And… it Has Nothing to do With Perfectly Planned Outfits!
When photographing family sessions, I’ve found that many families focus on what they think is important; the matching outfits, the perfectly placed hair accessory, the unscuffed shoes, and so on. While looking “perfect” may feel like the biggest priority, family memories and photographs you’ll treasure for decades aren’t only created by what you wear.
In this blog, I break down some tips on how to achieve the best family session with as little stress as possible. Your photos should showcase your family’s personality at their best–and wearing clothes you may never wear again is not the most important piece.
Your Family Session is About YOU–Not About Who You Think You Should Be
Too often, families stress over their appearances. Remember: these photos are for you! Forget trying to impress others, following the latest trends, or feeling like you have to look or be anything other who you really are. My advice: Be 1000% yourself–the camera loves a confident, comfortable person.
But we aren’t just talking about appearances. I have plenty of tips on what to wear and how to choose outfits in my Client Prep Packet that I share with you after you book. These tips are a lot simpler than that, and WAY more important!. They’re not necessarily ground breaking, but probably aren’t what you are thinking of either.
Tip #1: Don’t Stress!
Okay, easier said than done, but completely important.
Especially for moms. Typically, organizing family events and activities (photo sessions included) falls on mom. Many moms have enough on their plate already, so preparing for yet another family affair can feel overwhelming.
However, your family feeds off your stress, and it charges the environment with negative energy. Do your best to leave the stress at home. There is nothing to stress about with your photoshoot because I will get all the wonderful pictures you’ve invested in. Family sessions are some of my favorites, and I’ve got so much experience working with ages ranging from infants to grandparents. Trust me, we’ll get the shot, and we will get it quicker and more naturally when you remain calm and excited versus stressed and nervous.
My family sessions are fun! And if you , as the mom, set the tone that we are going to have a fun experience before you even leave the house, I promise you…that alone can make all of the difference!
Tip #2: Refrain From Discipline During The Session
The best way to get kids to cooperate is to be patient and kind.
Chances are your little ones are just as stressed as you. They are in an unfamiliar environment. They (most likely) would rather be at home playing. Correcting, and yelling at them will only enhance their stress and frustration. Doling out punishments and discipline during what is supposed to be a fun family event won’t help anyone to feel happy. Teary eyes and frowny faces are not the memories you want to have in your photos.
There is no more sure fire way to get a child to clam up and shut down during a session than when they are told they aren’t standing, smiling, or doing something “right”.
Trust me: I will get them to smile and have fun while capturing every bit of your family dynamic. Every child’s personality is so different. And one of my main goals is to capture each member of your family in a way that showcases them uniquely. When a small child is corrected, fused over, or yelled at during a session, we may lose the chance to see their true little selves come out during our short time together.
Tip #3: Avoid Micromanaging Your Kids Behavior
This one goes along with #2, but is a little more specific.
Kids will be kids! Some are curious, some are quiet, some are silly, and all have their own agenda! Most days, we're just living in their world!
At the beginning of our photo session, I let the kids do their thing and get comfortable with me. I’m a new face; it can be intimidating (especially for those babies and tots). Once your children get comfortable, they open up more. Their true personalities shine through. Trust me when I say, I know what a “real” smile is. I can tell when a child looks stiff and is forcing a “fake” smile. I have all kind of tricks up my sleeves to get even the most grump of pre-teens to genuinely smile. At my sessions, we play games and do (and say) a lot of silly things. And if I notice the kids getting a little TOO silly, I have ways of reining them back in too :)
If they need redirecting, leave it to me! There have been times when I have asked a parent to step in and help redirect one child while I work with another, so if I feel I need your help in the behavior department, I’m not afraid to ask, I promise!
Tip #4: Get Enthusiastic About All the Little Things Your Kids Do During the Photoshoot
As far as you’re concerned, every little thing they do during the session is the most special and adorable moment you’ve ever witnessed!
Happiness and enthusiasm spread like wildfire. The more excited you are about what your kids are doing, the more cooperative and happier they will be to participate. Did they find a bug? That is now the coolest bug you’ve ever seen. Did they do a cartwheel for the 10th time in a row? Awesome! That is the most magnificent cartwheel yet.
Bring that childlike play to them, and they will play back. As adults, we can forget what it feels like to be excited and curious about the world around us. But my job is to pull that playfulness and family togetherness into your photos. The more you get on their level, the more magical those finished photos will be for your family.
Tip #5: Prioritize Attitude and Emotion over Details
What you think is important and necessary is most likely not all that important to your child.
Sure, creating photos that showcase your family and feel like your household is the goal, but will matching shoes change the entire photograph that much? Not really. A happy, cooperative child is better than a grumpy one who didn’t get to wear her princess sparkle shoes. Maybe you had hopes of your son in a handsome button up collared shirt…but he’s digging his heals in on NOT wearing anything with a collar. Choose your battles because a plain t-shirt photographs just as nicely as a polo does.
I like to remind families that they are making memories. Think of what you get to look back on. Maybe those favorite sparkle shoes are forever captured during this brief moment, and that will bring love and happiness for years as you retell that story.
Real and Genuine Emotion
When you prioritize attitude and emotion, you get the best photos at the end of the day. You get calm parents, silly children, and smiles all around!
Are You Ready to Book Your Next Family Session with Sarah Jean Photography?
At Sarah Jean Photography, I prioritize capturing the best moments of your family. I give families a gallery of timeless images that bring your family to life now and your home to life forever. Before your session, I always send a session prep guide to help you prepare for your scheduled services. I ensure we are on the same page about creating and capturing your special moments. Along with the tips in this blog, you can find practical and positive ways to enhance your photo session with Sarah Jean Photography (including help with planning outfits!)
Sarah Jean Photography is a New Lenox area lifestyle photographer capturing authentic moments that matter. Are you ready to schedule your family session today? You can contact Sarah Jean Photography here. Your investment in your family photos is important to me. I work extra hard to bring out the most in your family in every captured image.
