Preparing for a family photo session is fun but it can also come with its fair share of stress. Ensuring that everyone is well-prepared and comfortable makes a significant difference in the outcome of your photos. As a dedicated Chicago family photographer, I love to share some expert tips to help you prepare for your upcoming photo session.
Choosing the Perfect Outfits
Selecting the right outfits is key for creating a an appealing family photo. Here are some guidelines to help you choose outfits that work well on camera:
- Coordinate but Don’t Match: Aim for a coordinated look rather than matching outfits. Stick to a color palette with coordinating colors, rather then to go for same color tones.
- Comfort is Key: Ensure that everyone is comfortable in their outfits. Avoid clothing that is too tight, itchy, or restrictive. Comfortable clothing helps children and yourself feel at ease. Which makes it much easier to capture authetic fun moments!
- Avoid Busy Patterns: Stay clear of busy patterns, logos, or graphics that can distract from the main subjects – your family. Solid colors or subtle patterns are usually a better choice.
- Consider the Location: Take the location into account when selecting outfits. For instance, if you’re shooting in a park, earthy tones can blend beautifully with the surroundings, while bright colors can pop against an urban backdrop.
Timing is Everything
The best timing for your photo session depends in the first place on your family’s schedule. Consider nap and meal times for your little ones to avoid meltdowns. I think all parents will agree that a well-fed and well-rested child is more likely to be cooperative!
When nap and meal times don’t matter you have the ‘luxury’ to go for the best time of day when it comes to sunlight.
Best lighting conditions are early morning when the sunlight is still soft. And in summer when it’s not too hot. Or at the famous golden hour, when the sunlight is warm and sun rays are long and shiny. The golden hour appears 1 to 1.5 hours before the actual sunset.(on a bright day) The exact timing for your family photo session during morning or golden hour times depends on the month of the year.
Expect early eve (7 -7:30 PM) for the golden hour in July and August as well as early morning sessions. (8:00AM is no exception)
In fall we can go out later in the morning and a golden hour shoot can be done (depending on the month) as early as 4PM.
Preparing the Kids for Your Family Photo Session
Getting children ready for a photo session can be challenging, but with a little preparation, you can make the experience enjoyable for everyone.
- Practice Smiling: Make it a fun game at home to practice smiling naturally. Encourage genuine expressions by telling jokes or asking them to think of something that makes them happy.
- Bring Comfort Items: If your child has a favorite toy or blanket, bring it along. Familiar items can provide comfort and help them feel secure in an unfamiliar setting.
- Snack Time: Pack some non-messy snacks and drinks to keep the kids energized. Avoid snacks that can stain clothes or leave residue around their mouths.
- Involve Them in the Process: Let your children be part of the preparation process. Allow them to help choose their outfits or decide on a pose they want to try. This involvement can make them feel more excited and cooperative.
Managing Expectations (a Note from your Photographer)
Setting realistic expectations for yourself and your family is crucial for a relaxed photo session. You’re not going on a commercial photo shoot, you’re not shooting your family’s portfolio for a model agency. You booked a photo session to update your special family memories. To create images that you can look back at over and over, when the kids have already grown older. Photos that’ll make you smile and feel proud of how you where as a family back then and where you are now.
So take this little advice during your family photo session:
- Embrace Imperfections: Understand that not every shot will be perfect, and that’s okay. Most times the candid, imperfect moments are the most cherished and memorable.
- Stay Relaxed: Children can sense when parents are stressed. Try to stay calm and positive, even if things don’t go exactly as planned. Your relaxed demeanor will help your family feel more at ease. Keep in mind: no family photo session ever failed! It always works out.
- Trust Your Photographer: As a professional Chicago family photographer, I’ve worked with countless families and understand how to capture beautiful moments even in challenging situations. Trust your photographer’s expertise and guidance.
Be In the Moment During your Photo Session
During the photo session, focus on enjoying the time with your family. Play, laugh, and interact naturally with each other. These genuine moments often make for the best photographs. During my photo sessions it’s most important that everyone has a good time! I don’t focus on the best pose or the prettiest smile. It’s my job to capture your family the way you are, with your unique energy and connection with each other.
Preparation Checklist
Resume, here is a quick checklist to help you ensure that you’ve covered all the bases. With these things covered, all you have to do is having a fun time with your family and enjoy the moment of making memories together!
- Outfits: Choose coordinated outfits and make sure everyone’s clothes are clean and wrinkle-free.
- Rest and Nutrition: Ensure that everyone, especially the kids, is well-rested and has had a meal or snack before the session.
- Props and Comfort Items: Pack any props you’d like to include in the photos and any comfort items for the kids.
- Timing: Confirm the time and location with your photographer and plan to arrive a few minutes early to get settled.
- Positive Attitude: Bring a positive and patient attitude to the session. Enjoy the experience and have fun with your family.
- Interactive Poses: Engage in activities that your family enjoys. Whether it’s playing a game, reading a book together, or simply walking hand-in-hand, these interactions create authentic and heartfelt images.
- Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to show your family’s unique personality. Whether you’re a goofy, playful bunch or more reserved and serene, let your true selves shine through.
By following these tips, you can make the process of preparing for your family photo session smooth and stress-free. Remember, the goal is to capture the love, connection, and joy that your family shares. With a little preparation and the expertise of a skilled Chicago family photographer, you’ll have beautiful memories to cherish for years to come.
You can book any amazing family photographer in Chicagoland, but if you’re interested in working with me, I invite you to take a look at my family portfolio!