We have all been there: scrolling down Instagram or Pinterest and wondering HOW did these people got such beautiful family photos full of affection and love. They all are so well dressed and look so relaxed. How does that happen?

I know that every mom gets excited and nervous before a family session, including me! This is something you do 1-3 times a year and you want your photos to be perfect. You want to feel pretty and you want your kids to behave.

We are going to look into 3 important tips that are the key to success!

Styling your family photo shoot
Most importantly, have everyone’s clothes ready, ironed, laid out at least 1 week before the session. This will take a huge load of stress off of you. You don’t want to worry about what to wear the day of the session. Make sure clothes fits, flows nicely together and that all members of the family are happy wearing it (or at least willing to put it on for 1 hour:).
What you wear is super important! I love helping my clients to pick outfits! I have written several blog posts about what to wear where and when. I share these with every client, I offer consultation whenever you are ready. I have my clients whatsapping me photos or sending my pics while shopping at Old Navy all the time! Clothes matter and will make a tremendous impact on your photos.

2. Showing-up excited about your session

How can you achieve those heart-warming, affectionate, kind, tender photos?

You are not allowed to discipline your kids. Just for this one hour. Rather than telling them “No”, let’s try to redirect their interest. You LOVE your family, that’s why you booked family photos, right? You want me to freeze the moments of love between you to be able to look at them later. So, while at the shoot, let the kids be kids, let them laugh at anything, let them be goofy and ALWAYS smile back at them. Look at them with all your heart, hug, kiss, hold hands, play with their hair, smell their head, tickle. Chase your toddler, grab him and through him in the air and turn him upside down. Yes, you might be exhausted after your shoot but you will also be energized and happy you allowed your photographer to capture your beautiful family on its’ best day.

Do not point with your finger and say “look at the photographer and say cheese”. I have had so many photos “ruined’ because the parent is pointing at me. lol. Do not threaten and forbid stuff to your kids. You do not want your kids to have a bad experience that they will remember for next time.

I could talk about this forever. Please know I will send you a preparation email before our session where we will go over the tips again.

3. Cheer everyone on!

This goes hand in hand with number 2 but I need to emphasize to cheer on your husband too! Most likely, he doesn’t want to be here. Give a lots of attention to him as well. Encourage him and don’t have an argument on the way to the location :). I always reserve time for photos of just mom and dad as these are so important!

Same with your teenage kids! It’s hard to be photographed as a teenager. Cheer them on, make them laugh. Once, I experienced a parent putting down their teenage child while his portraits were taken. It broke my heart. No one wants to be in front of the camera if others are staring at him and thinking he is not doing a good job!

BONUS TIP

Pick the right photographer! It can be ME! :) Genuine family photos are my passion and it became my full time job ever since I moved to the USA. Read more ABOUT ME here.

It’s super important for you to vibe with your photographer, check out the portfolio, website, read about her session flow. Will the photographer be a good match for you and your family? What will the kids think? Do they need someone super hyper or calm and patient?