How to Prepare for Your Family Photography Session
Preparing for a family photography session can be exciting, but it can also be stressful if you're not sure what to expect. Here’s some tips to help you prepare for your family photography session.
Book in advance
Booking your photography session in advance ensures that you secure the date and time that works best for you and your family, especially if you have a specific date or location in mind. Photographers have busy schedules - especially during summer - so booking early will increase the likelihood that you can have your first choice of date. Booking in advance allows you to plan and prepare for the session, giving you plenty of time to coordinate outfits, choose a location, and discuss any specific ideas or requests with your photographer.
Pro Tip: Consider booking a weekday evening during the summer months! Your photographer is bound to have more availability, and you’ll catch the beautiful golden hour later in the day, too.
2. Choose what to wear
You want to feel your best and, most importantly, comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. Whether you want to run across the beach barefoot, or you feel most confident looking smart, or a pair of jeans and trainers are your jam, you do you.
Whatever your vibe, here are a few pointers to follow:
Don’t wear anything with big branding - this shoot is all about you and your family, not an ad for a fashion label.
Avoid busy patterns - these are tricky to work with and we want you to stand out, not clash with the background.
No twinning, please! Although coordinating clothing is a thing that can happen subconsciously between happy families (who knew?) it’s best not to be too matchy-matchy for your photography session.
Don’t wear all black or all white, unless you’re so trendy that you can own it and 100% flaunt it!
Do wear neutrals - these are best to work with and no, neutral doesn’t have to be boring!
Do bring your own style and individuality.
3. Decide where to go (and what to do)
My goal is to always capture who you are as individuals and as a family - not just what looks good on camera. Your photography session gives you the chance to have meaningful moments captured while doing what you love to do together! Here’s a few ideas to inspire your session…
Go for a family picnic. A blanket, a baguette and a beautiful location make for a winning set up.
If you’re an active family, head out to the beach to build a sand castle, splash on the shoreline, or event go out to sea on a boat or a kayak. I’ll be right there with you!
Lace up your trainers and head out for a walk / hike in one of your favourite spots.
Got a 4 legged friend? Make it a dog walk – and don’t forget treats!
Love cosying up at home? Great, I’ll come to yours!
Pick somewhere scenic and let the backdrop do the talking.
Go to a place that’s meaningful to you as a family - it will automatically bring something extra.
4. Get plenty of rest
Make sure you and your family get enough rest the night before the photo shoot to avoid looking tired or stressed.
5. Arrive on time
Arrive at the location on time or even a little early so that you have time to get settled and ready before the photography session begins.
6. Be patient and flexible
Family photography sessions can sometimes be unpredictable - especially with little ones - so be patient and flexible if things don't go exactly as planned. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the moment and have fun with your family!
