Tips For A Stress Free Family Photoshoot

Jun 3

Here we have the sweetest little spring session with the Nyeholt family. I met them bright and early to catch the kids at their best. When I arrived the smell of coffee filled the kitchen, and the sun was just beginning to peek through the trees. We cuddled in to read a quick book before heading outside the hit the nature trail!

Lifestyle sessions are so much more than a quick family photo. They are designed to tell a story. A “visual diary” of those precious fleeting moments that we just can’t seem to hold onto long enough. It’s a way to remember your baby’s wispy hair, your toddlers sense of adventure, and even the adoring look in your spouses eyes during those early years of parenthood.

Needless to say this isn’t something you just pull out of a hat. With good communication, a little planning ahead, as well as room to freestyle with playful children, you can set yourself up for success!

Here’s what you gotta do:

Brainstorm and visualize. First and foremost you’ll want to create a vision for the session. How do you see the photos in your minds eye? Are they springy and playful, intimate and calm, maybe cheerful for the holiday? How do you want the photos to look and feel?
Lean into your natural cadence. Young children are often playful and curious! Forget the stiff and overly posed family portraits, and lean into your natural vibe instead. Walk around, play in the grass, eat an ice cream cone on a hot summer day, or snuggle up around the fire on a chilly winter evening. All you have to do is what you already do!
Create a “child centered” session. What I mean here is, build the photoshoot according to what works best for your children. Are they happier in the morning? Book a morning session. Do they love bath time? Consider an evening bedtime session. Do you spend a lot of time outside as a family? Take your session to your favorite park for the afternoon. Get creative with it!
Plan a few activities! Read a book together, pack a picnic, bake cookies, blow bubbles, play with watercolors, pick wildflowers… just to name a few. An activity is a great way to do something fun as a family to get your mind off the camera and lean into those more candid moments.

Did these tips get you inspired to plan your lifestyle session? I hope so! For more information on booking a photoshoot for your family - click here