1. What should you wear....
Picking a common color is always nice, but you don't want to be too "matchy, matchy". Think about your background and where your photoshoot will be. If you are going to be in a wooded area you wouldn't want to wear colors that will blend you into the background. You want to stand apart from your surroundings. Make sure you and your children are comfortable in what you are wearing, and try to stay clear from anything with big logos or prints. When you wear things with large print or logos it will draw away from the subject's face. Scarves, sweaters, layers, are all good. Adding texture adds interest to the picture.
2. Choosing your location
I LOVE natural light photography, doing your photo shoot outside to me is ideal! I also have a studio which is perfect for newborn photography, I have a sky window so I try to utilize the natural light in there as much as possible. Many people like to have pictures done at their home, if you are looking to do that, it is best to do them in a room that has the most natural light. Location shoots are always fun, beaches, parks, a field, the middle of downtown, etc. Go to a spot that is special to your family. Local landmarks are always great places to go. Thinking back to what to wear, remember to choose your clothing based on where you will be having your pictures done.
3. What time of day is best
High noon is never a good time because of the shadows it causes having the sun falling directly from above. My favorite time of day is about an hour before sunset, often know as the magic hour! Everything is so beautiful that time of day, and there are no harsh shadows on your faces. I also love 1:30 shoots, the picture above was done around 1:30 in the afternoon.This is not to say that you cannot get amazing shots at any point of the day, its all about positioning! One of the main things to consider if you have younger children is nap time. As their parent, you know them best, and know when they are most happy. We want to capture them during that time
4. Posing
The most important thing I can say about this is to be natural, which is easier said than done. When I pose families I try to get them as close to each other as possible. In the moment you may feel like there is no way it will look right, but I promise it will. If you want to make your face appear slimmer tilt your head slightly downward, many time people point their chin up, but that typically is not flattering for anyone. For a standing pose put your hand in your pocket, bed one leg, and don't stand in a straight line next to each other. Staggering, facing different directions will add dimension and make it look more natural. I also tell teenagers to stand how they would if they were talking to friends in the hall....then I follow with now shoulders back! Chin down, shoulders back! I also suggest not to freeze in a pose, I take several pictures of each pose, shift your weight from one foot to the next, put a hand on the hip, move it for the next shot, shifting slightly helps the photographer.
Another thing I like to stress especially with young children is not everyone has to be looking and smiling at the camera the whole time to get a good shot! I love capture kids moving, and doing what they do best, just let them be themselves! Also look at each other talk and laugh that makes it more fun!
5. Special Moments
Some of my favorite pictures are ones that are not posed at all. Picture of Dad running after their toddler who has had it with this whole photo shoot thing, or mom comforting a cranky little one. If there is something you always do with your child/spouse/family, do it, such as giving them piggy back rides, kissing your wife on the forehead, high fives etc.
6. Props
Props are never necessary, but can be fun! People always ask if they should bring something. I suggest if your child has a special toy or blanket to bring that for sure. If you have something that represents your family, or a sign that you want to incorporate bring it! I love working with things that mean something to you! When I do special shoots, like my Christmas Mini sessions, or Love Bug, I make sure I have props that fit the season, just a few simple things to add. Many times if you are at a special location you don't need anything extra. Chalkboards, letters, balloons, bubbles etc are all fun things to add to any shoot, it all depends on you and what you are looking for in your photo shoot.
7. Keeping the kiddos happy
Food! Make sure they have had something to eat before hand, I know what it's like to be hangry and we don't want that in our photoshoot! Let them be free, let them explore their surroundings the best shots like I said are those not posed. I love to capture them in this moment, if they are always on the go let them go, I will chase them! Bring toys they like, make sure they had a nap if they are nappers, and it's ok if they need to take a break. I taught 3-year-olds for 7 years I have seen it all, and I have so much patience for little ones. Never be embarrassed if there are meltdowns, or if they won't do what you want, it is ok!
8. What's the perfect time of year/weather to get your outdoor pictures done?
There is no perfect season to get your family pictures done outside. I LOVE winter shoots, there is something magical about them with the snow on the trees, fall is always beautiful with the leaves changing, spring and summer the greens pops and flowers are blooming.
Sunny days are beautiful with a bright blue sky to get pictures done outside, but on overcast days it can be equally as beautiful. Don't ever feel you have to reschedule your shoot because of an overcast
sky. As a photographer it makes editing a breeze, no one is squinting, and there are no harsh shadows, and colors seem to really pop! As long as it is not storming I am up for any weather or season!
9. Research
Check out some of my other pictures, poses, locations for inspirtation and let me know what you like, and what you absolutely do NOT want to do haha. Pinterest is an awesome place to get inspiration on different poses you would like to do, clothing inspirations, prop ideas, etc. Share those photos you enjoyed with me so I can get a sense of what you like!
7. Keeping the kiddos happy
Food! Make sure they have had something to eat before hand, I know what it's like to be hangry and we don't want that in our photoshoot! Let them be free, let them explore their surroundings the best shots like I said are those not posed. I love to capture them in this moment, if they are always on the go let them go, I will chase them! Bring toys they like, make sure they had a nap if they are nappers, and it's ok if they need to take a break. I taught 3-year-olds for 7 years I have seen it all, and I have so much patience for little ones. Never be embarrassed if there are meltdowns, or if they won't do what you want, it is ok!
8. What's the perfect time of year/weather to get your outdoor pictures done?
There is no perfect season to get your family pictures done outside. I LOVE winter shoots, there is something magical about them with the snow on the trees, fall is always beautiful with the leaves changing, spring and summer the greens pops and flowers are blooming.
Sunny days are beautiful with a bright blue sky to get pictures done outside, but on overcast days it can be equally as beautiful. Don't ever feel you have to reschedule your shoot because of an overcast
sky. As a photographer it makes editing a breeze, no one is squinting, and there are no harsh shadows, and colors seem to really pop! As long as it is not storming I am up for any weather or season!
9. Research
Check out some of my other pictures, poses, locations for inspirtation and let me know what you like, and what you absolutely do NOT want to do haha. Pinterest is an awesome place to get inspiration on different poses you would like to do, clothing inspirations, prop ideas, etc. Share those photos you enjoyed with me so I can get a sense of what you like!
10. Don't Stress it!
Most importantly your photoshoot shouldn't be a stressful thing. Plan ahead, give your self enough time to get ready so you don't feel rushed, or "unfinished". A photo shoot should be a fun experience for everyone involved, let go of expectations and enjoy the time with your family!
Most importantly your photoshoot shouldn't be a stressful thing. Plan ahead, give your self enough time to get ready so you don't feel rushed, or "unfinished". A photo shoot should be a fun experience for everyone involved, let go of expectations and enjoy the time with your family!
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