There are so many great articles on the web that cover many important considerations for a family photo shoot, from ideas about locations, to outfits, to poses. But with experience comes a different perspective, and often some of the more important ideas don’t occur to families until they have become seasoned ‘subjects’, having had multiple sessions over many years. Here are some of the more unique, and less typically covered, things you may want to think about before booking your first family photo shoot, or your third, fourth and beyond!
1.BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND BEFORE BOOKING YOUR FIRST FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT
Of course, the intent of a family photo shoot is to wind up with a whole series of beautiful photos of you and your loved ones. But another way to frame it (no pun intended!) is to think about where you see yourself, seeing those pictures. Do you want to have a beautiful but candid looking family photo in your entry way? Or would you rather have a bound, gallery quality book of images with the whole series on your coffee table? Beyond the way you see them in your home, you can also think about whether you’d like to be gifting any of the photos, and in what way. Often when you think about the end result, it may help crystallise how you want the photos taken.
2.START WITH THE WHY
Another thing to think about is what the photos are meant to capture. For some, it’s a significant milestone, such as a hitting a significant age, or a new baby or pregnancy. For others, it’s an opportunity to capture a certain phase of life such as kids still living at home before going on to become independent. Having a clear sense of why you want the photos taken with help you and your chosen photographer come up with ideas about how to best capture those memories.
3. YOUR STYLE PREFERENCES
While it’s often easy to come up with ideas about poses and outfits, it may be worth thinking about your personal style beyond just clothing. Have a look around your home – is it more mid-century modern or Scandi? Hamptons or industrial? If you’re thinking about displaying your photos in your home, consider what they would look like around your existing style and colour palette before booking your first family photo shoot.
Another stylistic consideration is your photography tastes. Some will be happy to have the family in the photo take up the whole frame, with little else in the focus. Others, however, might prefer their family to be more of unique focal point in an otherwise artistic image, with stunning architectural or landscape at the forefront. Planning things like your pictures’ colour tones and background to tie into your home’s style will make it much easier to select the right picture to hang or display later.
4.PERSONALITY FIT WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Often underestimated, having a great personal fit with your photographer can mean the difference between okay photos and magical photos. And not only should you get along with your photographer, but so should your spouse and your kids, if they are old enough to have an opinion about people.
Consider reading reviews about the photographer and finding out how they made other families feel before booking your first family photo shoot. Kids who come out of their shell from the interaction between the right photographer will be much more likely to be their beautiful unique selves on the day of the shoot.
5.LIST OUT THE DETAILS THAT MATTER
As parents we think everyone can see the details we adore; or because we see them day in and day out, we might even take the little things for granted. Have a think about everything that warms your heart about your family, and then ask your photographer to find a way to include that gorgeous little dimple, a nose-wrinkle mid laugh, or a kiss when you’re up on your tippy toes. When you look at that photo years later, it should instantly transport you back to that feeling – when you’re old and grey you’ll be thankful you did! We forget more than we can possibly remember, but photographs give us the unique ability to have an extension of our memory bank.
6.CONSIDER THE TOTAL BUDGET BEFORE BOOKING YOUR FIRST FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT
When thinking about how you want to ultimately display the photos, have you included budget for printing, framing, postage if sending as gifts, etc.? Don’t skimp on the execution – remember, it’s not usually about simply ‘owning’ the images files, but how you end up seeing them. They won’t give anyone the warm and fuzzies sitting on a USB or in the cloud. There are so many beautiful options to showcase your favourite images that will bring you joy each any every day that you look at them. You’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding between Framed Wall Art Collections and archival quality Canvas Art Collections.
7.WRITE IT ALL DOWN (OR THE 5P'S - PRIOR PREPARATION PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCE
It can be daunting or for some even nerve-wracking to have their photos taken. Even the most confident people can become nervous in front of the lens, and when nervous, we’re not our best selves. While it might sound like overkill, having a good photography plan on the day can ensure that you don’t have regrets later on about missed shots. Print the location map and write down the photographer’s phone number in case you get lost or are running late.
8. BE REALISTIC BEFORE BOOKING YOUR FIRST FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT
Your photographer can’t make you look like anyone but yourself (unless they’re using extreme photoshop!). A great photographer will quickly see what your best angles are, and will usually take some pictures of you looking your very best. But don’t expect to look like someone you’re not – love the skin you’re in!
9.AFFIRMATIONS FOR A SELF-CONFIDENCE BOOST
For a big boost prior to shoot day, spend some time together talking about each of your favourite features in one another. These can be physical or personality features. Take them down as a quick list, and share that with your photographer if you like. Remind yourselves of what was shared while you’re at your shoot. Not only will it feel great to tell each other what you love about one another, it will also boost your confidence in front of the camera, and that will shine through in the photos. You might even be surprised to hear some of the things people find beautiful in you that you had never noticed or considered!
10.BRACE YOURSELF FOR THE EMOTIONS
When your photographer rings you to let you know your photos are ready, consider setting some focused, quiet time aside to look at them for the first time. Maybe brew a nice cup of tea or pop some bubbles. Seeing the final photos from a family shoot can be very emotional for some. Don’t be afraid to let it rip in front of the photographer when they present you with your photos. It’s exactly what they’re hoping for!
