Tips for a Stress-Free Family Photography Session
I know that getting family photos always starts out as a great idea. Beautiful photos of your loved ones up on your walls looking picture perfect. Right? But then thoughts start running through the back of your mind, making it seem daunting, stressful and all a bit too hard.
Will the kids behave? Will hubby be stroppy because he doesn’t want to be there and it’s his day off? Will we need to get new outfits for everyone? Will it just end in tantrums?
These are all very natural thoughts and considerations for a mother, me included! But believe me when I say, with a little bit of pre-planning and thinking two steps ahead, the day will go smoothly and it will be a success! Pretty much every session I do, people comment at the end how fun it was and that is was actually much better than they thought it was going to be. In fact, my ultimate compliment came from a session with two teenage boys, neither of whom wanted to be there, both ‘dragged’ there by their mum. But on the car ride home, they commented, “wow, that was actually fun”. WOW! I’ll take that as a win!
These hints below will help the you to cover your bases, allow everyone to feel prepared so that the day runs well. Once you’re ready for the session, all that will be left to do will be to relax and enjoy the shoot!
Pick a place that’s natural for your family
Your family is unique and so should your photo session be. Does your family love getting outside and throwing a ball around? Maybe you spend your free time in the bush or the beach. Or perhaps you’re homebodies and like to chill out in the lounge room. I get to know all my families beforehand with a questionnaire and phone call so I can understand what is special and unique about them, and what they most want to remember in 10 years time. My belief is that if your family is genuinely enjoying the activity, it becomes less of a “photo shoot” and more of a family activity. It helps everyone relax and be themselves, with the unique bonus that the laughs, the silliness and the memories are being captured to be relieved in years to come.
Fuel the fun with food
Most kids (and adults too) are much happier when they're well fed. Bring along some snacks for a mid-session energy boost. Or better yet, let's have fun with food and incorporate it into the session. Let’s take a trip to the ice cream shop, head out on a family picnic or make pancakes in the kitchen.
Don’t plan too much on photo day
I know some days can be crazy busy, but try and schedule your photos on day that isn't otherwise full with other activities. For afternoon sessions, avoid days with swimming lessons, sports, school excursions, etc. Toddlers especially get worn out quickly and won't be happy when it comes time for photos.
Know your kids' limits
Every child will have their limit and as parents, you know that better than anyone. If you know that you children love quiet time, then let's not overstimulate them. If they are high energy characters, then let's give them the space and permission to be themselves. Let’s chose the environment that matches your family’s identity.
Time the session to your child’s body clock
Do your kids wake up raring to go but get cranky leading up to dinnertime? Let’s plan a session at the beginning of the day. If they love a good sleep in (holla to all the mums with teenagers!) then let’s plan the session for the afternoon or evening when they are most at ease. Although everyone loves to have family photos with lovely golden light, working within your children's best schedules is important too.
