The Secret to a Perfect Family Photo Session — every time!

I’ve had the privilege of photographing people over the years. I’ve actually gotten to photograph a high school senior … and then her engagement … and then her wedding … and then her maternity … and then her newborn session … and then her maternity photo session with a toddler present … and then her newborn shoot with a family of four. It’s AMAZING to watch as things change and to see how the dynamic of the sessions change!

One thing is certain: There is more and more and more to think about as you add each person into the family photo mix.

For a senior … it’s all about her outfit, her hobbies, her future … it’s all about her.

Fast forward to the family sessions … and now, it’s all about 3, 4, 5, maybe even more people. That’s a lot of people to dress. Lots of diapers to change. Noses to blow. Scraped knees to clean. That’s a lot of people to coral. And it’s a lot of moods that will hopefully all be good on picture day. (But let’s face it … what are the odds?!)

SOCIAL MEDIA IS AFFECTING US

We’re bombarded with “perfect” family photo images on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and countless other social media sites. It’s tempting for Moms to look at those pictures and want to recreate them for their families. It’s natural to want to emulate things we see that bring us happiness.

I’d like to extend to you a challenge, though.

This year, fight the urge to over-plan your session. And fight the urge to want to recreate images you see on Pinterest.

Why?

As a photographer, I can easily control my camera’s settings and lighting. I’m in TOTAL control of that at all times during every session. You, however, can’t possibly be in total control of your children’s emotions … not at any time. Human beings just don’t work like that!

WHAT DO I RECOMMEND?

My favorite sessions aren’t the ones where the children act “perfectly.” Honestly, my favorite sessions are the ones where Mom and Dad do their best to just let the kids go off and be themselves. Snotty noses, pouty faces, arguments, bursts of crazy, silly faces, and all.

Sometimes I can see that Mom is torn between her desire to just let the kids be and see what happens … and her strong desire to actually have a handful of images where everyone is looking at the camera and smiling nicely.

I get that.

I really do.

The thing about letting go and letting the kids just be is that they’ll be happier that way. And I’ll be able to have more fun with them. And in between the silly moments and the play and the belly laughs, we’ll sneak in some shots of people looking at the camera with big smiles on their face.

When Moms keep trying to force kids to do something specific (stand by that tree! hold your sister’s hand!) that they don’t want to do, the kids (and poor Mom) just get more and more frustrated. Frustration is the enemy we want to avoid on a photo shoot.

So yes, maybe you want to plan ahead and pick out some outfits you think would be great. (Or not. It’s perfectly fine, too, to let people show up just as they are.) And yes, let’s chat about a great location and pick the time of day that is typically best for your little ones.

But once you show up … then I encourage you — no, I challenge you! — to let go. Just let go. What will happen? I don’t know! There may be happy faces. Maybe some tears. Maybe an argument that lasts 15 minutes. I don’t know. But if we roll with it, I guarantee you images that are authentic, beautiful, and precious.

MY PROMISE TO YOU

My family photo sessions typically last about 1.5 to maybe 2 hours. That’s about the maximum amount of time people can handle a camera in their face! But I don’t have a stop watch going during your session. Some families need a little more time to relax into the session. Others hit the ground running. So don’t worry about time. I’m here to guide you … help you relax … and to help you to let go. I’m here to help you get amazing photos.

ONE FINAL TIP

For family sessions, bring along an activity that your family enjoys doing together. Do you sometimes toss a frisbee about? Play checkers? Read a book? Eat donuts? Bring that activity along. It’s how we’ll start off the session. This will help break the tension and get your family used to the camera. And then we’ll move on from there.

So whether you work with me or another family photographer, your pictures will be amazing if you can show up, take a deep breathe, and let go. Right on the other side of perfection is where the magic happens!

 

Warmly,
Kate

 

p.s. Want to book your family session with me? Awesome! I’d love to work with you. I currently photograph families in the beautiful Hudson Valley area of upstate NY, NYC, and Delaware (and the tri-state area.) Spring and summer sessions are the best! So contact me and tell me all about the session of your dreams!

p.p.s I’ll also be traveling to Maine and San Diego this summer. I’ll announce the dates really soon.

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