Do’s & Don’ts for Your Family Photo Session from DC and Northern Virginia Family Photographer
When planning your family photo session, there’s so much to think about. From locations, to the perfect outfits, to what time of day and who’s going to be taking your photos, a lot is already happening in the planning process. As a family photographer, I’ve also learned that the stress of family photos doesn’t end there magically on the day of your session. So, I’m sharing some do’s and don’ts for your family photo session that will make the day of your session run much more smoothly with your family!
The Don’ts for Family Photo Sessions
Overbook yourself.
If you’re a busy family, there’s probably a lot happening most weekends of the year. Try to schedule your session on a day that’s calmer so you all feel way less stressed. If you’re rushing to get to your photos after a birthday party and baseball game, everyone’s going to be tired and cranky. Trust me on that one.
Discipline during the session.
Look, I get it – no parent wants to listen to their kid while we’re trying to take photos. But during the session is not the best time to discipline, if you can help it. Try to relax as a family, enjoy the time together, and focus on being there. The rest will fall in line.
Bribe your kids.
Leave that to me! I’m going to come up with fun games and prompts, so bribes may not even be necessary. But if they are (and that’s okay!), let me do it. I’ll make sure I’ve got some great food-free bribes in my toolkit for the session!
Dress your youngest kids before the session.
Kids (of all ages) have accidents in the car. Whether it’s the snack they dropped down the front of themselves or the blowout in the diaper, stuff happens. Try to avoid dressing your little ones in their photo outfits, so there’s no chance of it getting ruined, stained, wet, or otherwise messy on the way to your session. Plan to arrive a few minutes early and get them dressed then!
Stress.
I’ve been a family photographer in the DMV area for several years now, and I’m also a mom. So trust me when I say: I’ve seen it all. Nothing your family does will surprise me and I’m here to make your session special. Try to take a deep breath, let go of the stress, and just enjoy the time together as a family!
The Do’s for Family Photo Sessions
Now that we’ve got the hard stuff out of the way, here’s what I DO recommend doing before your family photo session!
Feed everyone.
Hanger is the enemy during a photo session (and, all the time, if we’re being honest…). Make sure everyone has fully bellies and the smiles will be that much easier to capture.
Go with the flow if your kiddos are not behaving.
Again, I 100% get it – as a mom and a photographer – so there’s no pressure from me. Kids need to be kids and we’ll do everything we can to make your session great. But if they don’t want to cooperate, that’s okay too!
Leave some quiet time during the day.
For example, if your family photos are in the evening and you have a busy morning, leave the afternoon for some calm time. You may need to cancel something on your schedule to make that possible. But I promise, it makes all the difference for everyone to arrive calm and ready for photos.
Have something planned post session.
Turn your photo session day into a family adventure! Plan to go to dinner or visit a new place nearby together when the photos are done. It’s a great way to keep everyone invested and focused during our session.
Hire a professional hair and makeup artist.
Treat yo self! You’re going to feel so excited about having photos done if you feel your best. This is especially true if you’ve been the one planning everything, too. Give yourself a break, get pampered and get your photos done!
Bring all accessories and change of clothes for changing your little one when you arrive.
Plan to arrive a few minutes early to change your little ones, have a potty break, and allow yourself a moment to breathe. While we won’t jump into photos as soon as you park your car, we want to start soon. But giving yourself that extra moment – with everything you need on hand- will help your session start smoothly!
There you have it! When it comes down to it, having a successful family photo session is about thinking ahead and letting yourself relax and be present in the moment. I hope that these do’s and don’ts for your family photo session are helpful and make you feel more comfortable about your own session!
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Christina did an amazing job with our family photos. From the first time we spoke--she was incredibly thoughtful, organized and detail oriented to ensure the session would be a success.. – Katie A.
