8 Tips to Prepare for Your Family Photo Session
Updated: Sep 13, 2022
It's almost fall! And with that comes family photo season. Fall is a popular time to schedule family photo sessions....the weather's cooler and you get those beautiful fall colors, so it's no wonder families like to schedule their sessions for this time of year. With that being said, I thought it would be a good time to share my best tips to prepare for your session to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.
Hair appointments - If you plan to get your hair touched up before your session, I suggest doing this at least a week before your session.
Outfits - Plan your outfits as early as possible. Clothing is one of the biggest concerns I see with clients. Planning outfits sooner can alleviate some stress. When planning outfits, ask your photographer if they help with styling....so many photographers offer this with their sessions these days and some even offer access to a client wardrobe.
Prep your family - Talk to your family and get them involved in planning for the session. This especially helps with little ones. If you have little ones that are shy around new people, this can be an intimidating experience for them. Explaining the process to them and letting them help with planning can warm them up to the idea.
Plan ahead - Make sure everyone gets plenty of rest the night before your session. On the day of, give yourselves plenty of time to get ready so you're not running around before your session. The more relaxed you are during your session, the better your photos will be. Also, have a light meal or snack before your session, you don't want anyone getting hangry during it!
Arrive at your session prepared - Extra clothes in case of accidents, your child's favorite toy or blanket, water, and snacks are all good items to bring to your session.
Makeup - If you plan to wear makeup for your session, be sure to apply it a little more heavily than you normally would. The camera doesn't see makeup the same way our eyes do, so it helps to be just a little bit heavy handed with it. If you're not comfortable applying your own makeup, ask your photographer if they offer professional hair and makeup as an add on or if they can recommend someone. I personally work with Hannah from H&K Studio Salon for professional hair and makeup. She does amazing work and she's so fun to work with.
Connect with your photographer - Be sure to stay connected with your photographer in the weeks leading up to your session. Make sure you communicate any expectations or ideas you have to them. And if you have questions, reach out to them and ask. Every photographer operates a little differently, so staying connected is important in getting your needs met.
Relax - Try not to put too much pressure on your session. I know this one can be easier said than done, but the more relaxed you are, the better your session will flow, which will ultimately result in better photos. This should be a fun experience for your family, not a source of stress. So take a deep breath and trust your photographer to guide you through everything.
Booking a professional photo session is a big deal, so you want to make the most out of it! If you have scheduled a session for your family, I hope these tips have been helpful.
If you're considering booking a session, you can contact me for available dates, or check out my fall mini session special here.