Five Steps For Stress-Free Family Portrait Sessions

So you’re planning a family photo shoot and you’re excited! And just a little bit nervous at the same time, right? That’s OK. In fact it’s totally understandable.

In this comprehensive five step plan, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to ensure a successful and enjoyable family experience. From managing routines and bedtimes to keeping your kids happy and engaged, this guide has got you covered. Let’s dive in!

Guide to Stress-Free Family Photography Sessions

STEP 1: SETTING THE STAGE FOR SUCCESS

  • Talk to your photographer!  Before the session, have a conversation with your photographer about your vision for the shoot. Share any specific ideas, themes or poses you have in mind, as well as the vibe you want  - candid, formal, playful?  This helps your photographer understand your expectations and tailor the session to meet your desires.

    Let them know about any important family dynamics or personalities that could impact the session. For instance, if one child is shy or if there’s a special bond between siblings that you’d like captured. This information really helps your photographer bring out the best in everyone and capture meaningful moments.

  • Work with your photographer to schedule your session at a time when the light will be at its best for the time of year and then plan your day to make sure kids are adequately rested, fed and happy at the time of the shoot.

  • Choose a location that resonates with your family’s personality and interests. If you love nature, a park, forest or beach might be perfect. For a more urban vibe, consider a cityscape, an artsy neighbourhood or a spot with interesting architecture. The location should feel authentic to your family's style and story.

  • Ensure the location is easy to reach and navigate, especially with young children in tow.  Consider parking and toilet proximity.  A location that's too remote, difficult to walk around or lacking in basic amenities might add unnecessary stress to the session.

  • Prepare to relax!  Plan and prepare as much as possible before the day of the shoot - outfits, snacks and anything else you might need. This way you’re not scrambling at the last minute and can arrive at the session feeling calm and ready to enjoy the moment.

Fall family portraits by Victoria Phipps

STEP 2: PREPARING YOUR LITTLE STARS

  • Involve your children in the planning process and help them feel excited about the upcoming photo shoot. Let them help choose props and outfits for your family photography session.

  • Talk to them about what to expect and reassure them that it will be a great opportunity for the whole family to have lots of fun together!

  • Consider incorporating favourite activities or games into the shoot to keep your children engaged and entertained.

  • Bring snacks that won’t make a mess or stain clothes, such as apple slices, crackers or carrot sticks. It’s important to keep your little one’s energy levels up, but avoid anything sticky, crumbly or colourful that could smudge on their clothes or faces… save the chocolate for a post-shoot reward!

Close up portrait of a little boy in a red coat looking up at the camera

STEP 3: EMBRACE THE CHAOS

  • Remember that you don’t need immaculately behaved children to create beautiful family portraits. Allow your kids to be themselves and express their personality. This is about capturing a moment in time honestly and beautifully and the best shots are often captured when you least expect it!

  • Remember it’s your photographer’s job to capture the magic. Let them worry about how you all look in frame. All you need to do is focus on connecting with your child and being present in the moment.

    Laugh, play and interact naturally with your family. When you’re genuinely engaged and connected with each other, your photographer will capture authentic, heartfelt moments.

  • Be open to your photographer’s suggestions. They should have a wealth of experience in lighting, composition and what works best in photos. Trust their guidance and lean in to the experience.

Photograph of Mum dealing with typical chaos on a sunny family day out

STEP 4: MANAGING ANXIETY

  • It’s normal to feel apprehensive about how your children will behave during the photo shoot. I have two under four and I totally get it! Trust in your photographer. They’ll understand that these are little humans, not robots.

  • Remember that children feed off your energy, so try to stay calm and take the time to attend to your child’s needs if they get upset.

  • Embrace imperfection and go with the flow.  Remember that not every moment has to be perfect to be beautiful. If your kids get a little silly or things don’t go exactly as planned, embrace it. Some of the best photos come from spontaneous, unplanned moments. Let go of the pressure to have everything just right and enjoy the experience with your family.

Photograph of a little boy having fun on a play area

STEP 5: CHERISHING THE MEMORIES

  • After the photo shoot take some time to reflect on the experience together. Even if you felt it wasn’t all plain sailing, choose a highlight and tell your child how much you loved sharing that moment with them.

  • Ask your child for feedback… what did they enjoy about it? What didn’t they like? This fact-finding will help you when planning your next family shoot.

  • Print your photographs! Frame them, put them up in your home and ask your child to choose their favourite to go on display in their bedroom. Bringing them into the process from beginning to end and letting them get involved in choosing their own end product means they’re as invested in the memories as you are.

Portrait of a family of four looking out to sea on a Cornish beach captured on film

Armed with these five steps, you’re now well-equipped to plan and execute your family photography session. This is precious time that you have carved out to spend together as a family with no distraction, so remember to relax and enjoy the experience yourself!

If you’re ready to take the next step and book your photography session then I would love to take your picture… can’t wait to hear from you!

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