Preparing For Your First Photo Shoot
If you’ve never had family photos or portraits taken, then the task can be a little daunting. Not only do you have to find a photographer, but you also need to figure out your outfit, choose a location, get to the session, figure out how to pose, and then decide what to do with the photos afterwards. This is why I love offering a full service experience, I take out all the guesswork and all you have to do is show up and get ready to have a good time. Whether you’re in Charlotte and we get to meet up one day or you’re just looking for some ideas, please read on!
Many of us don’t get family photos taken because we have young children and we don’t know how they will act. Will they be running around wild? Not looking at the camera? Wanting only one parent to hold them the whole time? All of these feelings are valid and typical. However, the best part about lifestyle family sessions is that it doesn’t matter! If your child is doing any of the above, it’s my job to just keep shooting and capture the details you’ll want to remember: your little one’s arms wrapped around your neck, siblings playing in the grass, your baby hiding their face in your hair.
PLAN YOUR OUTFIT
One of the hardest things about getting photos taken is knowing what to wear. I like taking out all the stress from my client’s sessions by helping them plan and coordinate their outfits. A main point to consider when planning your outfits is to start with one person’s outfit and then build from there. This could be mom, baby who is turning one, the partner who has the more expressive style, or a child who is more particular about what they wear. It’s best to keep outfits timeless by wearing solid colors or simple patterns and avoiding characters or logos. An easy way to incorporate different styles while staying within a particular color scheme is to add lots of texture with sweaters, lace, and eyelet.
2. PREPARE AN ACTIVITY
A lot of parents are concerned that their child/children will be too excited to sit still for photos. I plan for up to two hours in my family sessions so that there will be plenty of time to capture a variety of photos. Whether you are taking photos in your home or on location sometimes it helps to plan an activity. If you are at home, set aside a craft, game, or other activity that you and your kids love to do together. This could be art, baking, reading, or playing a favorite board game. If you are outdoors at home or in another location bring a ball or bubbles to engage your child. I always bring a throw and larger blanket with me for outdoor photo shoots so that families can comfortably sit on the ground or grass. This is a great time to snuggle up close and read a book or play with a favorite stuffed toy.
3. DECIDE ON A LOCATION
There’s nothing worse then showing up to a photo shoot in your best shoes only to find out you have to walk up a dirt and gravel path to get to where you will be taking your photos. I love to send all of my clients a questionnaire so I can get to know them, their personalities, and what they like to do in their free time. I am not going to recommend a photo shoot in a nature preserve to someone who says they hate bugs and have severe allergies. I have a variety of locations picked out for all kinds of styles and preferences.
4. PREP YOUR FAMILY
Most people, children especially, do really well with a little bit of structure or planning. Let your children help pick out some part of their outfit to get them involved, whether it’s the clips for their hair, the socks they’ll wear, or even the whole outfit. A week before the session, remind them and let them know where the photos will be taken and how long the session will be. If it fits within your family structure, plan a fun treat for after the session so they have an end goal in mind. Or perhaps, have a small treat hidden in the car that they can play with or enjoy on the ride home.
5. JUST RELAX!
Remember that these photos are for you and your children. When they’re older, they will not care if there is food on their face, dirt on their clothes, or grass in their hair. They will only be honed in on the smiling faces, the close hugs, the details of how their arms wrapped around your neck, and how you held their hands tight. I love looking back through the photos that my mom captured through the years, our blurred faces moving through the frame. These memories are for you, your children, and your future generations. They will love to have a glimpse into your personalities, connection, and joy.
If you are interested in booking your own family session, I would love to chat!
Sidra is a Charlotte area family photographer looking to connect with people who are unapologetically authentic and in love. She loves to capture the unscripted moments, the details you don’t want to forget, and the momentous occasions and changes in your life. From planning the shoot to creating heirloom quality albums and prints, her goal is to create a relaxed, comfortable, and complete experience for all members of the family. Sidra is based in Charlotte, NC but travels to surrounding areas including Indian Trail, Monroe, Waxhaw, and Ballantyne.
