Family photos have a bad reputation for being stressful and a battle! With a little preparation and an awesome laidback photographer, like yours truly, it doesn’t have to be. Follow these steps for beautiful stress free family photos!
Get Appointments Scheduled First!
If you plan on getting hair styled, makeup or nails done on the day of your session you will want to get those appointments scheduled right away. You don't want to risk there not being an appointment slot!
For haircuts and other major hair changes, I recommend getting these done at LEAST one week before your session just in case you need to make a follow up appointment for any corrections. It happens!
How to prepare outfits?
You will want to have outfits selected one week before your session. You will thank me later! For the little ones make sure you have at least one back up outfit. We have a lot of fun during our sessions and sometimes clothes can get dirty.
How to decide on what to wear?
Dress for the weather. It is a good idea to dress in layers when it is cold.
** Pro Tip **
If you are wanting to do outfit changes during your session, adding/removing layers is a quick and easy way to change a look and incorporate outfit changes. It's perfect for those of us who have busy toddlers!
Clothes should coordinate not match.
Keep it simple. Stay away from clothing trends and instead choose classic outfits that will stand the test of time.
Choose clothes that fit. I know kids grow fast and you want to get the most out of the clothes by getting them a little bigger but this is not the time for that. We don't want them to bunch or look frumpy in your photos.
Finally, don't forget the shoes!
A good pair of shoes completes an outfit. A bad pair of shoes can ruin an outfit. Remember to keep them weather appropriate and comfortable. Also keep in mind where your session will be. If your session is going to be downtown or a manicured area, then feel free to wear those heels or sandals. If your session is going to be out in the country or other unmaintained area, stick to close toed shoes or boots. Thank you, Texas, for your stickers and thorns.
Can I bring a family heirloom to my photo session?
Absolutely! Incorporating an heirloom like a special piece of jewelry, or an heirloom quilt is a beautiful way to commemorate a loved one. Just make sure you have these picked and ready to go a week before your session. Also, let me know or even better send me a picture of your heirloom items so I can prepare!
How to prepare your kids for your photoshoot?
Before the Photoshoot
Be open and honest with your children and never surprise them with a photo session. Start talking about it right away. Describe what it will be like and how much fun it will be. Something like “We’re going to hang out with our friend Mandy at the park this weekend. We’re going to have so much fun playing and taking pictures!” works great for young ones.
Day of Photoshoot
Make sure everyone is well fed and napped just before your session. Don't forget the snacks and bribes! Stick to snacks that don’t make a mess. Crackers, cheese sticks, and fruit snacks are great options. Stay away from messy snacks like cheese puffs, chocolate, pudding, etc.
How do you prepare Dad for your family photoshoot?
Dads are usually the most difficult to prepare for pictures. Here are some tips.
Explain why it’s so important to have family pictures. Your kids will never be this young again. All he has to do is to play with the kids and love on his beautiful family to get lovely meaningful pictures. That’s it! Family photo sessions with MCK Captures are not like other stiff traditional portrait sessions. He may even like having photos taken in the future.
Preparing on the day of photoshoot.
Relax and give yourself plenty of time to get ready. Plan ample travel time so that you can arrive a few minutes early to your photo session. And finally, let me do the rest! I have lots of tricks up my sleeve that help me get the perfect photos. Have fun and enjoy the time you are spending with your family and let the kids be kids. There's no need to worry. We want it to be a fun and laidback experience for everyone, even you! Just sit back and relax and let me work my magic. I promise you will have beautiful photos.
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