A family photoshoot doesn’t need to be a dreadful and stressful experience. Often, families get nervous and frustrated when spending money on a professional family photoshoot. There are many ways to reduce stress and simplify the process for everyone, which always results in premier-quality pictures. As a professional photographer, I want you and your family to feel comfortable during the session. It is of the utmost importance that you love the family portraits we take and the memories we create together.
Plan Ahead
Planning can go a long way. If we’re going to be doing an outdoor shoot for you and your family, try to remember to bring a few sets of clothes that are weather appropriate. We can come up with alternate dates ahead of time should lousy weather be a concern.
Are there going to be small children involved? Little kids don’t always want to partake in something as “unfun” as a photo shoot. Remember to bring some snacks that don’t make a mess and small toys that might help hold their attention and keep the tears at bay. Planning around nap times can also help ensure you get smiles instead of tears for your photos.
If you want some props in your pictures, let me know ahead of time. I’d love to help you with some fun ideas and can give you insight as to what has worked well for family photoshoots in the past.
Make sure we have enough time to get a good session in. Fifteen minutes isn’t enough time to get the most bang for your buck. Sessions can last 30 to 90 minutes, so plan accordingly, and don’t sell yourself short!
Select Location and Time Carefully
Location can be everything, and time can be just as important. Location and time of day/year can drastically alter the pictures you want. For example, if we’re going to be outdoors shooting somewhere with plenty of views, perhaps an autumn afternoon will maximize the location with beautiful autumn colors and good sunlight.
Maybe your children tend to be a little more cranky in the early morning or later in the day – it is likely better to aim for a midday shoot in such a scenario. With over 30 years of experience as a professional photographer in the area, I will be happy to provide recommendations based on your desires.
Expect the Unexpected
Every family photoshoot that I’ve done has had its own magic. No two sessions have been precisely alike because no two families are exactly alike. Try not to overthink or overhype the shoot before we start making magic together. Setting high expectations for your own family is an excellent way to add stress and not appreciate the experience or finished product – just stay relaxed and enjoy the process! Check out some of the magic I’ve made with families through the years by navigating the website. Don’t be afraid to “borrow” ideas from what you see elsewhere. When you’re ready, call me at (206) 409-9982, and we can get you and your family on the schedule today!
