Photography by Hannah Schweiss Photography
A Family Photo Shoot can be a daunting task but I am here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be. Taking photos with your family can be a hassle but it doesn’t have to be. Since Riley was about 2 I got her used to taking photos because I knew it would be a part of our routine in our family blogging business.
For us, our family photo sessions double as content for our brand as well as photos that we can frame in our home. Not only the photos we take produce photographs to hang on the wall in our home, but it is also a great time to have fun with my family. It’s important to have everyone in sync so that everything goes smoothly. I know not everything always goes smooth with kids but I want to share with you some tips that help me prepare my family for our family photo shoots.
Talk with your kids
This may seem like a no brainer right? We started photoshoots when Riley was 2 and I made sure to talk to her in the beginning to explain everything that was going to happen. Once you book your photo shoot, start talking to your kids about what to expect. Believe me, it will save you more time if you explain it to them beforehand than when you are in the thick of the experience. Express the importance of them smiling for the photos and being a good sport during the photo shoot. Let them know that they will need to follow directions from you and also the photographer. Make it fun! I used to tell Riley if she did well on our shoots I would buy her a LOL doll, so if you have to bribe them, in the beginning, do it LOL!
Plan Properly
If you know the look and feel that you want for your photoshoots beforehand, this will also save time. If you know where you want to shoot make sure you let your photographer know so that they can plan and research the area. Pinterest also has a ton of ideas for family photoshoots and also any regular photoshoot. Get creative!!
Plan and Coordinate Your Outfits
This is probably one of the easiest parts for me to do when it comes to planning for my family photo shoots. The photos look great when everyone is coordinated in their clothing. I almost always shop at Old Navy when we have our family photo shoots. Old Navy is a great choice because they always have everything in their store color coordinated. I can go to the men’s section to pick out a shirt for the Hubbs and go to the women’s section to find something that matches his shirt. I usually just do everything in color families. Then I head to the kid’s section. In the kid’s section, they usually have matching mommy and me outfits! I may have on a dress or a shirt that they also have in kids’ sizes. Old Navy makes it SUPER easy to coordinate outfits!
Comfort is EVERYTHING
When it comes to taking family photos for your family photo shoot, if you have several looks make sure that you are comfy. I love leggings and dresses for Riley and myself because it’s super easy to take on and off quickly.
Make sure you Eat Before The Shoot
One time I was rushing and I made a horrible decision to just go to the shoot instead of stopping and grabbing a bite to eat. Let me just say our photo shoot didn’t turn out as planned. I had to stop and get Riley a cookie and she wouldn’t put the cookie down. We had to take photos with this cookie in all the shots! What a drag lol! So ever since then, I make sure that we eat before so that everyone is happy and ready for a fun day of shooting!
Choose The Right Photographer
I have several photographers I work with in Chicago including Ali Stone, Hannah Schweiss, and Emily Davis. Each of these ladies has met my family and we all feel comfortable with them. When choosing a photographer make sure that they are kid-friendly. It’s best to have a photographer that is used to working with families and kids.
Have Fun!
Most of all have fun! I knew I had to make photo shoots fun for my family since we do several throughout the year. I wanted my daughter and husband to really enjoy the photo shoot experience. I know one day we will be in a major photo shoot for a brand. (speaking that into existence!) When that time comes we will be ready and prepared!
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