Over the last 15 years, I have photographed hundreds of families, but I have also dealt with the hassle of getting my own family on board with family photos. Through the years, I have landed on a few tips that make family photos stress-free and can even get dad on board (because, let’s be honest, he’s usually the one who complains the most.)
Tip #1: Pick a place for photos that is familiar . . . and nearby.
Listen, I know it is tempting to choose that epic location that looks like something out of a dream. Resist the urge. Pick a place that your kids already recognize and enjoy. This helps in multiple ways.
First, if you have children who are a little nervous in new situations and around new people, this reduces some anxiety. Second, your kids are now excited to go when you pick a place you already know and enjoy. If they already enjoy themselves in that spot, the natural smiles are going to be a lot more likely to come by. Your neighborhood park might not seem as beautiful as some other locations, but having happy kids can make any location beautiful. You want to avoid picking locations that are far away because your kids will either fall asleep in the car and be grumpy, or they will mess up their hair or outfits.
Tip #2: Bring incentives, but not the food dye kind.
This isn’t a stance on food dyes. This is purely logistical. Avoid bringing any super-bright dyed candies. Want to know what happens when your incentive is a Skittle? Or a Dum Dum? Slobber happens. Suddenly, you have a long line of bright blue slobber that is all over that adorable outfit you spent hours searching for.
I am all for bringing snacks during photos. We all know our kids and husbands aren’t fun to be around when they are hangry. Just plan some snacks that everyone enjoys that can be eaten quickly and not messily. Avoid chocolate (so sad, I know.) For younger kids, it could be something like Cheerios or little pieces of cheese. Some of my favorite and most successful incentives for young children are playing their favorite music or sharing a clip of their favorite show.
Tip #3: Don’t pick uncomfortable outfits.
Often when planning for family outfits, we can be tempted to pick ones that look super trendy and nicer than what your family would normally wear. If that’s your plan, pick those outfits with enough time that you all can wear them for a few hours one day to see how they like them. It is the worst feeling when you spend time and money on outfits only to have your kids and husband uncomfortable in them.
Try to choose neat-looking clothing that doesn’t veer too far from what your family would usually wear.
Do you have a son who will only wear sweats? Maybe look into some elastic band dri fit options that look nicer but have the same feel as comfy sweats. Instead of button-downs, maybe try for a soft but nicer-looking shirt. For babies, avoid things like vests and jackets because they tend to bunch up as you’re holding your baby. Go for a one-piece, I promise.
Tip #4: Start with a mini session.
If you have never had family pictures taken before, if you have young children, or if you have very unwilling participants, make sure to go for the mini session. Not only does this take the monetary pressure off, but it’s a great way to test the waters with your photographer to make sure it’s a good fit. Be candid with your photographer before you meet for photos. Usually a mini session is around 20 minutes. Any experienced photographer will be able to get you some variety within that time span, and it is not so long that you are all exhausted and bored.
Tip #5: Don’t choose a session time that is past bedtime.
Do your kids go to bed every night at 7 p.m.? Don’t book a session in the summer where the best light will be around 8 p.m. Instead, go for a spring or fall shoot when the sun sets earlier. You don’t want to blow up your carefully laid routine for pictures. This usually leads to disaster. You suddenly are stressed, either trying to get your child to nap at an unusual time or you’re stressed during photos because your children are exhausted and just keep crying. Are your kids the happiest in the morning? Do an early morning shoot.
Tip #6: Book the session on your birthday.
This is a trick I started as my kids have grown older. I choose the day when they are already planning on spending part of the day with me. Is your husband terrible at picking gifts to give you? Make this your gift. An hour where you all at least pretend to be having a great time so mom can finally have some pretty pictures on her wall.
The other great thing about doing pictures on your birthday as your kids get older is that they won’t have other excuses (like wanting to hang out with their friends) because that evening was going to be set aside to celebrate mom anyway. It has seriously worked like a charm and led to some really great birthday memories. Plus, it’s nice already being out together and ready to go and celebrate after the pictures are done.
