7 Tips to Prepare for Your Family Photoshoot
A family photoshoot is one way to capture memories that will last a lifetime. Capturing those memories does take a bit of planning and preparation so you can have photos you'll love.
What are some of the most important things in planning for your family photoshoot? How can you ensure that your time with your family photographer yields a pleasant experience for you and your family?
If you're thinking about getting family photos taken, here are seven tips you need to know.
1. Have A Consultation
Consulting with your family photographer about prices, location, and time is one of the first steps you should take. Your photographer has an eye for detail, so they can recommend the best places for family photos or inform you if there are any particular permits you need to secure the location.
Photographers often offer photo packages, so during your consultation, you'll discuss what sizes of photos you're looking for. Be sure that you have a set price in writing before moving forward. If you want to change anything, communicate your wants to your photographer.
During this consultation, you'll also want to craft what vision you have for your family photos. Your photographer can make suggestions on how to make that vision a reality.
2. Communication is Key
Even with precise planning, problems may arise like sick children, time constraints, running late, or other unforeseen events. Being able to communicate these changes to your photographers via email, text, or calling helps everyone to stay on schedule or reschedule if possible.
You and your photographer should develop a relationship that's built on communication. If your photographer has any issues, they should feel like they can reach out to you as well. Open communication is the key to making sure you have a successful family photoshoot.
3. Be On Time
Showing up on time means that you have the full amount of time with your photographer. Showing up late means your time with your photographer is shortened and you may not have time for all of the ideas and photos you want. To get the best photos, be sure to arrive on time for your shoot, or if you need to change the date or time, or if you're running late, communicate that to your photographer.
It's also important to remember that your photographer might have other shoots that day as well. When you show up on time, everyone's schedules stay on track.
4. Rest Up
If you have young children, you know how cranky they can be when they're tired or hungry. Resting and being well-fed before a photo shoot can offset potential frustrations that come from young children who are tired. The night before, make sure you all get enough rest and snacks before the shoot if needed.
If your shoot is during the day, don't schedule it during naptime. Sometimes toddlers or small children become distracted or need a break, so it's ok to bring along small toys to give them a rest if they need it. Make sure you get a good night's sleep as well so you can look and feel prepared.
5. Consistent Clothing
While everyone in your family has a unique style, for family photos to look exceptional, consistent clothing is the best choice. This means similar bold colours, shirts free from logos or designs, limited accessories, and dresses for the season. It might help to choose a theme to make coordinating easier.
Your clothing choices also depend on the location. If your location has a busy background, you'll want to choose more muted clothing so it doesn't clash with the background colours. Your photographer can make some suggestions based on the time of year and how to coordinate clothing with your shoot location.
6. Comfortable for Kids
Whatever type of clothing you choose, you want to make sure your children are comfortable. The last thing you need during your professional photos are children complaining and crying because of their clothes. Before your shoot, make sure your children try on their clothing choice and they feel happy, and confident, and enjoy wearing their outfits.
Additionally, if you have small children who tend to get messy, you might want to bring along a second outfit. If your photo shoot is outside and the children get their outfits dirty, having a second outfit can help. Make sure that it's the same outfit, otherwise, you may have photos with one child in different outfits.
7. Prepare Your Children
When preparing for family photos, it's important that your children are prepared. One way to prepare them is to set expectations ahead of time and how important it is to listen to the photographer. Explain to them the location, the purpose of the photos, and how fun it can be, and the type of behaviour you expect from them during the photoshoot.
If you have little ones, you can practice sitting quietly, posing for pictures, or even smiling. Talking to them about the photo shoot a few weeks before will help the child understand what's expected of them and may curb any tantrums or frustrations. Do not wait until the night before to inform them of the photo shoot!
Enjoy Your Family Photoshoot!
Your family photoshoot should be a memorable time. You can ensure photos you love by following these tips and having open communication with your photographer. You want to look back on your family photoshoot with fondness and enjoy your photos for years to come.
Are you looking to book a family photoshoot? Contact us today for a consultation and photos that you'll cherish forever.