Tips For a Fun Photography Session and Great Pictures Afterwards

Over the last several years working with dozens of different sizes and ages of families, I have gained some sage wisdom (I hope) that I would like to share with you to get the most out of your photography session with me.

1. When booking a session, choose a time that has the best possible light which works for your family.  The golden hour, the hour right before sunset or after sunrise, is the best possible time to take photos.  Here is a link to an article about why this light is so much better.  However, if you are taking photos in June, sunset is at 8pm, and your 1 year old turns into a crying pumpkin at 6pm, that is not the best time for your family.  In this case pick a location that offers ample open shade. 
2. Choose your outfits wisely  before the photoshoot.  What look are you going for? A soft color pallet, casual, or darker richer colors?  I highly recommend spending a few moments looking at examples of family photos that speak to you. Pinterest and photography websites are a great resource.  Also, please do not wait until the night before or the day of to choose your outfits.  I can almost guarantee a child will have outgrown a pair of shoes, a shirt will have a stain that you had forgotten about, or you will miss a lot of small details.  That approach raises your stress level and will make this process less enjoyable.  Here is an article I wrote about how I pick my family’s outfits.
3. Give yourself enough time.  It is not a good idea to run to a family photo straight from a soccer game and changing in the car on the way over.  It is hard to look polished if you do not have the time.  Also moms, give yourself enough time to do your own hair and make-up.  Here is a link to an article I wrote about make-up in pictures.
4. Wash your kids’ faces and have them brush their teeth just before leaving the house!  Kids are the best at getting dirty and picture day is no exception.  Sure I can edit the dirty spot on your kids face in post, but the better we can look before editing, the more natural and beautiful the photos will look.
5. Never give your kids a messy snack or ones that can stain their teeth.  Teeth are a hard edit in post due to the large and unique variations people naturally have in color.  You would be surprised by the amount of time I have spent trying to fix Goldfish cracker stained teeth!  Honestly, orange Goldfish crackers are the worst. 
6. Choose to enjoy yourself.  Taking a family photo can be a tough sell for some kids and some dads!  If people show up stressed or half angry to be there, it will certainly show in the final product.  Talk with your family about how these photos will be a legacy for your family, how taking a nice photo is a way to show how much they care about one another, and how choosing to be a willing participate will make the process enjoyable for  everyone.   Choose Happy!
7. If we are not getting smiles and willing participants, then take action.  Bring something fun to do during the shoot.  Blow bubbles, play a card game, or have dad give the kids a piggyback ride.  Pictures of your family engaged with one another smiling is much better than a forced smile sitting still.