Planning a Family Portrait Session

It’s no secret that family portraits are a cherished tradition. They capture the love and laughter of our loved ones and provide a lasting reminder of all the happy times as your family grows and grows up. However, planning a family portrait session can become overwhelming. Esspessianly if this is the first family portrait session for you you may be feeling a little lost on where to start.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Follow these simple tips and you’ll have beautiful family portraits that will last a lifetime:

Choose a location

The first step in planning your family portrait is to choose a location. Consider what kind of setting you would like and which speaks to your family’s personality. Does your family live in a rural area and enjoy the open countryside? Then maybe an open field with tall grass or wildflowers might be a great setting. Does your family live in the city and prefer a day at the museum over the park? Then maybe a more urban setting with interesting architecture would be a good choice.

The time of year will also play a role in your decision of location. If you’re planning a fall family portrait, an outdoor location with beautiful autumn leaves is ideal. For a winter family portrait, consider a cozy indoor setting near a fireplace. For summer, consider an area with lots of shade to keep everyone cool.

No matter what time of year it is, make sure you choose a location that your family is comfortable in. If your kids are the type to run and play, an outdoor location with plenty of space is key. If you have a family member who is shy or doesn’t like to be in front of the camera, an indoor location where they can feel more relaxed is ideal.

Pro Tip: Choose a location that is special to your family for an extra sentimental touch. This could be the park where you take family walks together, the beach where you spend your family vacations, or even your own backyard. Try to tie the location to where most of your family memories happen.

There is no right answer for this so just go with what feels best for your family!

Pick a date and time of day

Now that you’ve chosen a location, it’s time to pick a date and time for your family portrait session. The best time of day for family portraits is usually early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky and the lighting is softer and more flattering. The closer you are to sunrise or sunset the better the light will be for your portrait session. Bright overhead sunlight tends to cast dark shadows and causes squinty eyes, so avoid midday if possible.

Keep in mind that the time of year will also affect the best time of day for your family portrait. In the summer, early morning or late afternoon is ideal to avoid the hot weather. In the winter, late afternoon is a better choice as the sun sets early.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning an outdoor family portrait, make sure to check the weather forecast in advance. You don’t want your family portrait session to be rained out! If the weather is looking to be poor you can always reschedule the session to another time that works for your photographer and your family.

Also, consider the time of day when your family is the most active. If you have young kids, mornings might be best before they get too cranky. If your family enjoys a more relaxed evening schedule, then the late afternoon might be more accommodating.

Whatever you decide, make sure it works for your family’s schedule and is a time when everyone is well-rested and in good spirits.

Select your outfits in advance

Now it’s time to start thinking about what to wear for your family portrait! This is usually one of the most overwhelming parts of family portrait planning, but we’re here to help.

It is always best to plan this well out in advance, at least a few days before your session date. This way you have time to find the perfect outfits for everyone and avoid last-minute stress.

Plan one outfit first

When choosing your family’s outfits, it’s best to start with one person and build from there. Usually, it is recommended to plan Mom’s outfit first, as more times than not it is the most difficult outfit to select. Pick out an outfit that you feel confident and comfortable in, then use it as inspiration for the rest of the family’s looks.

Pro tips: When selecting outfits avoid busy patterns and large logos as they can be distracting. The photos should be about you and your family, not about the clothing.

Use the first outfit to inspire and build everyone’s outfit

Once you have selected Mom’s outfit, you can then start to coordinate the rest of the family’s outfits. Remember, you want your family’s outfits to coordinate without being too matchy-matchy. Try to stay within a color scheme and pick complementary colors. This doesn’t mean everyone has to wear the same exact colors or even be in similar tones. You can mix and match different colors as long as they look good together.

Use layers

Dressing in layers is always a great idea. This gives you the option to add or remove clothing depending on the temperature. As you already know, the weather in Colorado can change in an instant. Layers also help create easy wardrobe changes to add more variety to your photos. Simply removing or adding a single layer can create an entire wardrobe change for the whole family.

Accessorize!

Jewelry, scarves, and hair bands can really help to personalize your family’s look. But, as with clothing, avoid anything too busy or distracting. Accessories also add the opportunity for more wardrobe changes and help to create a more polished look.

Shoes

Don’t forget to consider what shoes everyone will be wearing. Shoes can really help to complete an outfit and pull everything together. Again, avoid anything too busy or that will take away from the overall look of the family portrait.

Make sure your shoes match your location. If you’re planning an outdoor family portrait, make sure everyone is wearing shoes that are appropriate for the terrain. You don’t want anyone to be uncomfortable or trip and fall while walking around during the session.

Pro tip: If you’re planning on taking family portraits outside, make sure everyone has comfortable shoes as you will likely be doing a lot of standing and walking.

Plan a wardrobe change

If the portrait session you purchased allows for it, plan your second wardrobe change as well. Keep in mind where your portrait session will take place. Will you have a good place to change? If not, plan your second outfit accordingly. Maybe you add or remove a layer or just make a simple change instead of an entire outfit change.

Be sure to pack all of the family’s outfits, accessories, and any other items you might need for the session in advance. It is always a good idea to have a bag packed and ready to go the night before your family portrait session. This will help to avoid any last-minute scrambling on the day of the session.

Finding help with outfit selection, if needed

If you’re having trouble putting together coordinated looks, there are a few ways to get some inspiration. You can look for family portrait outfit ideas on Pinterest, or search for family photos on Google. You can also ask your family photographer for suggestions as well.

