Fall is here and with that so is the time for family photos! I love family photos, but as a mom, I completely understand the stress of undergoing a session. Clothes to buy, faces and bodies to clean and wash, hair to do, getting hubbie and kids on board when they’d rather be doing something else… and that is only BEFORE the session!
During the session there is that stress to get that absolutely perfect photo for the wall or your Holiday card. Non-cheesy smiles, keeping clothes clean, finding that perfect location… And I completely get it. Just the thought of it has my palms sweating!
But today and tomorrow, I wanted to help you, my sweet blog readers, on how to get yourself to be a better, happier, and calmer people as you get your family ready for photos.
Here are three tips to help you prep for your family session BEFORE you even get to your session
- Clothing. What do I wear?! This is probably the biggest question I get from clients after they book their session date. To that, I would answer, Start with yourself. Choose something that you love and feel most comfortable in; a plaid shirt, floral dress, solid, whatever makes you feel incredible and then work the rest of your family’s outfits around yours. Chances are if you feel good, you will be confidant for the photos and that shows. Solid colors typically photograph the best, and I always suggest accessories if you have them, but if it is a hinderance to kiddos and becomes annoying, I would say it isn’t worth it, no matter how cute it is! Once you have decided on what everyone will be wearing, lay out each outfit together to see how they look as a complete unit. It will help you decide on if the clothing choice is too busy, plain, or just perfect!
- Get Dad on board! I can not stress this enough, I know in past years my husband hasn’t been nearly as excited as I am about photos (can any of you relate?!) but the year he got on board and pumped it up to the kids was the year everyone was happy throughout the session and ended with some of the best photos to date. Now he dances for the kids, makes silly faces behind the camera and helps my school agers to understand how important this is for me. If you have toddlers, this might mean that hubs is tickling them during the session, being patient as they work through tears, helping play peek-a-boo, or just walking with them when they need a break.
- Hair and/or Make up. This year was the first year I came to the realization, “Why don’t I get my hair done on the day of photos?!” I don’t know why I had never thought of it before, but if you have a later session in the day, might I suggest a morning hair cut, color, or blow out? I also planned ahead and got all three kids hair cut and styled the same day before the session. It was a breeze and I had less to worry about than I ever did before. One of my clients this year told me that she ended up making a mom day out of her session and got her hair, make up, and nails done before her session. Brilliant, I thought. Next year, I think I am going to take it to that next level!
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I can’t wait to share more tips tomorrow for your actual session and how to help make it stress-free. Have a wonderful day and make sure to check back tomorrow!