The best tips on how to prepare for your family photo session
You’ve made the commitment!
You are scheduled for your family photo session! Now what?
There are a few basic things that will help set your family up for a happy and joyful session.
They may seem pretty simple but helpful just the same!
Let’s start with the basics.
Make sure your child isn’t TIRED, HUNGRY or COLD. This seems obvious, but let’s go a bit deeper.
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER!
I can’t stress this enough. It doesn’t take long for a little one to get cold and once they are, it’s hard to keep them happy. Dress in layers. And wear those layers for the shoot. If you take a coat on and off, they will be cold in no time. It’s better to remove a layer if they get to warm than it is to be cold. There’s no harm in wearing coats to a shoot. Throw on some hats and scarves and embrace the look.
IF YOU WANT JOYFUL HAPPY KIDS-MAKE SURE THEY ARE WARM.
Make sure they are rested. Don’t pack too much into photo session day.
One thing I hear parents say when their child is tired or cranky is that “they had a busy day”. Kids that have had a full day before the shoot are probably going to be tired. Tired kids are not happy, relaxed, and playful kids. It’s best to keep your day as low key as possible prior to your family session.
If you have older kids, don’t do a sleepover the night before a session. We parents all know the price we pay when our kids haven’t had enough sleep!
I know life doesn’t stop for a photo session day, but try and keep the day as simple as possible.
Don’t skip nap time.
This goes hand in hand with keeping the day as low key as possible. This isn’t the day to skip a nap. While sometimes this can’t be controlled, staying on routine is going to result in a much happier child.
If you are having a golden hour (one hour before sunset) session you may even push the naptime a bit to offset a later bedtime.
LAst but certainly not least-make sure they aren’t hungry.
Sometimes a session can fall right in the middle of a meal time. Make sure to feed them some snacks right before or on the way to your session just to make sure they have full bellies. There’s no shame in bringing a small snack to offer up during the session. Easy non-messy snacks are a good option. You know what snacks work best for your age child. Goldfish, Cheerios or puffs are a good option.
And hey…no judgement if you bring a special treat or bribe with you. I see it all the time. :)
One final tidbit.
Be on time. If you are frazzled and rushing, your child will feel it too.
Kids don’t like being rushed. And I know it’s stressful for us parents too. Many kids take some time to warm up to new places. Plan on arriving a bit before your session starts. This gives you time to park, change your kids if needed , fix clothing, hair etc.
This way everyone can take a breath and acclimate and prepare.
Tell your kids that you are going to a park, or field, or beach (whatever the case may be) to have a really fun time. Tell them it will be so good because they’ll get to play, laugh and be silly. And also… there will be a REALLY SUPER NICE lady (haha) and she is going to take our pictures while we have fun!
Parents remind yourself to go with the flow! Let go of any expectations, I’ve got this part handled. Laugh with your kids, snuggle into your spouse and enjoy this time together. Your kids won’t be perfect, in fact I don’t want them to be.
Embrace the moment and your images will reflect your beautiful family just as you are. Today.
