Family photos are just the best, hey? As cliche as it sounds, these sessions really are the best way to capture memories and create lasting keepsakes for your family. As an artist, I love seeing the authentic family interactions turn into magic on your walls. If I’m honest, I think most of my clients would say they inevitably feel some stress before their session. I wanted to give you a few simple and effective ways to prep you, your nervous system and those crazies you call “family” for your session.
Before we dive in… just trust me when I say this: it will all be okay. No matter what outfit you decide or how the weather is, or what comes our way… we will work with you and through it together! So, here’s your everything-guide to have a stress-free family session with beautiful, natural-looking photos.
Get Ahead of the Chaos
Once you book your session, it’s easy to wait until it gets close to plan your outfit and organize a location. We REALLY don’t want to leave these things to the last minute. Feeling unprepared or rushed is not the vibe. So your first step is to plan ahead. If you’re reading this… you’re probably already doing that. Well done!
Set Expectations
…This should be number one on your list. Let your kids know what is coming… and hype it up! They’re going to be excited when they see you excited. I am a mom and a former dog mom, I am proud to say I will just about sell my soul to get the right shot… truly.
With that being said, I am a big believer in bribery (for small children and dogs!) Parents, bringing small treats to bribe through the session will help (although, this is strictly just a suggestion!) Let them know that it will be a fun and relaxed experience. The goal is to capture genuine moments and interactions so we’ll roll with any punches and make it work!
Coordinate Outfits
While it’s important for everyone to feel comfortable and confident in their own clothing, coordinating outfits can help create a cohesive look in the final images. And remember, we’re coordinating… not matching. Simple, solid colors or neutrals work best, and it’s a good idea to avoid strong patterns or harsh color tones. Here is the link to my fall outfit inspo board for family sessions. It’s helpful to find some inspo regardless of what season your session is in to get an idea of what might work for your fam. If you’re still stuck, please reach out. I’m always here for you to help give guidance and suggestions.
My Location Guide
The truth is… I’ve done the hard work for you when it comes to location scouting. My location guide will get sent to you when you inquire about booking! If you still need help narrowing it down as to where, we can chat through my favorite spots, especially if you’re local to Ventura. I would also encourage you to consider things like drive time. If you’ve got little kiddos, they might be tired by the end of the shoot and the car ride home might feel long for them. I’m always thrilled to go somewhere new so you can always suggest a location you’re excited about! Ultimately, we’re taking photos of your family. The background isn’t the most important subject in the photos!
Trust the Process
There’s a fine line where I know what I’m doing as your photographer and you know your family better than anyone. As a result, we’ve gotta trust each other and trust the vision.
To create beautiful and timeless images that you will cherish for years to come, I have a vision and direction that can help alleviate any stress or pressure off of you during the session (where are you supposed to put your hands?! I’ve gotchu). You can follow my lead, and if something isn’t working, we’ll figure it out together and adjust accordingly. I also have a ton of prompts for you and your kids to create natural and authentic moments. Trust the process, the vision will come to life!
We’ll Take Breaks
Don’t be afraid to ask for a break if anyone might be feeling overwhelmed or tired during your session (maybe it’ll be a good opportunity to just do parent photos anyway!) Again, we’ll roll with it. Throughout your session, family photos are meant to be enjoyable and memorable experiences for everyone involved. We’ll work together to prevent any feelings of frustration or irritability before they amount to anything!
Thank you for choosing me to capture these special moments with your family. I don’t take your trust for granted, and I will do everything I can to make your session a success. If you follow these tips to prepare well, you’ll have no reason to stress. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have… and I’ll see you at your next family session!
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Kind Words
“This woman can take a picture of anything and make it look like pure art. I highly recommend if you want great photos for any occasion this is your girl, you will not be disappointed, she is lovely as a summer’s day to work with!”
