Family portrait sessions are some of the sessions I hold most dear to my heart because it’s so rare these days to find pictures with every member of the family (yes, that means you mom!) in them – smiling, laughing and just being together. Being able to capture an entire group of people who mean the world to each other is such a special moment! These sessions are so often full of joy and laughter which means my job is so much fun! Beyond fun, I completely feel the importance of being able to stop that moment in time where all the kids are enjoying mom and dad and mom and dad are really dialed in on each other and what they’ve built. Parents, it is SO critical that your children see you WITH them in photographs – one day, that’s all your family will have – these memories. That being said, I wanted to share my top three tips to make your photos look as beautiful as you hoped during a family portrait session + how to make your session stress free!
1) Plan coordinating outfits, not matching ones. I know it’s tempting (and easy) to bring everyone to the portrait session in white shits and jeans but the photographs will actually pop more if your family is wearing coordinating outfits. This gives everyone a chance to look their best while still fitting in + showing off their own style. It also allows for some variation in the pictures we take. (Another post about this exact topic is coming but you get the idea for now!).
2) Realize the session will take time + don’t be embarrassed if your kids need a break. Unless you’ve booked a mini session, our time together will likely last almost an hour. This allows us all time to get comfortable with each other, let kids be kids (and burn off some energy so they’ll smile + not be too fussy) and get the images we really want for you! Kids, especially little ones, pick up on stress easily – if you’re stressed because you think things are taking too long, everyone will start to get grumpy. Just relax + let’s enjoy the time together! I am happy to wait for a short snack time to be complete or feeding a baby! I totally get it!! Being a little one is HARD!
3) Plan to have FUN and bring a prop or two that matter to you! When I photograph families, I do photograph some poses because those are pictures my clients have always wanted. I also strive to capture the in between moments. Some of my most favorite images are the ones I grabbed in between “formal” shots- the kids being thrown in the air, or mom + her daughter talking nose to nose, dad + his son playing paddy cakes or giving extra tight hugs. These are the moments that really reflect who your family is. I SO encourage you to bring a blanket that’s meaningful to you or a toy/stuffed animal your kids love with you to the session because it makes these moments feel more natural – like you’re on a picnic and I just happened to snap a picture. It’s so much more fun to see your children be children and to see you just enjoying them than anything else I could ever do. So plan to have fun at your session because by just being with your family, I know you will!
What’s your secret to making sure your family portraits go smoothly? I’d love to hear it!
Interested in booking a family session today? Send me a note here!
XOXO,
Kristina
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