Some bits of advice for families before their photo session:

The statement “the more thorough the preparation for the shooting, the more interesting the result will be” probably, will not cause anyone to doubt.

Have your clothing chosen way in advance and make sure that your outfit choices are comfortable and attractive. You do not need to buy new or expensive items. Work with what you already have.

Choose clothes for all participants the way that looking at the photo, it becomes immediately clear that we have a friendly and harmonious family in front of us. This can be achieved by choosing clothes in the same color scheme. I recommend coordinating your colors instead of matching.

What do your dream family photos look like? If they are soft and elegant? Chose neutral colors with soft, flowing fabrics…think creams, very soft pastels, light browns, tans, grays, and slate blues. If you want to showcase the fun and spunky side of your family - choose coordinating colors with bold accent colors, such as hues of gray with yellow or bright red accents. 

Incredibly stylish and beautiful looks, for example, a mother and daughter in the same dresses or a father and son in jeans and plaid shirts. Choosing a win-win option of jeans-white T-shirts / shirts which can be found in the wardrobe of each family member is another option. 



There is another pretty simple rule: clothes shouldn’t be visually distracting. They shouldn’t take attention away from what’s happening in the photo.

Kids’ clothes today are designed to grab your attention — with bright colors, cartoon characters, and writing all over them. In photographs, all this takes attention away from your kids. Make sure your clothing will not blend in with your background. Are you going for a photo session in the woods? Try to limit greens in your clothing.

Watch the shoes. Picking clothes is great, but don’t forget the shoes. Nothing kills a great photo like a bad pair of shoes.

Accessories give photos a new dimension. Adding fun accessories like scarves, headbands, hats, etc. can add a modern twist and sassy flair to your images.

In case you do need to make updates - buy clothes together. Preparing for a family photography is much easier when the whole family is shopping together at the same store or brand. This is a great thing especially for the families with two or more children. 

Be well fed and leave plenty of time.

Do not show up to a photo shoot on an empty stomach.

There are many families who come to a photo session with dinner scheduled at the end. If this is your plan, be sure to give everyone a healthy snack before the photo shoot. Moms are often rushing around before a photo shoot, assuring that their family is dressed & beautiful. Give yourself extra time to prepare your hair & make-up or have it professionally done, so that you are ready before it’s time to head out that door. When mom is feeling pretty & confident, this will reflect on the rest of the family.

Ask Dads to be cheerful participants.

Ask Dads to be cheerful participants.

I know that many dads fear the family photo session, but fathers, please understand how important capturing your family is. These images will be left as a legacy, when your children are grown, with families of their own some day. Family photos are treasured forever, and they are so important. Please, please, dads… cheerfully participate in your family photo session. Once you see your happy family and amazing photographs, you will be so glad that you gave this time to them.

Have fun at the photo shoot.

Have fun at the photo shoot.

Observe your children and decide what they can be entertained with during the shoot. Maybe you have some family games that you can play in front of the camera. Some of the most successful family sessions out there have incorporated an activity that children and parents love to do together. This gives you a chance to engage the little ones, do something with your hands and feet, and brings an authentic smile to your face. Do you love to read together? Bring some books.

Is your favorite dessert ice cream? Bring some ice cream bars or drumsticks to your session. Other ideas include board games, football, piggyback rides, dancing, picnics, the ideas are boundless. 

Don’t be afraid to pick up your children and toss them in the air. Give your significant other a sweet kiss on the check. Tell your partner how much you love them and appreciate them for being there for your family. Have fun. Laugh. Giggle. Joke. Embrace. Snuggle. Kiss. Play. Doing these things will allow the photographer to capture the emotion and true beauty of your family. Reveal to your photographer who you really are, so that she could capture your love through her lens.


Posing or not?

Most of the people hate cheesy posed shots.

However, now posing is important...because you want to look good in your photos. But it doesn’t have to be stiff and contrived. Real expressions will always be better than holding a smile for 2 minutes straight. The best photographs are often the ones where everyone is engaged or interacting with each other. Know that not every picture needs to have everyone looking at the camera and smiling at the same time. If you are engaged as a family and loving on each other

If you are engaged as a family and loving on each other, your eyes will be on your family members and your smile with be natural. These are the pictures that you will cherish most because they portray your family connection and your love.

Praise yourself.

Decide that the day of shooting will be a small holiday for your family, and the shooting itself will be a part of the festive program. Before or after it, plan a trip to your favorite cafe / amusement park or buy a long-awaited toy for your child or a pleasant gift for yourself. In this case, the festive mood will increase the number of successful shots and, looking at the photos, you will remember the whole day and that joyful upbeat mood that accompanied it.