(and how to choose the right family photographer for you!)
Does the idea of a family photo session fill you with dread- even though you’d love some up to date photos of your kids?
You aren’t alone. Almost every time I receive an enquiry through for a family shoot I get something along the lines of “we’re going through a bit of a ______ stage right now” or “I have to warn you…” followed by things like “uncooperative, stubborn, temper-mental, terrible twos, threenagers. You get where I’m going with this.
Family photo sessions should be fun for everyone- kids included.
Truth is, kids aren’t always cooperative: especially when you try to force them to do things they don’t want to do. Very few kids want to sit still in front of a white backdrop, forcing smiles at a camera and I don’t blame them- I would hate that too! If you switch the studio to somewhere a little more fun though, like their favourite park or beach, or their back garden though- and ask them to run around and play, or chase butterflies or collect leaves it becomes a lot more fun. Kids just want to be kids, and if we make your family photo session about your wee ones having fun instead “cooperating” three things happen:
- They have a great time, and photo shoots become a fun experience
- You (as the parent(s)) can relax and enjoy the experience too- no need to stress!
- Your photos will be natural and show off who your children really are- their personalities and the things they love to do at whatever stage they are in.
I’ve been photographing children for well over a decade now, and I’m fairly certain I’ve seen it all. I’m also mum to a three year old, and have definitely learned a lot these past few years being on the other side of the camera for family photos myself. So between my experience as a mum and as a family photographer, here are my top five tips for having a great family photo session:
1) Choose the right family photographer for you.
Every family photographer has a different style and approach, and it’s important to consider both of those things when you’re choosing a photographer for your session. You might look at a photographer’s portfolio and love their images, but will you also love working with them? Will their approach allow you to just relax and be yourselves (more on that shortly). You can learn about a photographer’s approach by reading testimonials or the about section of their website, and you can also learn a lot by looking at the type of photos they take- if their photos are mostly people sitting still and looking at the camera you know that their approach is more traditional and posed, whereas if their photos look more candid and include movement you know their approach is more relaxed and contemporary. Chances are one of these approaches will be a better fit for you and your family- so keep this in mind when looking at potential options.
2) Choose a location where your family feels comfortable.
This could be your favourite park or hiking path, a beach you often visit as a family, or even your own back garden. The key here is that you choose a spot where you can all relax and just be yourselves. Consider things like how busy your location is (if you or your kids are shy or prefer quiet places they might find it tough to relax with lots of people about) or how formal a setting it is (manicured gardens are lovely, but you won’t be able to relax if you’re worried about your kids veering off a path or jumping into flower beds). If you’re a bit stuck, ask your photographer for some ideas and let them know what things you’re concerned about so you can plan around that.
3) Wear something you’re comfortable in (this goes for kids too!)
Coordinating your outfits to create a look you like for your session is great, so long as everyone is wearing something they like and feel comfortable moving about in. You want to feel confident and like yourself in whatever outfit you choose, and your kids just want to be able to move around and have fun. Everyone’s stile is different, but as a general rule don’t go too “matchy” (ie everyone in the exact same t-shirt) but choose colours that compliment each other instead. Patterns are great- just avoid clashing ones- and you might want to avoid logos or anything you might grow tired of in time.
4) Be yourselves.
I’ve mentioned this a couple of times now and it sounds obvious, but so many people think they need to be serious at their session and that’s no fun! Make goofy faces, too your kids in the air, run through the grass holding hands- just have fun! If you can relax and simply be yourselves you will have a much better experience and your photos will be that much more natural too. When mums and dads aren’t afraid to be goofy and act like kids too it’s that much more fun for everyone and your photos will be full of genuine smiles and laughs instead of forced ones. Easier said than done, I know, but if you choose the right photographer for your session: someone who’s style and approach both fit what you’re looking for, they should help to make you feel comfortable enough to just be yourselves.
5) Let your kids be kids.
If you go into a family photo session with the expectation that your children will sit still, cooperate perfectly and do everything they are asked you are setting yourself up for a stressful experience. Instead, go in to your photoshoot planning to let your kids have some fun and just be themselves. Don’t demand your kids say “cheese” or look at the camera (that’s no fun for anyone!); allow your photographer take charge and suggest some ideas to the kids- any experienced family photographer will have a wide range of different ideas to get kids involved and taking part in the session without having to push them to do things they aren’t enjoying. And if they don’t cooperate the whole time don’t worry- as family photographers we are used to it and it’s a welcome challenge to find ways to make the shoot more fun for your kids. Don’t forget, most of us are parents too and are very used to our own kids not cooperating, so there’s no need to feel embarrassed or stressed.
I hope this helps- and I’m willing to bet if you keep these five tips in mind when choosing your photographer, planning your session and having your photos taken you’ll have a great experience and a very positive end result: photos that will bring a smile to your face for many years to come.
Looking for a family photographer in Glasgow, Ayrshire or the central belt of Scotland? Find out more about what it’s like to work with me here.
