Family Photo Sessions Should be FUN
We all know that preparing for your family photos can be stressful at times. From figuring out what you’re going to wear to worrying that someone is going to get sick to anxiety that your children won’t “behave” or smile.
Let me start by saying that nothing your child does is going to phase me. Don’t get me started on my own children… that’s a separate ballgame. But your kids aren’t going to rattle me. I spent my teenage and college years babysitting, I worked in the social work field for 12 years working with foster/adoptive families and children, I have two kids of my own, and I’ve been photographing families for 12 years. I’ve seen a lot and honestly, it’s all okay. Do not be worried about your kids behaviors.
Second, RELAX. Yes, you. Time is a precious commodity and while this time is blocked off for a family photo shoot- the primary focus is you enjoying your children, laughing, smiling, and not worrying about the rest. I’ve got this. Take a deep breath, just smile through it all, kiss your partner, tickle your kid, and have fun.
When collaborating with this mama about her annual family photos, she mentioned that her youngest has been overwhelmed by new environments and just doesn’t smile for the camera. Combine that with trying to leave the house in the evenings- the process was a touch stressful. We talked about scheduling her photo shoot at home in her backyard. I suggested we integrate a fun activity and we came up with the idea of doing a color chalk war.
We decided to break the wardrobe rules of coordinating and not matching so that the highlight of the chalk could be seen on the white t-shirts.
We started the session with some portraits of the children and family before everyone got messy and colorful.
The children were extremely excited to one) participate in a new activity; two) get dirty; and three) have an excuse to get their parents dirty!
The level of fun was off the hook.
In the end the family had fun, clean up was easy because they were already at home, and they had a cherished memories preserved for all time.