Pro Tip: If you’re really stuck, you can always hire a professional stylist to help you put together the perfect family portrait outfits.

Comfort is super important

Remember, the most important thing is that everyone is comfortable in the outfit selected for them. If someone is uncomfortable, it will show in the photos.

Prepare your family for the session

Make sure everyone is well-rested

It is super important everyone is well rested and fed before the family portrait session. A cranky child or tired parent is not going to make for a fun family portrait experience. It’s hard to smile when you’re exhausted or hungry!

Also, avoid scheduling the family portrait session too close to naptime or bedtime. You want everyone to be alert and happy for the session.

Pack snacks

Make sure to pack snacks and drinks for everyone in the family. This will help to keep everyone’s energy up and avoid any meltdowns. Snacks can also be used as a bribe to keep everyone smiling and upbeat. Candy always works to get a little one back in the action when they are no longer feeling it. Maybe even pack a beer for dad. If an adult beverage helps mom and dad relax after getting the kiddos ready for the photo shoot then bring them.

Pro tip: Avoid snacks that take too long to eat or could stain clothes or teeth easily.

Arrange help with pets

The fur family is always welcome in the photo session. They are very much a part of the family and should be included in the photos. If you have pets that will be joining in on the family portrait session, make sure to arrange for someone to come along and take care of them while they are not in the photos. Having someone there to take care of your pet when it is not part of the pictures will ease the stress for everyone involved.

Be sure to bring your pet’s favorite treats and toys to the session so they can have a little something to help them relax.

If your pet is hyperactive and doesn’t follow commands too well, it might be best to leave them at home for this particular family portrait session. You will want to be able to focus on the family portrait session and not have to worry about your pets. Your family photographer can help you make this decision.

Brainstorm props or mementos

If you have young children, consider bringing along a favorite toy or blanket. This can help to keep them calm and happy during the family portrait session.

Props can also be used to add interest to your family portraits. Examples of props you could use are:

  • A family heirloom
  • A special piece of jewelry
  • A fun sign with your family’s name or a family saying
  • A basket or blanket for a picnic scene
  • Favorite sports activity (football or bikes)
  • Bubbles
  • Books
  • The family’s favorite board game
  • Signs with family members’ names

Props or activities give everyone something to do during the family portrait session. They help to add personality to the photos and make them more fun for everyone involved.

Set Expectations for the Family

Let the kids know what will be happening during the family portrait session in a laid-back, fun, and easy way. Explain you’ll be hanging out and playing with a family friend on Saturday. This will keep things light and casual, keeping the stress to a minimum.

If you have young children, it might be helpful to do a practice run with them. Show them what will be happening on family portrait day. Have them play and interact with mom or dad while the other takes some photos. This way they will know exactly what to expect and there will be no surprises.

Tips for the day of the photo session

You don’t have to look at the camera

The best pictures are usually the ones where people are not looking at the camera. Interacting and playing with each other usually results in more natural and relaxed photos. No need to look into the camera and say “Cheese”! Good photographers are striving to capture the family’s connection and love for each other.

To create more candid photos ask your family members to do something together, such as:

  • Tickle fight!
  • Tell jokes
  • Play a game of rock, paper, scissors
  • Blow bubbles
  • Play catch
  • Kisses on the cheek
  • Hugs and snuggles

You’re encouraged not to look at the photographer. In fact, forget your photographer is even there. Your photographer will ask everyone to look at the camera if there is a good moment for it.

Pro tip: When in doubt, smile and look at your family

Stand close together

Standing close together, like really close to each other. It will show the family connection in the photos. There should be barely any space between family members. If you have small children, pick them up or hold them. Grab your partner and bring them close. Hug and be together. It will make for great photos.

Let the kids be the star

Do you want your kids to fall in love with the camera? Then let them be the star of the session! They will have more fun and you will get some great photos of your family in the process.

  • Ask them to be silly
  • Let them lead the way
  • Allow them to tell a joke or an embarrassing story about dad
  • Follow their lead
  • Ask them to talk about themselves

Make them feel special. Take a few pictures with them exclusively.

If your kiddo excels at an activity or sport this is the perfect time for them to show off their skill.

Slow down and relax

You may feel pressed for time during family portrait sessions, but it’s important to take your time and relax. Let your photographer stress about the time constraints. If you’re feeling rushed, it will show in the photos. Slow down, have a seat, and take a deep breath. The family portrait session will be over before you know it, so enjoy the play time and be in the moment.

Expect your photographer to move around

A good photographer is always looking for a new angle or vantage point. They may move around a lot during the family portrait session, don’t be alarmed. They may even walk further away from you to get a new image. This is all part of getting the best photos possible.

Keep doing what you are doing and enjoy the time with your family. Your photographer will let you know if there is anything you need to do.

Have fun

This is most important! Have fun. The family portrait session is a great time to bond with your family and create lasting memories. Enjoy the time together and let your personalities shine through.

Marshal Snead Photography is here to help

If you’re looking to capture beautiful family portraits that will last a lifetime, follow these simple tips. First, choose a location and date. Next, decide on your family’s outfits. Lastly, have fun and enjoy the time with your family.

Marshal Snead Photography is always here to help capture your family’s unique love and connection. Contact us today to book your family portrait session.

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