Welcome to the ultimate guide for a successful family photo session! As a family photographer, I believe that every family has their own brand of magic – their special moments that define who they are. In this guide, I’ll share with you my top 10 tips to ensure your family photo session is a memorable experience filled with love, laughter, and genuine connections. From embracing your unique moments to planning activities that bring out the joy, we’ll dive into the secrets of capturing magical memories together.
Bring Your Brand of Magic
You are the heart and soul of your family, and your unique moments are what make your family truly special. You know that special way you hold your babe to soothe them, the way you boop noses before bed, or how you lean into your partner to cuddle on the couch – these are your magic moments! These are the moments that define your family’s love. So focus on each other during your session. Cuddle, hug, walk silly, love each other how you do.
The way you connect is everything you want to see in your own photos and they’re my favorite thing to capture.
Plan an Activity Your Family Loves
Infuse your photo session with the activities that bring your family joy. It could be something as simple as exploring a familiar forest preserve or throwing rocks in a nearby river. Think about activities that reflect your family’s interests and hobbies – bake some cookies, fly a kite, play catch, have a picnic, or even read a book together. By engaging in something you love, the focus shifts away from the camera, allowing you to connect with each other authentically.
I’d love to brainstorm with you to find what best represents your family in this season of life.
Location may be your answer
Choosing a location that’s meaningful to your family can be an excellent way to create a more relaxed and authentic session. It could be your backyard, a local park, or where you and your partner had your first date. Maybe you want a cozy in-home session, to cuddle on your couch, or hang out on your front porch. A location with some nostalgic significance to you can help everyone feel more relaxed, and I’ll be able to capture more real moments.
Don’t have a location in mind? No worries! I have a list of scouted parks and preserves I can share with you to choose from.
Comfort is Confidence
When selecting your wardrobe for a photoshoot, prioritize comfort for everyone involved. I’m not saying wear yoga pants and a hoodie, but I am saying you shouldn’t feel obligated to wear certain articles of clothing (I’m lookin’ at you, dresses) simply because they’re common in other people’s photos. While dresses may offer extra movement and texture, there are other ways to add visual interest. Wear what you feel most confident in. Remember that the photos are about capturing you and your family, not the clothing. If you wear something that makes you unsure or uncomfortable, the awkwardness may show in the photos and it ends up being what you remember about your session instead of the connection you had with your family. Make comfort a priority to ensure a positive experience and lasting memories.
Are you worried about how to style your wardrobe for a photo session? I can help you out! I send out a comprehensive Welcome Guide with styling info to everyone who books and I love to collaborate on pulling everything together. Whether you just want to run your choices by me for a second opinion or you need help with links and ideas – I can be involved as little or as much as you’d like.
Keep the Fun Flowing
Laughter and silliness are the secret ingredients to capturing joyful and genuine moments. I fully encourage tickle fights, piggyback rides, and impromptu dance moves. Let your family’s natural playfulness shine through, as these moments create images that radiate happiness and capture the true essence of your family’s spirit.
I’ll come armed with silly ideas, games to play, and goofy questions. Embrace the joy and let the laughter fill the air as we create magical memories together.
Avoid Pre-Session Stress
Preparation is key to a relaxed and stress-free session. Take some time the night before to pre-steam your outfits and have snacks ready to go. Plan to arrive early at the session location to allow for a smooth start. By taking care of these details ahead of time, you can fully enjoy the session and be present in the moment with your family.
Relaxation is the key to capturing natural and authentic moments. Allow yourself to be fully present, embracing the moment with your loved ones. When you’re relaxed and open, the magic of your family’s connections will unfold before the lens, resulting in breathtaking photographs that reflect your true essence.
Prep Your Kiddos for your family photo session
To help your little ones feel comfortable and excited about the session, show them some pictures of me and explain what the session will be like. Let them know that it’s a time for fun, laughter, and being themselves. This will help them feel more at ease and ready to participate in the magic of the photo session.
If you’re having your kids wear new outfits or shoes – have them try them/wear them for a couple of hours a few days prior to the session. If they are sensitive, this will help them get used to how everything feels and will key you in on anything they might be bothered by (Is the tag poking? Fabric scratchy? Need different socks?).
I find, at least with my own kids, preparation is always key to smooth(ish) execution. Are they bonkers anyhow? Sure are. But I know I did everything I could to help set their expectations and calm any nerves about the unknown. I often find by doing this, it sometimes even helps jazz them up about stuff they were previously timid about.
Let Kids Be Kids
During the session, remember that it’s a no-discipline zone. Kids will be kids, and that’s part of the beauty. Instead of focusing on discipline, embrace their natural curiosity and creativity. If they do something that might seem silly or unexpected, let it be.
Disciplining (even “the look”) can cause kids to completely shut down in front of others – especially strangers. So unless they’re doing something dangerous or crossing a major boundary, act like it’s the cutest thing and we’ll roll with it and capture those genuine moments that showcase their personalities.
Trust Your Family Photographer (that’s me!)
As your family photographer, I’m here to guide you through the photo session and capture the heartfelt moments that define your family. Trust in my expertise and artistic vision. I’ll provide gentle direction and create a relaxed environment where you can be yourselves. Let go of any worries and allow your magic to unfold. I got you.
Cherish the Memories
After the photo session, it’s time to cherish the beautiful memories we’ve created together. Select your favorite images and display them in your home, creating a space filled with love and joy. Share your photographs with family and friends, spreading the happiness and warmth they evoke. These treasured memories will be a constant reminder of the love and connections that make your family truly special.
CONCLUSION
Hey, congrats on making it to the end of this ultimate guide for a successful family photo session! I really hope these 10 tips have given you some valuable insights and inspiration for capturing those magical memories with your loved ones.
Ultimately, a successful family photo session is all about embracing the unique and special bond between family members. The tips I’ve shared are designed to help you create beautiful memories that truly reflect who you are as a family. From fun activities to meaningful locations and comfy wardrobe choices that match your interests, my goal is to create a warm and inviting atmosphere where your love and connections can truly shine.
Remember, as a family photographer, I am here to support and guide you throughout the session, ensuring that we capture the heartfelt moments that define your family’s unique story. Your family’s story is a beautiful one and I encourage you to discover the joys of capturing it.
Hey hey! Thanks for stopping by! I’m Jen – owner of Jen Gobeli Photography – a photographer specializing photographing the delicate interactions of family life in a natural and authentic way in Naperville Illinois and surrounding suburbs. I hope you found my “Top 10 Tips for a Successful Family Photo Session” feature to be helpful today!
If you are interested in booking a maternity, newborn, or family photo session, let’s make it happen! Head over to my online booking calendar to find a date and time that work best for you. Not quite ready, but know you want to keep me in your back pocket? Totally get it! Follow me on Instagram – let’s be friends!
