This is one of the most-requested blog posts to date: how to end up with even better family photos. I say “even better” because if you’re building a relationship with a great photographer {yes that’s an extra tip 😉 } then you’re going to get at least a dozen amazing shots that you’ll cherish forever.
My tips are not rocket science by any means but they have helped our family end up with shots that we can’t wait to print and share with our loved ones.
A little background: I try to take fresh family photos with a professional photographer once a year. Truth be told, I would love to take them twice a year but I think my family would lose it. It’s not their favorite thing to do… they tolerate it for me. 😉
If this is your first time scheduling a family session, I definitely encourage doing a little research at least a few months ahead of when you would like to take your photos. Think about the style of photographer you prefer, get recommendations from friends and family, and check out their social media profiles to see if the way they’re editing their photos is going to fit your vision.
Also consider where you will display your photos in your home; will a darker, moody style work in your home or will you prefer photos that are really bright and airy. Once you’ve found a great photographer that you enjoy shooting with, it makes the entire experience so much more enjoyable.
If you’re local: we love shooting with Maddie Peschong who shoots all of my blog photos {she’s my soul sister}, but this year Maddie is at home snuggling a baby on maternity leave so we shot with Abby Bischoff. She’s a wonderful friend of mine and I had wanted to shoot with her for a long time so this worked out great.
Once you’ve selected your photographer follow my three tips/steps to prepare you for an outstanding family session and lead to photos you can’t wait to share.
TIP #1 – TIME OF YEAR
I always choose the time of year first because it is the piece that helps make the second two tips easier. I, personally, like to change the season that we take family photos in so we get a variety of looks over the years. We’ve done family photos in every season now with the exception of winter with snow. Midwestern winters are not ideal because of cold/wind but if you have a great photographer they shoot fast. 😉 Thus far, our fall and summer shoots have been my favorites but that’s mostly been because I’ve used time of year to inform the second tip!
A sub-tip of this is to also consider the time of day you’d prefer to shoot. If your kids are good sports during the morning, this could help inform the time of year as well. Fall mornings are basically heaven in my opinion and the lighting is great. Maybe your kids are better after dinner but before bedtime; spring or late summer are my favorite times for evening shoots.
TIP #2 – LOCATION
Once I’ve picked the time frame, I find that this helps me decide on everyone’s outfit for the shoot. You want the location to compliment your looks so I find that choosing where you want to be photographed can help you in narrowing in on a color palette for your family.
Time of year also helps me choose a location because you want to consider what the spot looks like during that season. You would never want to choose a parking garage as your shoot location if you’re wanting to shoot in Midwestern winters… snow drifts and wind galore. 😉
As much as I love to switch up the time of year, I also like to change the location to get completely different looks. I love landscape shoots with trees, flowers, lakes… the works. But it’s also nice to mix it up and do a more urban setting.
If you’re not so sure what exact location you want, I also recommend chatting with your photographer about what type of photos you prefer. At least helping them with things like landscape/nature backdrop vs. urban/downtown helps them make a recommendation based on their experience and professional opinion.
TIP #3 – COORDINATING LOOKS
I love thinking about outfits first but I let tip #1 and #2 drive this one. Once I’ve selected a time of year and a complimenting location, I start to think about what colors will look best in the place where we’ll be shooting.
Once I have a particular color palette in mind, I find that starting with my own outfit makes it easiest. With the general color scheme in mind, I also consider that as much as I would love to be in an evening gown {not kidding 😉 }, I know that my kids… and husband for that matter… will be more comfortable in easy-to-wear fabrics and styles. In order to not stand out like a sore thumb, I keep my own outfit comparable to the level of “dressed up” that I know my family will tolerate.
While many people go to Pinterest to search “family photo outfits,” I encourage you to search for seasonal color palettes instead. Search things like “spring color palette” or “fall color palette” and find one that resonates with you. Pick one of those colors that will look the best with your skin tone then start looking for a piece {dress, sweater, skirts, etc.} that you can build around.
This year, I knew I wanted purples/blues, white/cream and a hint of light pink. I found the skirt I’m wearing and built everything else around it.
If at all possible, try to give yourself a good month or two before your scheduled photoshoot so you’re not stressed out trying to find outfits the week before. My go-to places to shop are Nordstrom or J.Crew for myself and Max, and Zara or H&M for the kids.
When the day comes to take your photos, try to be yourselves. It feels like chaos in the moment but if you’ve found a photographer you love and trust, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how many photos you have in the end. You’ve got this, mama. 😉
xo
-M
Photos by Abby Bischoff at Flock Studio
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