5 things your family photographer wishes you knew.
5 Things Your Family Photographer Wishes You Knew
before your family session
I’ve been a photographer for over 15 years and have been photographing families for nearly half that time. I’ve learned a few things over the years that I’d love to share with you.
Planning for a family photoshoot can be suuuuper stressful. Believe me, I’ve done it. I’ve felt it too. I’ve come to realize that far too often we’re focused on/stressing about wayyyy too much leading up to a family photoshoot.
So here are a few things I wish my clients knew. This is coming from not only a photographer but I’m also a mama of 3…so I’m guilty of so many of these things too! Read on to find out how to plan a stress-free family session that everyone might actually ** gasp ** enjoy!
Don’t stress about your wardrobe.
Social media puts a lot of pressure on families to look perfectly put together and neutral. But that’s not always real life, is it? Don’t be afraid of print and colour (nope - you don’t have to wear neutrals and white if that’s not YOU!) Quick tip - if you’re wearing prints, choose smaller prints rather than large prints that could be distracting.
Less formal looks lend themselves to more comfort + more authenticity for everyone to move, snuggle, run, and be themselves. The sky’s the limit here! If the weather permits, let the kids play in the water at the end of our session (better yet - bring their swimsuits to change into!) Don’t be afraid to let your people be themselves.
2. Let me take the lead.
Kids usually save their worst behavior for their parents, right? (surely it’s not just my kids who do this - haha!) Chances are, they’ll be a bit more willing to listen to me as the photographer authority. Letting me take the lead also ensures that your kids don’t have 3 adults barking orders at them…this never ends well. So, sit back and relax, and let me take the lead. The most important thing for you to do is to r-e-l-a-x! Kids feed off your energy, so just enjoy their company and let me direct your interactions. I promise I’ll let you know if I need you to step in for whatever reason.
3. You look beautiful, mama.
No, you don’t need to “lose the weight” before your shoot or wait until your hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, etc are perfect. Because you’re absolutely perfect just as you are, right now. Your kids will cherish these photos of them and their mama. The only thing they’ll see when they look back at these photos is what features of yours they might have inherited or how beautiful you looked, snuggling them close when they were little.
4. Just keep smiling!
As parents, you understand when I say we can’t always control what our kids are doing….that includes smiling! I’ll never make kids stand there and awkwardly smile for the entire session. So when you’re running with your kids, playing silly games or being surprise-tackled by your kids - just. keep. smiling! It always translates so well in photos and give us the best chance of getting a photo where everyone is looking their best.
5. Most importantly - truly enjoy the time you’re spending with your family at your session.
Think about it. Nobody has their phone out. No kid has their eyes glued to a TV. It’s true quality time together! So explore, play, laugh, enjoy each other’s company and forget you’re being photographed. I know….easier said than done. But try your best to take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy every minute - even if it feels chaotic!
I hope these tips have helped you refocus your energy while preparing for a family photoshoot in Auckland. It’s not about what you’re wearing or making sure everybody’s hair is perfect. It’s about the connection and love between you and your family. That’s what’s important.
If you need someone to take fresh family photos of you and the ones you love most, get in touch!