5 Tips for a Fun and Stress-Free Family Photoshoot: Capture Candid Moments You’ll Cherish Forever
I’ve been doing photography for over 10 years and the number one thing I get asked about preparing for your family photoshoot is, “How do I get my kids to cooperate?” and the answer is… you don’t. That probably wasn’t the response you were hoping for but the truth is, very rarely do I get children who love to sit still and pose for photo after photo with perfect smiles. And not just the kids but the moms and dads too. The sessions that usually leave me saying, “Wow that was actually not that bad. We had fun!” are the ones that embrace the chaos and acknowledge that their kids aren’t going to be perfect 100% of the time. AND THAT IS OK!
Honestly, when you look back at your photos years from now, you aren’t going to want to “fondly” remember how you had to bribe and threaten to take away things in order to get a half way nice smile. You are going to want to remember how your son giggled and genuinely smiled when you tickled him and made fart noises. You are going to want to remember what their tiny hands looked like picking up that dirty stick on the ground (that may or may not make their outfit dirty) because they love to pretend its a wizard wand. You are going to want to remember how they cling to your leg because you are their safe space. Even though they may not be looking at the camera, you are going to look back on these photos and feel those moments of pure love and joy and that is the goal with every session I do.
With all that being said, here are five tips to help you relax and manage expectations for your upcoming family session with me:
1. Keep It Light and Fun
Tell your family to think of the photoshoot as a fun family outing rather than a formal session. Encourage them to play, laugh, and be themselves and remember to tell yourself that its ok for them to do so. I promise I will be the last person to judge you based on your kids personalities. I’m a mom too and I totally get when kids have a mind of their own (a sometimes very stubborn mind) and I do my best to try and get them to see this photoshoot as something fun. The more relaxed and natural everyone feels, the better the photos will turn out. I’ll be there to capture those genuine moments.
2. Embrace Imperfections
Perfection isn’t the goal—authenticity is! Let the kids be kids. If they’re being silly or a little rambunctious, that’s perfectly fine. Some of the best photos come from those unexpected, candid moments. Try not to stress about everyone looking perfect; focus on enjoying the time together. My goal is to get at least one traditional smiling photo (I know the grandparents always love that one) but that may not always be easy (and I’m not above a head swap or two). When you trust me, that makes everything just a little bit easier. Kids really feed off energy so if they feel you getting irritated or frustrated, it tends to make the whole session a little more tense for everyone and if we need a little dance break or game of tag to ease that tension, then that’s what we’ll do. :)
3. Prepare, but Be Flexible
It's great to plan outfits and have an idea of poses you like, but flexibility is key. Sometimes the best photos are the ones that happen naturally. They way a shy kiddo rests their head on dads shoulder because they may be a little nervous at first in front of the new lady with a camera or the little sister who maybe likes the spotlight a little too much may not be the poses you had in mind when we started but they sure do tend to be some favorites at the end. My job is to guide you through different setups that work best for your family, but if something doesn’t go as planned, we’ll roll with it and find the beauty in the spontaneous.
4. Bring Comfort Items
If your children have a favorite toy or blanket that makes them feel secure, bring it along. These items can be used in the photos for added personal touch or simply kept nearby to help ease any anxiety. I’ve had quite a few families who feel the need to remove these items just to get a nice photo but I like to remind my families that its ok to leave these personal items in sometimes. If it means we get a sweet smile from a kid even though they are holding a stuffy that has maybe been through the was a time too many, then I’ll take it. Its way easier than trying to console a hysterical kid who just wants their buddy at all times. You’ll look back on that photo years from now when old ratty stuffy is long forgotten in a memory box in the attic and smile remembering how sweet and tiny your little one was. Happy kids make for happy photos!
5. Trust the Process
Lastly, trust that I’m here to capture your family’s unique personalities in the best light possible. I have photographed so many families over the years and I want nothing more than to capture your special memories that will be cherished for many years down the road. We might try a few different activities or poses, and some might feel a bit silly, but it’s all part of the process to get those perfect, joyful shots. Relax, enjoy the experience, and let me do the rest! I promise, your kids are wonderful and we will end up with plenty of good photos even if it may not seem like it.
By keeping these tips in mind, your family can enjoy a stress-free, fun photoshoot that results in beautiful, candid images reflecting your true personalities.