Family Photos | Tips for a Stress-Free Experience
Planning for your family photos can be stressful, but with a little bit of planning and preparation, you can make your next family photo shoot a success! Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your session:
Stacy Lynn Photography | Erie, PA Family Photographer | Inquire here
Dress to Impress: Outfit Choice and Styling for Family Photos
Choosing the right outfits for your family photography session can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your photos. To start, think about the color scheme you want to use. You don’t want everyone to match exactly, but you do want colors that complement each other. You can also add interest by mixing patterns and textures. I personally like to style mom first and pick a color palette from there.
It’s also important to choose outfits that are comfortable and allow you to move around freely. If you’re not comfortable, it will show in your photos. Long, flowy dresses are my personal favorite for the ladies because they add movement to the photos. And don’t forget the details! Accessories like scarves, hats, and jewelry can add a pop of color and personality to your photos.
If you’re unsure of what to wear, talk to your photographer! I’m always willing to help my clients shop for and decide on the perfect outfits. I even have a client closet to help kick start the process and I’m always looking to add more pieces!
Some of my favorite places to shop:
- Joyfolie
- Baltic Born
- Worth Collective
- Yewen Dress
- Mii-Estilo
- D&J
- Bailey’s Blossoms
- Sew Darn Cute
- Annnd of course Amazon too!
Let Kids Be Kids and Don’t Stress!
One of the biggest challenges of family photography sessions can be getting children to cooperate. But here’s the secret; they don’t have to! The best way to capture authentic and meaningful photos of your family is to let your kiddos be themselves. Encourage them to have fun, play, and be silly during the session. If they’re having a good time, it will show in the photos. I love playing little games with kiddos, or just having mom and dad love all over them!
It’s also important to not stress too much about the little things. Yelling and stressing out can quickly create a tense and unpleasant environment. If your child isn’t looking at the camera or sitting still, it’s okay! Take a deep breath, relax, and trust the process! You hired your photographer for a reason. Capturing authentic moments is SO much more important than that picture-perfect posed portrait. WOW, say that 5 times fast!
Choose a Location that Fits Your Family’s Dynamic
Location is key when it comes to family photography. You want to choose a location that reflects your family’s personality and interests. If your family loves the outdoors, consider a park or a scenic forest. If you’re a more urban family, a cityscape or street scene could be perfect.
When choosing a location, also think about the time of day and lighting. The golden hour, which is the hour before sunset, is a popular time for outdoor photography because of the warm, soft light. This time is my absolute favorite and creates dreamy looking photos! Trust me, it’s worth pushing back your kiddos bedtime for the results!
Communicate with Your Photographer
Communication with your photographer is key to a successful family photography session. Make sure to discuss your vision and expectations with your photographer before the session. Share your ideas for poses, backdrops, and any special requests you may have. Your photographer can offer suggestions and advice on location and outfit choices.
During the session, don’t be afraid to speak up if you have any concerns or if there’s a shot you really want to capture. Your photographer wants to make sure you’re happy with the results, so don’t hesitate to communicate with them but don’t forget to respect their professional opinion as well!
Relax and Have Fun!
The most important thing to remember during a family photography session is to relax and have fun. The more relaxed and comfortable you are, the more natural and authentic your photos will be. Take the time to connect with your family and enjoy the moment. Laugh, play, and be yourselves.
Remember, the goal of a family photography session is to capture the love and joy of your family. So, let your guard down and enjoy the experience. The results will be beautiful family photos that you’ll treasure for years to come.
