10 tips for planning a family photoshoot
You booked family photos months ago only to scramble to get outfits ready, fight with your spouse all the way there, and then bribe the kids for Just. One. Smile. (And let’s be honest, it’s not a great one). Sound familiar? We tapped our in-house photography pro - hi Britny! - to tell us how to help make your next photoshoot a success before you’ve even arrived.
Watch Now: theCityMoms chat family photoshoot hacks from A-Z on Living Local.
Here are her 10 tips to make your next family photoshoot great:
1. Book your photographer based on their portfolio. If you don’t like any of the photos they’ve posted, odds are you won’t like the photos they take of your family (no matter how great the price is).
2. Time of day matters, and not just because of naps (though book around that, too!). Most photographers prefer sunrise and sunset for outdoor sessions because the lighting is better. A session in the middle of the day may result in harsh lighting, shadows, and squinting.
3. Keep it short. 15-20 minute sessions tend to work best for younger kids. On the other hand, if you’re bringing extended family, let your photographer know. Larger family sessions often need more time to get all photo combinations (and herd lingering relatives to their places).
4. Stuck on what to wear? Avoid clashing patterns and colors. Choose one main color, add a complementary color, and a few layers. Remember: less is more with patterns. Don’t forget to keep the location and weather in mind when planning.
(Hint: Peek your photographer’s previous work for inspo)
5. Posing can be hard. What do you do with your hands?! During group photos, turn slightly in towards the group, sit up straight, and if you’re standing, bend your knee closest to the camera. For more casual photos, remember interaction is key- look at one another. For littles, get down on their level or bring them up to yours.
6. Coming from the queen of RBF, try to remember for those 15-20 minutes, there’s a camera continuously snapping photos. The constant grin may feel unnatural, but trust us, it’s going to result in some really great shots.
7. Bring a lint roller, hairbrush, tissues, and (if anyone is wearing a dress) a dryer sheet - rub it on the inside of the skirt to take out the static!
More Fall fun to know:
8. Plan ahead. Arrive at least 10 minutes early for your session so you can find your photographer and get the most out of your time slot (especially if they have back-to-back sessions that day).
9. Snacks and stuffies can make a world of difference for little kids during photoshoots. If your kid has a favorite toy or snack, throw it (and a few extras) in the car to bring with you.
10. Have fun! Sometimes the best photos are the candid moments in between posing and screeching, “Cheese!” Relax, mama, and enjoy your family. Leave finding that perfect shot up to the pro, after all, that’s why you hired them.
