How to Make the Most Out of Your Photoshoot
LEAN IN
Family sessions are magic. I, for one, love the chaos. Each session is not linear and children have a way about them that dictates how we all lean in.
Here are some of my hot tips on how to make the most out of your family session from my experience shooting families for the last ten years.
PREP YOUR CHILDREN
It’s OK to have some expectations of how things are going to roll, but it’s also OK if things don’t go to plan. Your child might have a meltdown and that’s TOTALLY O.K! The best thing you can do in prepping them is to keep it super positive and talk to your children about the shoot beforehand, tell them a bit about what to expect and how FUN it will be. I recently rolled into a shoot and the children felt like they already knew me because their mum filled them in about me.
My approach is very dependant on the child and I will let them lead for part of the shoot so I get insight into their world. Your job is to relax and let me guide you all!
ALLOW A LITTLE EXTRA TIME
It’s always nice to flow into a shoot and not be on a time restraint. Make sure it’s planned to fit with your babes sleep and meal schedules. Sometimes I like to get there when meals are happening so I can get to know them, or we meet 15 minutes early so we don’t feel the pressure of having to get straight to it. If your shoot is outdoors - bring snacks and water!
WHICH THREADS?
I always say you need to feel like yourself. Don’t go copying Pinterest boards or buying something that isn’t ‘you’. You will always shoot best in something that is 100% your jam.
If you want to keep it neutral, void clashing patterns - no checks and stripes next to each other. Unless that’s the look you’re going for - then I say GO WILD!
A good photographer will guide you in this process. It’s good also to bring clothing options so your photographer can help you if you are unsure.
Extra props are always a good idea if you want to bring a little bit extra into your shoot - like picnic blankets, hats, flowers etc.
