Ok, so you’re open to the idea of a family photo shoot – because the kids grow up too fast and you’re NEVER in any pictures (apart from the odd selfie). It’s time to change that! But isn’t there a lot to think about before having someone photograph your family?
I get it, it sounds like just another thing to do but this is where I want to tell you: You don’t have to prepare much at all. However, as much as this is the truth from my perspective, I know this sounds even scarier than planning anything.
The beauty of documentary family photography – the kind of family photos I can take for you – is that you don’t have to clean the house, prepare outfits, get anybody’s hair cut or find a location to go to.
You CAN do all of those things but don’t overdo it, please.
What I want you to do instead is think about the things you all like to do together. That could be crafts at home, going to the beach or the park, playing games, build a fort in the living room, baking a cake (and making a mess in the process) and then eating it.
Or is there anything you know is a temporary thing you know you’ll miss once the kids don’t ask for it anymore? That could be reading a bedtime story, Sunday morning family cuddles in your bed, nursing, potty training, weaning, carrying the baby in a sling…. Anything is possible.
The images I want us to create together are not a bucket shot list I have in my head. That’s why every family photo session is different. Every family is different. You have your own routines and traditions that will stay in your and your kids’ minds (hopefully) forever. And having photos to go with those memories means they’ll stay alive for longer.
And this is why I don’t want you to worry about outfits, hairdos or even the cleanliness of your home. That’s not the important bit. What counts is your connection – that doesn’t come from creating moments that look good on a Pinterest board but from being present.
But I understand that sometimes it’s easier to follow direct instructions than just not prepare at all. So here are a few things you CAN do if that makes you feel a bit more in control:
- Think about 2 or 3 activities to do as a family – these can be backup options or something you definitely want to have photographed
- Clean the house as if a good friend comes over. Your house can be as messy as you want but if it makes you feel better, you can clear away dishes, clean surfaces and pack away some clutter in the rooms you mostly spend time in. Just don’t be tempted to deep-clean the house and make it look like a show-home
- Prepare for a day of little access to technology. While watching tv, playing on an iPad and texting on your phone might be typical for you, try to limit those things while I’m around. It’s not about complete elimination but unless you want everybody’s face buried in some kind of screen, be aware of everyone’s exposure to it on the day.
- Don’t change nap times for the photos – you don’t want your child to be unnecessarily grumpy, tired or unhappy. While I will photograph tantrums and crying (because it’s part of your life), we don’t need to adhere to a schedule that goes against anybody’s daily rhythm.
- If you want to spend time outside during your photo session, have a bad-weather plan. Depending on the weather, this could just be appropriate clothing or an indoor alternative.
Most of my family photo shoots happen in my client’s homes – it’s where everyone feels most comfortable. Kids feel safe to be who they are and do the things they love doing. You don’t have to worry about taking bags full of bribes, a change of clothes and baby wipes anywhere. And we don’t have to be at a certain place because that’s when the light is best.
The light in your house is what it is – and we’ll work with it. Because it’s part of your memories: The sun-filled kitchen or the dark corner in the living room that’s a perfect hideout.
All that to say, the only thing I would advise you to plan for is: What do you want those photos to show and does that include any activities that you always do?
And if your mind goes blank, ask your kids what they want to do on the day and we’ll go with that. I promise that not planning your day will not result in “bad” photos.
