Making Your Family Session FUN
Family photos can be a daunting annual task that ends in more stress than anything else. That's where booking the right photographer for your family can be a huge lifesaver. Do your kiddos start whining when you mention taking a photo? Does your family think photos are boring or take too long? If so, you might want to consider a photographer with a different approach to capturing your family.
Lifestyle or documentary style photography might be the route you want to take for photos that truly feel like your family. These sessions are different than your typical portrait sessions because they allow your family to just be as you are. They help to take the pressure off you and your family by documenting you in a more candid fashion. Here are some times for making your documentary style family session fun.
1. Lean into the chaos
It is NOT your job to get good photos. Let's process that for a minute here. It is not your job to get good photos. Your job is to show up and your photographer's job is to get the good photos. That means you don't need to try to get your kiddo(s) to smile or to make sure everyone's hair is in place. I know the default is to try and problem solve and assist, but try your best to just be in the moment and listen to your photographer's directions. The more you have a "go with the flow attitude" the better your session will be and the less stress you will be in during your photos. Ahhh I can already feel those cortisol levels dropping.
2. Make sure to complete your photographer's questionnaire
If your photographer sends a questionnaire your way, be sure to take time to complete it and give lots of detailed information about you and your family. This helps us to tailor the session to your family. Did you write down that you love to play tag after dinner? We might use that as a prompt during your session to help loosen your family up and cut the nerves. I also use the questionnaire to help with choosing a location and to help with styling your family. Let me help take some things off your plate so that you can enjoy your photo session!
3. Wear comfortable clothes
Wearing clothes you hate can be a major buzzkill. Kids love repetition and routine. Sometimes wearing new clothes can really throw them off their game. If your kiddo only wears leggings and you tell them they need to wear a dress for photos that probably isn't going to make them super happy about having photos taken. Same goes for parents too. If you are wearing a shirt that is a little too tight or scratchy you're probably going to get annoyed and have a hard time enjoying your time together. I would highly recommend choosing clothes your used to wearing or pick out your outfits with your kiddos. You can make it a special event or family night together.
4. Ignore your photographer
Consider your photo session a playdate or family time with a plus one (your photographer). Photos will always look more authentic and natural if you're being authentic to how your family is together. Your photographer should be able to pick up the vibe from your fam to see if you need more or less direction and assist as necessary. That questionnaire I mentioned earlier also helps with reading the vibe from your family in this situation too.
5. Lead by example
YOU need to have fun! The brain is funny sometimes because if you fake something hard enough you'll start to believe it yourself. Okay, so maybe getting out the door was a little stressful and now you're at your photo location...put on a big smile and show your family that you're ready to be silly, intentional and above all else, HAVE FUN.
