How to Prepare for Your Family Photo Shoot

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As a mom myself, I know that it can be beneficial to prepare the kids ahead of time in order to get the best family photos.

As a mom myself, I know that it can be beneficial to prepare the kids ahead of time in order to get the best family photos.

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1. Get the kids excited & involved

Tell the kids about the upcoming photo shoot and get them excited. They might have some ideas for fun poses, such as “one of me up on Daddy’s shoulders”. Brainstorming is a great way to get pumped about the shoot. And at the shoot, I like to start with individual kid shots to get them involved, engaged & warmed up. It’s a fine idea to offer an incentive for good behavior. I.E. “If everyone behaves at the shoot we’ll go out for ice cream afterwards!”

2. Make sure everyone is well fed & rested

It’s so important that the kids have a happy tummy & that they’re getting in their full naps. Let’s schedule the photo session with nap time in mind. If nap time is off on the day of our photo session, let me know & maybe we can push it back a bit. I’ve had families tell me that they skipped their child’s nap time to be at their photo session. Please make sure they get their sleep. We all want to see happy children and not cranky children in these photos!

And please do bring snacks & something to drink.

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apple orchard family portraits soul shine photography 2589

2. Make sure everyone is well fed & rested

It’s so important that the kids have a happy tummy & that they’re getting in their full naps. Let’s schedule the photo session with nap time in mind. If nap time is off on the day of our photo session, let me know & maybe we can push it back a bit. I’ve had families tell me that they skipped their child’s nap time to be at their photo session. Please make sure they get their sleep. We all want to see happy children and not cranky children in these photos! And please do bring snacks & something to drink.

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3. Plan your wardrobe

Color coordinate & wear something that visually connects you all. Bring at least 1 extra/backup outfit. In general I recommend not wearing anything too dark or too light. And I would avoid anything with busy patterns. A plain, mid-tone outfit will put the focus on your lovely selves.

4. Family Activity

I highly recommend bringing some kind of fun family activity. What is something you all love doing together? Bring it along! Maybe blowing bubbles, playing with a ball, a stuffed animal or peek-a-boo. These all make for nice photos. An activity or a focus can also put everyone more at ease. It will be great to get shots of you all interacting & having fun with each other in addition to shots of you smiling at the camera.

4. Family Activity

I highly recommend bringing some kind of fun family activity. What is something you all love doing together? Bring it along! Maybe blowing bubbles, playing with a ball, a stuffed animal or peek-a-boo. These all make for nice photos. An activity or a focus can also put everyone more at ease. It will be great to get shots of you all interacting & having fun with each other in addition to shots of you smiling at the camera.

Now you have a better idea of some things you can do to get the most out of your family photo session. Contact me to book your shoot

Lets get in touch

I’m so excited to create amazing photography with you! Tell me what you have in mind 🙂

Email: genevieve@soul-shine-photography.com

Tel: (970) 389-6825