My Top Tips for Stress-Free Family Photos
When it comes to family photos, there are a lot of moving parts. Getting all participants on board, deciding on a wardrobe, worrying about kids misbehaving or the craziness the morning of, are all deterrents that may crop up in your mind when considering booking a family photoshoot.
I’m a mum too, and trust me, I get it. It often feels like the other people in our house can sense when I’m excited for something and make it their mission to inject chaos into the day. But never fear, I am here to guide you through the process, from planning your session to the moment you hold your new family photos in your hands. In this blog, I have some tried & tested tips to making your next family photoshoot stress-free. Seriously! I’ll list some here, and my full guide is available for download at the bottom of this page. Family photos are the building blocks of your family’s story. So let’s make the memories happy and fun, so you can walk away thinking, “that was way easier than I thought it was going to be!”
Tip 1 - Start with a plan
I don’t know about you, but I always feel a little skittish about a situation or event if I don’t know what’s going on. I always like to know what I’m in for and have as many details nailed down as possible. Call me a control freak, but I find having a plan takes away unnecessary stress. The same goes for your family photos. There’s so many moving parts to a photoshoot, and if you haven’t done one before, it might seem a bit chaotic and overwhelming. But having a plan right from the get-go can alleviate a lot of the stress. My pre-session design consultation is where we make a plan and design an experience perfect for your family. Maybe you’re worried that your little one never sits still and just wants to run around? Let’s chat about some suitable location options and pick a spot that your kiddos can safely run around while you and hubby relax. Maybe you’re not sure how to dress everyone? Let’s put together some options that will look great on camera, and also help you feel like yourselves. Or maybe you’re not sure how hubby and the kids are going to co-operate on the day? Let’s plan a fun time doing activities you all love, so that everyone will be at ease. Having a clear plan laid out before your photoshoot, that’s catered specifically to your family, is going to help reduce a lot of unnecessary stress and help you feel confident as you get your family ready.
Tip 2 - GREAT COMMUNICATION
A solid plan needs to be communicated well. Often, it’s when clear communication is lacking that uncertainties arise, leading to more stress. So be sure that your photographer communicates well and often. For me, I like a good chat on the phone. It helps me get to know you, and for you to get to know me. And if any questions arise for you as we’re talking, I can answer them straight away. Along with speaking with you in person or on the phone, I like to communicate by email. It’s an effective way for me to send you lots of information as well as links to google maps, outfit inspiration and pricing options. And you’ll have it there to look back on anytime you need.
Tip 3 - FULL TUMMIES!
Keeping the kiddos happy is another way to reduce stress on photo day, and what better way than with full tummies. If your photo session has been planned for a morning, then make sure your littles ones get up early enough for a substantial breakfast beforehand. And if your photo session has been planned for the afternoon, make sure they have a good sized snack before we start. Holding off a meal before the session with the intent to bribe them with a fun breakfast or dinner could possibly make your kiddos grumpy. I know I get grumpy if I’m hungry, so I certainly wouldn’t blame the littles ones if they did too!!
Tip 4 - have fun!
A lot of people I chat with are nervous and stressed about the session because they feel awkward in front of a camera and don’t know how to pose. I totally understand! But, the good news is that on photo day you only have one job - and that’s to have fun! I’ll certainly guide you and your family on where to stand and how to ‘pose’ so that you all look amazing, but after that - just relax and enjoy. You’re with your most favourite people in the world making beautiful memories that you’re going to be enjoying for years and years. Soak it in! Tickle, tease, make fart sounds! I can’t tell you the change in people when they stop worrying about how to look perfect in photos, and start loving on their kiddos! So relax and have fun. As the great Winnie The Pooh once said, “I didn’t realise we were making memories, I thought we were just having fun.”
Tip 5 - leave the printing to your photographer
Another big stress for people isn’t actually realised until the photoshoot is over and they are left with a disk of digital files. Sure, you post them up to social media and share with friends, but then what?? Folks I’ve spoken to are either so overwhelmed with what to do with the photos, they just put it in the ‘too hard’ basket and end up not enjoying their beautiful new family memories, or they upload the photos to the cheapest online store, only to find out that the quality stinks and the colours aren’t quite right. As a full-service photographer, I’m here to take away that stress and make sure you go home with professional quality photographs, wall art and custom designed albums that are worthy of your precious memories. My equipment is colour calibrated to my lab’s equipment, and my lab is staffed with photo specialists who are trained in creating photo art. We want your memories to be living in full colour on your walls and in your home, not dying a digital death on an outdated disk drive somewhere. Together, let’s create something beautiful and tangible that your kids (and one day your grandkids) will love!
If just the thought of family photos is causing you stress, then let me help. I’ll make sure we design the whole experience around your family, you’ll have all the information you need - when you need it, and I’m going to take care of everything for you. All you need to do is relax and love on your family.