I often hear clients say that family photo sessions are stressful. I completely understand as I once felt this way about my own family sessions. Having everyone dressed perfectly and looking at the camera was exhausting and miserable. That is why I want to share some of the tips and tricks I have learned in my many years of photographing families.
1. Embrace the lifestyle photography mindset.
Lifestyle photography is unique because it not only captures what you look like at a certain point in time, it captures who you are. I aim to capture honest + joyful photos of your family and children. My goal is not to get stiffed posed shots with everyone looking at the camera, but to capture the true essence of your family. I take a lifestyle approach to photography and use my understanding of my equipment and natural light to create images that will become works of art. I hope that you will take these memories and create timeless albums + art for your home that will be passed down for generations to come.
2. Don’t worry about your children! That is my job.
Remember that children are not usually fond of being told to pose or smile. It is best if we just give the children time to relax and capture their natural selves. Don’t worry if your child is running about and active! My goal is to capture the essence of childhood, and childhood is full of energy and movement. Most of the images on my site are joyful images of children that were captured while the kids were playing + exploring + having fun. To get the family shot I usually set you up in good natural light and direct the adults to “be” with the children. There will be a lot of laughs, playing and family fun in my sessions.
3. Preparation is key.
To get the most out of your sessions, make sure that your little one is well rested and has adequate snacks and water. My full sessions allow plenty to time for snack breaks and down time. I also suggest bringing a few of their favorite things to incorporate into the session. Stuffed animals and toys are great for the little ones. Older kids do well with a football, lacrosse stick or musical instrument. I always incorporate these items into your session to remember this season of your life.
Finally, prepare your child for the session by letting them know a friend will be taking some photos of them. It’s best not to surprise them. I also suggest making the session part of a family experience. Plan a fun dinner or ice cream outing after the session and talk about how much fun the family is going to have. I have found that this is a much better approach than bribing kids with candy or ice cream if they cooperate or “smile for the camera”.
I hope that these tips help you prepare for your next session. These are tips and tricks that I have learned from years of taking family photos. I wish I had this knowledge when my boys were little. It makes a huge difference!
SENIOR | FAMILY | NEWBORN | SCHOOLS
Shelly Niehaus Photography is a Prosper, TX based senior and family photographer. I specialize in newborns, seniors, family, and school portrait photography in the Dallas Fort Worth area. I also offer adoption photography for local families through the Red Thread Organization and volunteer for The Gold Hope Project. For more information please contact me so we can start discussing your session.
