How to prepare for family photos

Every time I photograph a family session, I always get some common questions:

“What time and where should we shoot?”
“How long of a session should we book?”
“How should we dress? Should we bring anything?”

So, I figured I would write a post with some advice and useful tips to prepare for optimal family portraits.

adorable-family-photoshoot-cute-baby-photos

When and where?

For best photography results, the ideal shooting time is early in the morning or close to sunset. It’s possible to shoot during the day if there is shade available or if it’s overcast. If you have a particular location in mind, I recommend checking the lighting in advance of the shooting day.

As far as picking a location, I definitely suggest a place that fits your personality.

Are you new parents? The comfort of your own home can enable authentic moments to take place naturally with the baby’s schedule.
Do you enjoy the outdoors? Somewhere green and scenic would allow you to feel connected to nature and to each other.
Is there a special place for your family? Picking a place that’s meaningful will create new memories in a place you already love.

Take the Sofric family for example: we shot in the morning after the baby’s nap, in their gorgeous backyard garden. We made use of simple backdrops, allowing the focus to be on their adorable interactions.

How long of a session?

To be honest, this is totally a personal question based on your needs.

Consider your family dynamics. Are you a small or large group? Do you need plenty of time to ensure your children are in a “good mood”?

I typically always recommend 2 hour portrait sessions. It’s possible to get good results in shorter sessions, but the flexibility of having more time is super nice.

1 hour gets you the basics: one location, one look, enough time to get started, get in the groove, and wrap up.

2 hours allows for that groove to last longer: once you’re comfortable in the front of the camera, more magical results can happen. You can also add another location, change your outfits for another look, etc.

3 hours or more means more play: it’s nice to indulge in a photographic experience by not worrying about time limits or everyone’s cooperation during the scheduled time. More time always translates to less stress, especially with bigger groups. The Lands family opted for more time so that each mini-family got their own shoot!

How should we dress?

Perhaps from the previous featured images you can tell that I’m a huge fan of color coordination.

I advise you to pick a color palette for your wardrobe so that the members of your family look harmonious. Neutral, muted, and pastel colors typically work best, and I recommend staying clear of heavy patterns and graphic designs/logos.

When putting together a wardrobe for a specific location, look for clothing and colors that blend well with that environment. Bringing props or other items is completely optional. The Hashem family brought along little details for their session as they wanted to treat their little princess to a birthday party in the woods.

Some final words:

A family portrait session is a really precious experience. You document your lives everyday, but it’s a special treat to have it photographed or recorded professionally. You can focus on your love and connection, while I guide you on looking and feeling amazing. These heirlooms will sit on your mantelpiece, your friends and family’s fridge, and in your memories for the rest of your lives. I’m happy to help you come up with ideas and more advice for your perfect session during our consultation.

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