Preparing for your Family Session | Louisiana Family Photographer

Louisiana Family Photographer

There’s no sense denying that family photos have the potential to be hectic, especially when little ones are involved. I’m a firm believer that planning ahead can help eliminate a lot of stress, and that goes for family sessions as well! Some of these suggestions are more geared toward families with younger kids, but many will help families with kids of any age make the most of their photography session. 

1. Wear coordinating outfits. Instead of everyone trying to wear the same color, try to wear different colors and patterns that compliment each other and add visual variety. If you’re feeling stuck about what that could look like don’t hesitate to reach out!
2. Plan something fun to do after the session. There are kids of all ages who don’t like family photos, and though Benjamin is still too young to bribe, it seems to help to have something special planned for after the session. That could be going out for ice cream or dinner or having a special family movie night. It’s a great incentive for kids to try to get through the session with a good attitude.
3. Bring snacks. I often take pictures of each child individually and a couple of just the parents if possible. Having a snack to give kids when they’re not in front of the camera keeps them occupied and happy.
4. Bring a favorite toy. Something familiar like this can help very little ones feel more comfortable. It also helps bring out genuine smiles and laughs as they plays with it, which is helpful if they like to cheese it up for the camera (or not smile at all) in more posed pictures.
5. Don’t worry. Kids will run around. They will make silly faces and refuse to smile. They will cry and scream. These things happen at most of my family sessions, but we still get great pictures. How? Going with the flow. I will set up posed pictures, yes, but I will also take pictures in the in-between moments. When dad is carrying both little girls up the hill because mom is wearing heels (below) or wrestling with his youngest sons. When the silly faces are made. If kids won’t look at the camera they often will look at mom or dad and then we can get the sweetest interaction photos. Great family photos don’t require everyone looking at the camera and smiling in every picture. Besides, how boring would that be? When I take pictures through it all, I get a lot of posed photos, but also a lot of unposed photos of you and your family having fun and being themselves, and those are often my favorite.