1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOU

Every photographer has their own unique shooting and editing style. It’s important to consider hiring someone whose photography vibe matches your family’s overall style and whose photos/artwork will fit the look and feel of your personal home decor. Choose a photographer whose work resonates with you personally.

2. PLAN A DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION

Each of these factors help determine how your final images will look and feel. The time of year is as equally important as the time of day when considering light that will be both flattering and fitting for the type of mood you want your photos to convey.

Picking a date: Are you hoping for warmer weather without it being too hot and pops of soft color in the scenery around you? If so, spring may be the perfect time of you for you to schedule a session. Consider when some of your favorite florals are in bloom when selecting a date.

Selecting a time: Time of day plays an important role in how the light impacts the overall feel of your images. The last hour before sunset (aka “golden hour”) provides a deliciously warm, golden light. In the Spring, this often means we can photograph your family just in time for you to head straight to dinner right after and get the kids to bed on time. On the other hand, morning is one of my personal favorite times of day to photograph my clients. There aren’t quite as many crowds at popular locations and children tend to be the happiest and most cooperative in the morning after they’ve had a big breakfast and haven’t exerted too much energy yet for the day.

Picking a location: Location plays a huge role in how your photos turn out. Whether you are hoping for tons of greenery, florals, open fields, it’s important to pick a location that will contribute to how you want your photos to look and feel. I have my own favorite spots for you to choose from, but am always open to new locations that are personal to you.

Once you know when and where you’d like to schedule a session, start planning 1-3+ months in advance so you can book your photographer and have time to wardrobe plan and shop.

3. COORDINATE CLOTHING

Planning outfits can be exciting for some and stressful for others. Either way, I suggest giving yourself plenty of time to plan your family’s wardrobe. Choose outfits that coordinate. They don’t have to match, but consider choosing a color palette for everyone’s wardrobe to fall into. It’s also important to consider your location and home decor so that your photos will match the interior of your house when on display. I tend to recommend neutral color palettes as they photograph beautifully and never go out of style.

Need extra help planning your attire? I’ve got a complete planning guide for you as well as a client wardrobe for you to borrow from if needed.

4. BRING SNACKS/TOYS

It’s always best to start a session with a full belly (especially for the kiddos). But having snacks on standby is incredibly helpful when kids get a burst of hunger in the middle of your session. They also work incredibly well as bribes when a desperate need arises. ;)

A favorite toy/stuffed animal is also a great item to bring as it can give your child a sense of comfort when they are in an unfamiliar place with an unfamiliar person (your photographer) telling them what to do. Be sure to pick an item you don’t mind seeing in photos just in case your child doesn’t want to set it down.

5. PLAN FOR A SPECIAL TREAT AFTERWARDS

While the end result is always worth it, taking family photos is hard/exhausting work for parents and children. Plan on doing something special afterwards as a small reward for all the hard work everyone put in. Whether that’s going to brunch, grabbing ice cream, or gifting your child a surprise toy/lollipop, it’s a good idea to have something prepared as gesture of thanks for everyone’s cooperation and can work as a great incentive. And maybe set aside a bottle of wine to enjoy after the kids go to sleep. ;)