The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for a Family Photo Shoot: Tips from a Professional

Family photos can be a fun and enjoyable experience for kids. They are also a memorable family heirloom to share with your children's children. A professionally produced photo-shoot captures the essence of your family during one of the happiest times of year – when you're actually all together! It's so rare these days, and a well-planned photo shoot can make all the difference.

Preparation and Planning

Planning a photo shoot should be as enjoyable as the shoot itself. Take some time to discuss your ideas with your photographer before the actual day so you can get an idea of what they will be doing on the day. This collaboration ensures that you have a clear vision and can adapt to any changes in the plan without stress.

Location, Location, Location

Deciding the location is a key ingredient to a successful shoot. Avoid busy roads or public places with lots of distractions that might unsettle you or your children or even pets. A serene and calm setting will ensure you have a photoshoot that is as memorable as it is enjoyable.

Helping Kids Feel Relaxed

Kids are often scared of strangers. It's natural for them to feel a little intimidated by the presence of someone new, so it is important to help them feel relaxed around your photographer. Kids need time to familiarize themselves with your photographer and build a sense of trust. Encourage them to play freely and don't rush things on the big day. A joyful atmosphere and ample rest are crucial to a successful photo shoot.

Communicating with Your Photographer

A family photo session is a great way to capture the best memories of your family. To prepare for this session, talk with the photographer about what you would like him/her to capture. Some key points to discuss include:

The time of day The clothes that you want to wear Whether pets will be included in the photo shoot

Having a clear plan can help ensure that the photo shoot runs smoothly and that you get the desired results.

Technical Tips for a Better Photo Shoot

If you are shooting outside, have the sun to your back and use a flash to fill in the front. A good camera will allow you to have a grid in the viewing screen. See if you can get some of the family to be in the intersecting lines. For a large group, I always divide the groups into triangles but keep them close together. Take several pictures at once because you will always have someone with their eyes closed or turning to look away. Always check to see if you have a glare in the eye glasses and that you can see their eyes clearly. Making these adjustments can help ensure that you get the best possible results.

The End of Family Portraits

In my experience, family portraits can be a pain in the ass. Seventy percent of the time, it's a waste of time. You will have some love it and some will always complain that their sister looks better or they look fat and wish they hadn't agreed to be part of the photo. It's a struggle to make everyone feel good about the results of a family photo shoot.