5 Ways to Prepare for Family Photos

1)Eat 

Is this one WAY too obvious? Maybe. But I mean everyone. Mom, you’ve probably been running around trying to get everyone ready and out the door. Did you eat something? Did you have water? Why do we still have to remind ourselves to drink water as adults? I am also guilty of this one. I totally get it. I recommend bringing snacks and water to the session. Pack a bag with several different kinds (because you know the date of the session whatever snack your child has been loving for all of their 2 years of life will suddenly repulse them). We can stop for snack breaks during your shoot. I do not mind whatsoever. I’d much rather have a happy kiddo than a hangry one.

2)Sleep

This is another SUPER obvious one.  You know your child’s nap schedule better than anyone. If they can get a solid nap in the day of the session, that’s amazing! But if they don’t get one, it’s not the end of the world. I try to make sessions fun and engaging for them. A meltdown might still happen. That’s all part of navigating big feelings in little bodies. If they are not feeling it, we can do something they ARE feeling. They would rather pick some flowers? Alright cool. They want to take a walk? No problem. Do we need to shake the sillies out? I’m your gal. Sometimes those end up being some of the best photos from the session. Redirecting is always a powerful tool.

3)Plan outfits

A big stressor for moms is what everyone will wear to your session. Look no further. 

I. Love. This. Topic.

Let’s start with the color palette. Instead of matching everyone in a 2-color scheme, I recommend picking a color palette that you love and going from there. Pinterest is a great resource for this, and I have boards I would love to share with you. What vibe do you want your session to have? Are you looking for more neutrals (think creams and browns)? Or are you wanting those pops of color (rust, teal, dusty pinks, etc)? Or do you want a mixture of both? I tend to edit on the warmer side, so I usually recommend playing up warmer toned palettes for the best results, but if your family’s JAM is blue, then we can absolutely make cooler tones work! I still want your session to feel like you. Location also plays a huge part in what you wear. That’s why I like to have the session location locked in before we even look at outfits. You would want to dress differently for a bright green field than you would a grayish, rocky river session. Need additional help? I will literally send you my Amazon Storefront to shop from. What’s easier than that?! I got you.

4)Pay attention to the little things

I know. Here comes Captain Obvious again. Don’t forget to be mindful of things like hair and nails. Is this too knit-picky? I don’t think so. One of my favorite things is getting those close-and-personal detail shots. I don’t want the first thing out of your mouth when you see your gallery to be “I should have trimmed my toenails” or “we should have gotten John’s hair cut”. I want you to feel and look your best. It definitely shows in your final images. I want you to love them as much as I do. 

5)Come with a great attitude

This is the most important way you can prepare for a session. If you haven’t noticed, your kids will pick up on your energy about getting pictures done. If you’re stressed, they will be stressed too. If you are chill, they will (hopefully) be chill too. I recommend building it up to them in the days before the shoot. Make it sound like a whole adventure (because, let’s be real, it is!). Let them know this will be a fun thing you guys are doing as a family. There could be hiking and games and snuggling. All the fun stuff they enjoy. Even the grumpy dads might enjoy themselves too! I’m kidding, kind of. All this to say, if you come with an open mind, I will take it from there. That is truly all I can ask for. Yes, we might do things that feel silly at the time, but if you trust my process, you will also come away with images you will LOVE and treasure!