If you have a family photography session coming up and are a bit nervous about how to prepare, I've got a few tips for you....
Pack extra clothes for all of you. If your little one accidentally spills on your outfit, you will want a new change of clothes. Same goes for your kids. Spit up? Just a quick change can easily save you in a pinch!
Pack snacks. I think this is just a go-to parent rule regardless of the activity, but it's especially helpful if your kid is hungry in the middle of a session that you don't want to cut short.
Don't change your kids into their photo clothes until you get to the session location. This de-risks any unwanted spills on the drive over.
Bring a speaker and your kid's favorite playlist. Music helps with movement and smiles- both of which you want during a family photography session!
If your kids are younger and they are camera shy, bring a lovey that you don't mind in the photos (i.e. an all white bunny or bear- not a neon red multi colored power ranger). I have also seen someone wrap her kids favorite books in brown paper so I can capture some photos of them reading together without a loud book cover shown in the photos.
Have them wear comfy shoes. A lot of photographers will prompt your kids with movement (i.e. running, hopping, skipping) and you want them to feel comfortable with all that movement for photos.
Get to your session 10-15 minutes early. Let your kids wiggle about prior to the session. This just helps with any difficulty with transitions.
Stay flexible. Your photographer has probably seen it all already and will have a few tricks up their sleeves so lean on them.
I completely understand the anticipation of family photos- but I promise you that your photos will turn out and all the anticipation will be worth it! Enjoy your session, it should be fun.
Nancy Brye Photography is a wedding, family, and newborn photographer based in Bend, Oregon.
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