When it comes to a family photo shoot, a lot of stress is typically associated with days leading up to the session. I'm here to help you relax and be prepared all at the same time. Here are some tips:
- Choose clothes that are colour co-ordinated and avoid bold, clashing colours. Pastels are good!
- Choose clothes that you all feel comfortable in to be as natural as possible, whether formal or informal.
- Think about where your images will be displayed. If you're planning to put a large family portrait on the wall of your lounge, for example, be sure to plan so that your clothing won't clash with your decor.
- Find the outfits you want everyone to wear well in advance and set them aside somewhere safe. Then try them on ahead of time to ensure everything still fits comfortably and that you didn’t miss any stains or holes that you couldn’t see until they were being worn.
- As soon as your family changes out of their photo attire, make sure it is clean and pressed to be ready for the big day. Set the clothes together (sorted by person) and place them somewhere free from harm and dirt. Be sure to tell everyone that these are picture clothes and not to be worn until picture day. This will help to be sure that no articles of clothing go missing. Don’t forget about shoes, jewellery, belts, and other accessories.
- About three to four days prior to the photoshoot, start talking with your partner/ kids about the session and what will happen and how they should behave. If you plan to use a bribe, now is a good time to set that in place. Continue to talk to your children daily to prepare them for the session.
- Two days prior to the session, pack a bag of everything you will need on picture day – snacks, props, bribery, etc. and put it somewhere you can grab it and go. Be sure to include wipes in case things get messy, an extra hairbrush, and other “emergency” items, such as bobby pins and a backup lipstick.
- On the day of the photo session, make sure everyone is well fed, but not overfed. We don’t want sick little tummies from overeating, but we don’t want anyone getting “hangry” either. Do not get your family dressed in their photo clothes until after they have eaten and brushed their teeth. This will prevent spills and other messy accidents.
- If you have young children, avoid any coloured drinks the day of the session until after we are finished. Also, get them to wear a bib or drop cloth if they drink anything on the way to the session to save their clothes from wet spots or stains.
- Once you get to the session, try to relax and enjoy yourself. If you have set a bribe, please let me know so I can use that throughout the session if the children get restless. Trust your photographer - know that I will take care of things and will deliver amazing photos of your family.
If you need any more advice just get in touch!
