I think we can all agree that family photos are a must. No matter what your family looks like today, the nature of time is that it’s always changing. Your kids will only be the ages they are once. Your family is only all together so often. With so many new seasons of life to celebrate, it’s no wonder we all want pictures to help us remember each season perfectly! But there are lots of different image styles out there, and lots of photographers, too.
With each family photo session, my goal is to capture timeless, authentic, and joy-filled moments, all while putting you at ease. Each gallery should capture your family’s unique story—a story too beautiful to be captured with one image type! Let’s talk about my three favorite photo types, and why all three should be included in your family photos.
No matter how natural you want your family photos to be, make sure you include at least a few classic smiles on your image list. These are the money shots! Classic family portraits are the images that end up as profile pictures, printed on holiday cards, and framed to make perfect gifts to grandparents. Family members not feeling their smiliest? I’ve got you covered. Check out my top 5 Tips for a Successful (and stress-free) Family Photo Session.
Yes, candid poses. Seems like an oxymoron, right? But let’s face it, you can’t always count on 30 minutes of stunning candid moments (depending on the length of your family photo session). Being super-posed the whole time can look pretty awkward, too. Enter: The candid pose. Since not everyone knows exactly what to do in front of the camera, staged candids are a great way to create an organic-looking shot, with a little guidance that allows your photographer to frame the composition exactly as they’d like. Most photographers come armed with prompts, poses and strategies to make you feel at ease, posed but not too posed. Feeling like yourself should come naturally! Each prompt gets you started so your personality can shine.
Of course, some of the very best family photos come from moments in between portraits and poses. Truly candid photos capture a moment in time as opposed to a beautiful photograph. There’s something to be said for both, but when it comes to images of authentic personality, candids definitely have the advantage. As a Colorado photographer, I’m all about making people feel at ease. I want you to have a memorable experience with your family, in addition to keeping joy-filled photos after the shutter stops. Candid photos will take some self-imposed pressure off, and allow you to remember how you felt instead of dwelling on how you looked.
Whether your family photos include 10 people, four generations, or two people and a dog, each image tells a story. Every chapter is important, and each and every season deserves to be remembered. No matter what you’re looking for in a family photo session, let’s capture the moments together!
If your family has littles, let’s face it — sometimes just getting out the door is a win. Let alone leaving on time in clean clothes with the ability to keep it together long enough to snap some great photos. Trust me, I know. But while I’ll do my part to capture your kids in a way that naturally showcases their personalities, there are some little things you can do that will go a long way. With these five tips for a successful (and stress-free) family photo session, we can work together to create authentic, joy-filled images of the whole family!
1. Plan Ahead
Are your kiddos hard to wake up in the morning? Or do they wake up full of sweet smiles, ready to go? Maybe they put their best foot forward in the afternoon after a nap, or right after lunch. Whenever they typically feel their happiest, try and schedule your family photo session accordingly. If your photographer is pretty booked on the day you want, or the natural light you’re hoping for doesn’t coincide with your usual schedule (because when does everything line up perfectly, right?), try and make adjustments where you can. A later start, shifting a nap just a bit or bumping up a meal or snack can make a big difference in arriving at your session with happy hearts. Use your best judgment… After all, no one knows your kids like you do!
2. Take the Pressure Off
We all want perfect family photos. And why not? Our kids are only the age they are once, and we want to remember every moment (plus they make it easy to show off our pride and joy around the house, in cards and on social media). But I have a secret: Kids feed off our energy. If we spend the family photo session sweating the small stuff, they’re going to mirror that stress right back. Take the pressure off and enjoy the moment! Give yourself plenty of time to get ready, get dressed and transition into the photo session. When we’re all calm and relaxed instead of rushing around, that mood will shine through your images!
3. Come Prepared
I know it sounds simple, but seriously, never underestimate the power of snacks. No one can see the future, but coming to a family photo session prepared can prevent restlessness and preemptively solve any problems that typically come up. Tights can rip at outdoor shoots, hair can go south in the car, and spills can happen any time. Be sure to bring some munchies, a hairbrush and a spare outfit or two. Are photos of just the grown-ups on your shot list? Bring along some activities to keep the younger family members occupied. Like I always say: It’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it!
4. Practice makes Perfect
Practicing at home can be a useful tool, especially if it’s your children’s first family photo session (or the first one they remember, anyway). Kids tend to do better in new situations if they know what to expect ahead of time, and it’s easy to prepare for the day when we all have phones in the palm of our hand. Take the time to talk through what the day will look like, from getting ready to getting home, and take a few photos so they understand the process. Believe me, the first time they experience something shouldn’t be when there’s a photographer present!
5. Make it FUN!
This may sound silly, but don’t be afraid to be… well… silly! A fun experience will result in joy-filled images you’ll cherish forever, so don’t hold back! Go ahead and whip out your best (or worst) dad jokes. Let your kids explore the space and be themselves within it. Tickle those tummies and raspberry those cheeks. I’ll come prepared with prompts and questions, you come ready to let loose and be yourselves.
Whether you’ve been capturing your family annually for years or you’re new to the process, it always helps to hire a professional photographer who has experience photographing families and kids. Check out some of my galleries and family photo sessions over on my Instagram. Time flies when you’re having fun with your family. Let’s capture the moments together!