

A good photographer will work with you to create a session that reflects your family's personality and style. Let them know if there are any specific shots or poses that you want, and share any concerns or ideas that you have. Communicate With Your Photographerīefore the session, communicate with your photographer about your expectations and preferences. You can also incorporate activities that your family enjoys, such as playing a game or reading a book together, to make the session more natural and enjoyable. Bring items such as balloons, bubbles, or a picnic blanket for a relaxed and playful atmosphere.

Props and activities can add a fun and personalized touch to your family photo session. If you're not sure what to wear, your photographer can provide some guidance and suggestions. Choose outfits that coordinate well together, but avoid wearing matching outfits or overly busy patterns that can be distracting in the photos. Make sure that everyone is dressed comfortably and appropriately for the location and weather.

Dress Comfortably and Coordinate Your Outfits Consider the lighting and scenery of the location, and choose a spot that is meaningful to your family or that has a special significance. Choose a time when your children are well-rested and fed, and try to avoid scheduling the session during their naptime. The time and location of your family photo session can make a big difference in the outcome of your photos. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your family photo session. The good news is that with a little preparation and a positive attitude, you can turn your family photo session into a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved. However, it can also be a stressful experience for both parents and children. You can direct your clients to the best spots to take advantage of the light as it falls across the space.A family photo session is a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Sheer curtains can help diffuse window light for a softer look.
#FAMILY PHOTO SESSION TIPS WINDOWS#
A space with plenty of windows will create that bright and airy atmosphere, while a single smaller window can create a moodier, more intimate vibe. If you’re working indoors, look for opportunities to use natural window light. If you can get a reflector with a diffusion panel, even better. If it’s an outdoor spot and your shoot is scheduled for mid-day, look for areas of open shade to avoid harsh, unflattering shadows-and don’t forget to bring your reflector. If the space has already been chosen by the client, it’s worth doing a location scouting trip to see what it’s like. You can use an app like Sun Seeker to track the sun and its direction at your location. If your client hasn’t already chosen a time and location, you can suggest the golden hour just before sunset for those beautiful colors and soft lighting. Light is everything in portraits and lifestyle photography, so plan around the conditions that will work the best. Of course, a shot list is just a point of departure, so stay open to those magical, unplanned scenes that unfold throughout the session. Some poses can even incorporate movement, such as walking hand-in-hand or playing Ring around the Rosie, for a more natural, candid feel.įor documentary shoots, your shot list will be (much) more informal, but you can still include moments or activities that are meaningful for the family for example, preparing meals, getting ready for school, playing outside, and so on. It can help to collaborate with the family and introduce some classic family poses: embracing, sitting/lying in the grass, whispering in each other’s ears, and more. ( It’s always a good idea to help your clients with clothing selection.)

For a formal session, this list will include poses, important combinations of people (mom and daughter, dad and grandma, and so on), and prop and wardrobe ideas. While talking with your freelance photography clients, start thinking about your shot list.
