How to prepare for for Family Pictures
I’ll be honest- getting ready for family pictures is a huge headache for the mom. But don’t fret because you are not alone! I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to help you prepare.
1. Choosing your Photographer
And it’s ok if that’s not me! I want you to love your photos! So heres is what to look for: Style, experience and price. Styles differ a ton from photographer to photographer. Style means editing style and posing style. Do you love lifestyle type photos or more posed family pictures? Natural colors or more earth tones in their editing? Find a photographer who matches what you like. With a family as large as mine experience is really important to me. A seasoned photographer will know how to deal with light, cranky kids how to pose us the very best.
Lastly I’m a huge Dave Ramsey fan and I would never tell you to spend more money then you can afford! Know your budget before you book. At the same time you get what you pay for. More experienced photographers charge more for a reason. So if you can save up do it! Photographs is something that will be cherished by your family for generations.
2. Pick time of year/Location
Are you a fall family photos type or spring apple blossoms? Do you want wild flower mountain side or a snowy pine trees? Once you figured out the time of year chat with your photographer about locations. Most of the time I asked my clients what type of location they are wanting and we choose the exact location closer to the date to make sure it looks good. This is important for the next step.
3. Picking clothes.
I’ll be honest- this is the worst part for me. I know I’m not the only one. I wrote a entire blog post about what to wear in family picture and I’ll link that HERE.
Here is my biggest tip! Moms! Start with your outfit first!I know for me my kids aren’t too picky and I know if I hate what I’m wearing I’m not going to like our photos. I don’t like to buy everyone new clothes so I found which kids had coordinating clothes and bought the few that didn’t I bought new.
4. Prepare you Kids
If you have young kids make sure they get their nap in and have something to eat before they come to the session. I also talk to me kids about how important these photos are to me and tell them the biggest rule for family pictures. (I tell this to my clients kids as well!) Ready for the rule? The better you act the faster pictures will be over! Let’s face it- most kids (and husbands) don’t enjoy getting their picture taken for a long period of time. If they know what to expect it helps.
5. Hair and makeup.
This is something I use to think only brides did but as I’ve been a photographer I’ve learned how much of a value this is to your session! And this is coming from someone who is extremely cheap. I never spend money on myself. This one is really worth the money if you are investing a lot in good family pictures. For this family session I had Jessica Neilson Makup artistry do my hair and makeup. I have never felt more beautiful in my life! I know for my clients the ones that get their makeup done professionally are so much more confident at their session.
6. Glasses
If you have glasses pick your pair that glare the least! One of my best clients is a eye dr. and he always brings glasses with a frame with empty lenses so he looks like himself but doesn’t have glare! Then he switches to his real pair when we walk around.
7. Be On Time
This is very important because your photographer has planned your session when the light is the best. If you are late you will cut into your session time giving you less photos.
8. During your session- let your kids be kids!
Trust the process! If you hired a good photographer- trust them. They will know how to get your kids attention. I promise that some of the photos you will love the most are the ones that show off your kids personalities.
How to prepare for for Family Pictures