring Extra Clothes and Warm Layers
Kids have accidents and spill things. And Murphy’s Law says that they’re going to do this in your car on the way to your photo shoot. Always bring extra clothes.
Also, as the weather starts to get chillier bring layers! You can always take off clothing if you get too warm, but when people get cold in your photos, it will most definitely show. Another option is to bring a warm blanket for your family to snuggle in.

Do Your Hair
Consider getting a professional blow-out before your session or at the very least make sure your hair is dry, styled, and soft to the touch. You don’t want to look uptight in every photo because you’re too worried about the wind blowing the wrong direction or that your kids hugged you too tightly and messed up your perfect ‘do. As for fresh cuts, always try to schedule hair cuts a few weeks before family photos to make sure you have time to grow out or hide any accidental weirdness.

You DON’T Need to Lose Weight First
You DON’T need to lose weight before your next photo shoot. Instead this is the time to be grateful that your kids will have memories of you in the photos as they were growing up! A great photographer will be able to pose you in such a way that the first thing you’ll see in your photos is your own amazing smile. Sure, you might notice the extra weight a few seconds later; we all have our little insecurities. But a really great photographer should make your insecurities feel secondary to the joy you feel when you see your photos.

Don’t Be Afraid To Get Silly

The one person you never have to be shy in-front of is your photographer. We get really excited when we get to share silly and goofiness with a client. Let it all go! While you’re with your loved ones, don’t be afraid to hug them, kiss them, spin around, give piggy-backs, or even do a little dancing!

Bring Props

Does your daughter love a certain blanket, your son a certain toy? Bring them! This will help customize your session to your unique family as well as help your children feel more secure and comfortable in front of the camera!

Ignore the Camera

All of your photos do not have to be sitting and smiling. In order to get a good variety, this is the time to ignore the camera! Yes, it is difficult, but so important! Play with your children, have a tickle fight, play ring around the rosie. Keep busy and soon it will feel like I am not even there!

Ready to schedule a family photo session? Contact me here!