This time of year is always the time for family photos! Many of my families have already booked far in advance to get on the calendar for their annual fall family photos. For some families preparing for family photos can be stressful and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be if you follow some of these steps I’m going to outline below. I had to learn some of these steps the hard way with our own family photos. Putting myself in my client’s shoes for a change is really good for me!
1. Clothing – This is always the hardest one! Chat with your photographer about what might look good for your family. Your photographer has been doing this for a long time and has ideas on what might look good. Ask if she has a studio wardrobe you can borrow for your session. Usually that will give you a great selection and help cut the costs. Buy a lot and return the things you don’t use. This saves a lot of time in the long run. Finally, make sure you try on the clothing far in advance from your session. If you wait till the last minute, to try on those new clothes, there is bound to be something that doesn’t fit correctly!
2. Location– Your experienced photographer should have a list of great location options based on your preferences. She should be able to send you examples of what family photos look like at that location for you to decide!
3. Timing – Your session will take place 1.5 hours to 1 hour before sunset. Planning the day around your session can be important. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready and arrive at the location a little early. That golden hour is precious and you don’t want to miss the beautiful light by being late.
4. Incentives – I’m a big fan of incentives for family photos. This is a big deal for your family and little ones don’t fully understand at the young age. Having a fun family event planned for after the session, like ice cream can be very motivating. Even bringing a mess free treat like smarties or marshmallows is a great way to keep the kids engaged and motivated for their session. I also always keep some smarties on hand.
5. Relax and Let your Photographer work their Magic – Your kids will sense if you are stressed out. Make it a fun event for them, by being happy and relaxed for the session. Let the photographer talk to your kids to get those genuine smiles. Often times, if the first trick doesn’t work, she will try another – we have a lot of trick up our sleeves! Forced smiles are not the best smiles, so we will do our best to capture that real ones and that’s our job.
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A proud member of the National Association of Professional Child Photographers
Jessica Lee Photography is a Boulder & Denver Photographer who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, and family photography in Boulder & Denver Colorado and surrounding areas including Erie, Broomfield, Lafayette, Longmont, Superior, Louisville, and Frederick.
If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Jessica Lee Photography and would like more information, please click here for details about sessions.
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I would be honored to partner with you in creating photographs that your family will cherish for many years to come.
