Stress-Free Family Session Tips
There’s so much going on while getting your photos taken, but it’s completely normal! The chaos of family photos is one of my favorite things in the world because it’s not organized like a wedding, and it requires me to think on my toes and really be a fly on the wall.
While in the thick of babyland…
my husband and I decided to do photos when our kiddo was one-month old. I remember running around, making sure my son was comfortable, the spitup on my shirt wasn’t showing (classy ikr), and that his outfit wasn’t stained or going to spitup on me again.
It was a lot. 🫠
Looking at those photos a year later, I cannot believe how small he was. Those photos are a specific moment in time I have minimal recollection of because I just had a baby (nbd), but also was so enveloped in that world.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to document your cute life!
My main focus is not getting forced smiles
I go into family sessions not planning to direct you. Yes, there will be cutie-patootie photos of your guys together, but it’s the in-between moments when they get to run around with the dogs, give you a hug and cheese towards the camera or look at your partner with love as they hand them a snack.
That’s what I’m always looking for.
Before our session, we’ll sit down and chat about what you want documented.
We’ll come up with a few activities you and your family will enjoy doing so that it doesn’t feel staged or stuffy - or I can just document a normal day for you.
Whether it’s a picnic in the yard, a pizza and bowling outing, or just making dinner at home while the kids play The Floor is Lava, this is a moment in time that you get to see.
Documenting the growth of families is quite possibly the biggest honor I could have as your photographer !
TIPS FOR STRESS-FREE FAMILY SESSIONS
Don’t expect it to be stress free
You will be constantly thinking about how your hair looks, if your kids are smiling enough, if your oldest is secretly flipping off the camera to be funny - it’s a lot.
As a family photographer, I’m there to use my camera and document the afternoon, but I’m also looking at all the chaos and I’m choosing what to document. I will 1000% let you know if your hair looks wonky, if there’s anything in your teeth or any other small details.
Go with the flow
While the posed photos are always nice to have, actually going with the flow of what the kids want to do can be quite fun. I find that when parents are more flexible and are engaging with the kids instead of telling them where to go or how to stand, they are more receptive towards having their photo taken.
We will get great photos, but by being a little more relaxed you’re also able to enjoy the process and get some grossly cute pics of you and your kids when they’re not being rabid animals. The photos are meant to reflect your current season of life
If the kids are smaller and like to sit and play, we’ll plan for maybe something more chill and indoors. If they are jumping jellybeans running and jumping on e v e r y w h e r e, we will be prepared to do something outside where they can have time to run freely.
If you were being forced to do photos after having a humongous cup of caffeinated coffee and couldn’t sit still, you also would not like to be sitting prettily in front of a tree trying to stay chill. Your kids probably won’t either.
Time of the session matters
If the kids are cranky in the evening, but are a little easygoing in the morning, we’ll plan for that time. Vice versa if they are little crazy chickens in the morning. I work around their schedule.
Don’t do a 3 hour photoshoot
Your session doesn’t have to be as long as an hour, or it can be as short as 20 minutes. Feel out how long you think your kid(s) attention will last. If you did want to do a three hour photoshoot, we definitely can, but snacks will be needed for all parties.
For families with kiddos under one years old, I usually recommend 20-30 minute sessions simply because they have a certain wake window/meal window. That can also be extended if you want photos of
Sessions that are 30-60 minutes or more would be good for bigger families or kiddos that are a bit older, and might need more time to feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Every session is different for each family, this is just a base line of where you can go with the session.
If you did want to do a three hour photoshoot, it’s totally doable, but snacks will be needed for all parties involved.
FEED THE BEAST WITHIN
Be sure everyone has had a snack or a meal before the session - including you and your partner. If someone is hangry, no one will have a good time. Bringing snacks is always nice. I also love stopping for snacks, so that is absolutely no inconvenience.
We aren’t going to constantly be taking photos
There will be time to breathe, figure out what the kids want (or what you would like to do), and just take a second. I’m in no rush at sessions, and unless kiddos were promised ice cream after, I don’t think they are either.
No, your family is not crazy
Family dynamics are different with every family I meet.
Some kids are quieter than others, some kids are more hyper - that’s ok! My goal for the session isn’t to photograph little robot kids, it’s to document how they are now.
If they like running like a chicken, let’s do it. If they have a new silly face they consider their signature look, we’ll get a portrait.
Family sessions are very unserious because we’re working with little humans who don’t love to stand still for too long. It’s like if you had a session just standing in line at the DMV - you may also throw a tantrum.
The ultimate guide on what to bring to your session
Throw all this in a big bag or basket and chuck it in the car.
Extra snacks that are good on the go
Apple slices, pouches, small bags of chips, granola bars, etc.
For babies, these can be teether crackers or just teething rings.
A drink of water, juice, etc, just in case it’s warm.
An extra outfit - I know you just got this super cute little onesie or pair of jeans for your kiddo, but in case an unexpected bodily function happens before or mid shoot, or someone wipes out in the grass…you’re covered.
A diaper bag if applicable.
A large blanket for sitting.
Wipes for boogers (ew).
Lastly, you got this.
We’re going to have a great time!
Shoutout to Leah King for photographing my fam after her texting her in a tizzy asking if she would be able to while the trees were still pretty.
— Meet Your Photographer —
I’m Juliette and I’m an Upstate New York photographer specializing in weddings, and families.
My interest in photography started by taking portraits of my pet chickens as a 6 year-old, and has since then expanded into documenting nostalgic shenanigans and stories for humans nationwide.
The photo on the side was at our most recent family photo session where I spent the whole time making sure my child was happy and didn’t notice the huge rip in my stockings!
Every single of the photos from this session are my favorites I’ve ever had taken!