Many people aren’t completely sure what to expect during a family session. They might be meeting me for the first time, or maybe they are worried about weather, or hyper kids. There are so many possibilities. Today I’m going to share some things that I do during sessions, and things that I know will happen and that you don’t need to worry about!
Family Dynamic
When I first meet a family I’m already trying to figure out what makes them, well, them. Not all “poses” and styles work for each group, and I have to kind of get a feel for people in a short window. And then I shove a camera in their face! Not awkward at all. So I’m often pretty chatty when shooting. It helps me get to know you, and usually it helps you get more loose and comfortable with me. No one wants stiff photos!
Don’t worry about being perfect. And don’t worry about saying no to me! If I set up a shot and you feel uncomfortable, it’s going to show in your photos. It’s okay for us to regroup and try again.
The Main Act
The first shots I take are usually the whole family. If it’s an extended family, I might get all generations, but my first focus is usually Mom, Dad, and kids. I’ll use multiple groupings and locations to give an assortment. It’s also often easy to get people to relax when they are all huddled up next to each other. For some reason it often brings the giggles!
Don’t Forget Mom and Dad!
I LOVE capturing Mom and Dad. Most parents want family photos, but they are focused on the whole family. I ALWAYS try to get multiple images of just Mom and Dad. When was the last time they had a nice photo taken of just the two of them? Their wedding? Hopefully not. I like to capture the love that created this family.
Family Session Candids
Don’t be surprised if you hear my camera clicking when you aren’t paying attention. Don’t worry about photo bombing me, I’m probably just capturing a candid moment that you don’t even see happening. I love watching family just being themselves. It may not always be the posed, everyone smiling at the camera images that you end up falling in love with. Some times it’s just you, being you, interacting with the ones you love.
Kids WILL Be Kids, and That’s OKAY!
It’s true. Kids are kids. Especially tiny ones. They want to do what they want to do. It can be stressful when you are trying to get family photos done, but don’t worry about me. I expect it. I know that kiddos are going to range from tiny models to run away champions. It happens. I will do everything in my power to help capture great shots of the entire family, but it’s okay when some shots don’t work out, or when they simply have a tiny blur at the corner where your toddler is running out of frame. (My personal family photos include images that look like that! I kind of love them!)
Maybe bring a favorite toy or stuffed animal if you think it will help out. Something something simple to play with can create more smiles, and more adorable photos. Pick something you don’t mind being in a photo on your wall, because they probably won’t let you take it away during any shots!
Bottom line, don’t be worried, stressed, or embarrassed that your kids are normal and don’t want to sit still for photos. I’m going to roll with it and make the most of whatever mood the kiddos show up with. We can still have fun and get great images. The session itself is only a short window of time, but the images will last much longer!
Speak up!
Let me know if there is something specific that you want. I’ve had mom’s tell me about walls where they put up photos of each individual child. Great, individual portraits were important to her. Some groups like to do shots with just the guys, or just the girls.
I’ve also had families that just wanted to do silly photos with play sets, silly faces, or inside jokes. I am ALWAYS game. Let me know and I will help make it happen.
There are all sorts of possibilities. I try my best to give you a great assortment, but it’s always nice to know your personal wish list. Let me have it!
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