How to Enjoy Your Next Family Portrait Process

california family photosFamilyfamily photosfamily portraitfamily portrait artworkfamily portrait sessionPhoto Tips

Apr 13

Family portraits are truly a wonderful way to freeze time and capture your beautiful family as they are right now. Being able to hand mom her printed album or help her hang her portrait artwork on the wall is one of my favorite things ever.

If a client has a certain look in mind or is worried about how everything will turn out, I’m here to help. If your family includes little ones, you may worry they won’t want to cooperate. Or, perhaps you've never had professional portraits before and don’t know what to expect. I never want someone to stress or worry over their family portrait. I guide my clients throughout the process but want to share some of my best tips with you here.

How to Prepare for Family Photos

Start with Your End Result

How are you dreaming of displaying your portraits? Do you want an heirloom album that you can look through and enjoy, or are you looking for printed portraits you can hang? Sometimes clients will want to create a gallery wall in a certain room, or they’re looking for a statement piece above their fireplace. There is no wrong answer, and you might even end up choosing both!

Choose a Meaningful Location

If there’s a park or place that means a lot to your family, consider taking your family portrait there. Choosing a meaningful location will help everyone feel comfortable and excited when you arrive because it’s a familiar, happy place. For example, this multi-generation family portrait was taken at the family’s beloved golf course. If you don’t have a place in mind, don’t worry, I have a list of incredible locations to choose from. You might also want this portrait to only focus on your beautiful family, so a studio session might work best!

Plan Outfits in Advance

I help my clients with wardrobe planning and help make sure that everyone's outfit is ready to go before the day of the session. Please note what I said before! Choose outfits and have everyone try on their clothes and accessories at least a week prior to the session. That way, you can check that everything is clean, ironed, and fits well. You don’t want to scramble the day of the session to find a different shirt for your growing son!

Just Have Fun with Your Family

On the day of the session, plan on having a lot of fun! Don’t worry about getting the “perfect shot” because that’s my job. As your photographer, I’ll guide your family through posing and smiling all while making sure everyone is comfortable and having fun. You know that this session is important to you, but know that family portraits are important to children as well.

Let Your Kids Be Who They Are

Kids can pick up on your emotions, so if you’re stressed or worried during the session, they will pick up on that! It’s okay if they’re being goofy, and we even want that. As a mom of three, I can handle any situation. I’ve even had clients worry about their teenagers, and you can trust me that I’m able to get them smiling at the camera. During our portrait consultation, we’ll discuss any specific concerns that you have, and we might even discuss a good bribe. Nothing wrong with promising ice cream after a session!

Trust Your Photographer

The most important tip is to find a photographer whose family photography work you love and that you can trust. If you’re working with a photographer you love and trust, you can relax during the session and know that she’ll get the perfect portrait of your beautiful family.