Five Tips for Family Photos

1. Make sure kids are fed and well rested!

Let’s be honest, none of us are going to have the best time if we’re hangry (hungry-angry), and the same goes for your kids! Often a family shoot will be in the later afternoon/evening, and you may not have had dinner yet. If not, I recommend giving everyone a good snack beforehand so that they’re in the best mood for the shoot. Also, if one of your little ones is still napping most days, make sure they’ve gotten to nap before the shoot, or we’ll see sleepy eyes in all the photos!

2. Bring snacks or a small activity

Kids may get bored taking pictures. A quick dry snack like goldfish or a fun little activity like bubbles may get kids smiling again. It will also be a great opportunity for candid, natural photos! Another idea is to let kids interact with the location you’ve chosen, like the water feature here in this shoot.

3. Let kids be kids!

Only a few kids actually like to look at the camera for any length of time, but most like to be silly! We will definitely try to get a few classic pictures of everybody looking at the camera, but you only need so many of those! Sometimes I ask the kids to make a silly face or run towards me as fast as they can! Kids are usually smiling after they get the chance to do this. When we let kids have the opportunity to play, run around (safely), and be silly, we get some wonderful natural smiles, and often some of my favorite shots!

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4. Pick comfortable, coordinated clothes

You want everyone in the family in nice, comfortable clothes for the shoot. You will all feel more comfortable, which will make for better photos. I recommend coordinating outfits, but you don’t have to be too matchy-matchy. A variety of neutral, earthy tone, or blush pinks will look great on camera. Be careful with green, as you might blend into the grass and trees! Simple patterns can be okay, but try to avoid anything too busy!

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5. Don’t stress!

Family photos should be fun! Pictures of real smiles are better than pictures of fake smiles! Follow this advice, reach out if you have any other questions, and trust your photographer to help guide you throughout your shoot!