5 Tips for a Successful Family Photo Shoot

Getting your family pictures taken may seem like a daunting thing to do for some people. Mom wants the pictures to be perfect and Dad and the kids just want the entire process to be over already. :) A family photo session should be fun! Here are some tips from me to make sure you make the most out your next session.

1) Location, Location Location. My first suggestion is to visualize how you want your end pictures to look. Are you going for an urban setting downtown or do you prefer more a park setting? I love shooting both styles. It is fun to use city backdrops such as brick walls, streets and alleys to provide visual interest and texture to your images.

I also love shooting in fields and local parks. If I spot a field of flowers, you bet you are going to be standing in them!  I have several go to locations around town but I am always scouting and looking for new places to shoot. I have been known to pull over on a side of a road if I spot a great field of wildflowers or a beatiful blooming tree.

2) Time of year- Which season do you want to book your session?  Spring blooms are amazing- it's so nice to see pops of color after a long winter. Cherry Blossoms, Daffodils and other spring flowers provide color and are fun to integrate into your pictures         

Summer sessions are also wonderful. Bare feet, sundresses, fields of wildflowers, tanned skin.... I love summer sunset sessions. They are magical!

Fall is the most popular season due to the beautiful fall foliage. It's fun to style fall sessions with endless wardrobe options of boots, scarves, sweaters...    

Winter sessions are under rated in my opinion. I love how bright wardrobe colors contrast against the winter colors.

3) Dress to Impress- Once we have the season and location picked out, it is time to think about styling your session.  Gone are the days of everyone matching.

The key is coordinating colors. Pick 2- 3 colors and build your outfits one person at a time. Layering looks great; hats, scarves, ties, suspenders,blazers, jewelry, cardigans, tights etc. Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns. Make sure that you feel good in what you are wearing! If you feel good- it will show in your images.

Plan your outfits from head to shoe. Shoes can make or break a great oufit. :)  Be prepared with extra layers if necessary. 

4) Timing is everything! I know it is hard. You are running around like crazy getting everyone dressed and out the door. It is critical though to be on time.  I schedule my sessions in the morning and before sunset.

The lighting is most flattering during these two key times. Starting late can cut the session due to the sun setting etc.  The golden hour is the hour or two before the sun sets. This provides flattering, beautiful, glowing, yummy light!! It's my favorite time to shoot.                        

5) Let's have fun! Please show up ready to have a good time. Make sure the kids are rested and their bellies are full. Bring snacks and drinks. If we have a later sunset session scheduled, put the little ones down for a later nap that day so they are rested.

I know that moms want everyone to look perfect and everyone looking at the camera at the same time. Let all of that go!!!  I find that the most magical sessions occur when guards are down and everyone is laughing, having fun and looking at each other.

I want you to feel something when you look back at your images. Don't look at me. Look at your kids or look at your wife/husband! If the parents are relaxed and having fun, the kids will sense it.  

The less you worry about how everyone is looking the more authentic your images will be. Trust me!

I hope these tips help you plan your next family session. I love seeing families year after year and I love meeting new ones too. I'm currently booking 2015 and the weekend spots are filling up quickly.

To book a session with me, please email me at annegphotography@gmail.com.  More information can be found on my website www.AnneGregoirePhotography.com

XOXO,

Anne