Getting the right shot can capture so many memories. Here’s how to survive your first family photoshoot!
The mental image of a family photoshoot seems relatively simple and enjoyable on the surface. You turn up on the day of your shoot full of smiles, have a few snaps taken with your loved ones, and return home, right? Actually, when you’re not comfortable in front of a camera and you’ve got energetic youngsters running around, the actual taking of a photo can make you squirm with nerves.
A family photoshoot gives you the opportunity to capture the moment; the laughs and the humour within your family as well as the love you all share for one another. Getting it right is essential for a great quality picture, and professional photographers are well trained in capturing your family in the best light. To banish those worries completely and to give you a little peace of mind before booking a shoot, I’ve teamed up with family portrait photography professionals, Nousha, to bring you some tips to keep in mind for your first family photoshoot.
01. Wear the right clothing
Not only is comfort incredibly important for the whole family when having a professional photograph taken, but you need to ensure that what you’re wearing is attractive and will look great in print! If you’re struggling to find something suitable, talk to your photographer who will give you some advice and discuss the overall look you want to go for.
02. Get a good night’s sleep
To make sure your photographer doesn’t capture those baggy eyes or your child yawning from lack of sleep, make sure the whole family gets a good rest the night before. An early night means you’ll all wake up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed ready for your photoshoot. Your children will be much more cooperative too, and not to mention better behaved!
03. Give yourself plenty of time
If you’re in a rush, it’ll show on your face. You need to be totally relaxed when you arrive at the studio, not flustered and in a tangle. Allow yourselves plenty of time to get ready and arrive at your booking with time to spare. You’ll have time to talk to your photographer beforehand too to ensure all your questions are answered.
04. Eat!
Moaning children are not the best people to have a photoshoot with, and rumbling tummies are definitely a distraction. Make sure the whole family has a decent breakfast and lunch to help keep their concentration levels up and to stop the complaints before they even have the chance to start.
05. Keep children occupied
It can sometimes be a nightmare to keep young children engaged in something like a family photoshoot – even the thought of it may give you nightmares. To help the session run as smoothly as possible, take a toy or game to keep them occupied in between shots. You never know; your photographer may like the idea of it being included in some of your photos, and you may get some great shots too.
06. Act natural
Posing for the camera can be a scary thought for some. The image of an aching jaw and an overly enthusiastic smile can be a haunting thought. The key to a great looking photo, however, is the natural look. Your photographer may ask you to interact with your family as you normally would to capture genuine emotions on camera. These shots work the best!
07. Leave the kids to it
As parents, you’ll want at least a few of your shots to be of your children interacting with one another, or with a toy, game or pet! Your photographer may ask you to help keep their attention on their activity to get the best shot, or to encourage them to look in a certain direction. They may even ask you to leave the area completely in order to get the best possible results, without a distraction.
08. Speak to your photographer beforehand
It’s a good idea to give your photographer some examples of the kind of shots you’re after before you begin. Book a consultation appointment with a professional such as christophertoddstudios.com/ the week before or arrive a little bit earlier than planned to give yourselves time to chat. The more prepared you and your photographer are, the better your shots will be.
For a perfect family photoshoot, be prepared!
Hopefully, our tips will be a great help for you when planning your family photoshoot. Have you ever had a shoot before, or are you planning on having one with your family in future? Let me know your experience in the comments below!
