Let’s face it…family photo sessions can be challenging…for not only the family, but sometimes the photographer as well. I like to educate my photography clients and give them the following tips BEFORE their session, to help them get the most out of their photography experience.
1. Clients choose your clothing carefully.
Have your clothing chosen way in advance and make sure that your outfit choices are comfortable and attractive and fit well. What do your dream family photos look like? What location will you have your session at. If they are soft and elegant? Chose neutral colors with soft, flowing fabrics…. think creams, very soft pastels, oatmeals, light browns, tans, grays, and slate blues. Want to showcase the fun and spunky side of your family? Choose coordinating colors (but not matchy, matchy) with bold accent colors, such as hues of gray with yellow or bright red accents. Adding fun accessories like scarves, headbands, hats, etc. can add a modern twist and sassy flair to your images.
My suggestion is to pick 3 colors to work with in your scheme. Adding layers and textures with your clothing gives interest to your photos. Avoid t-shirt logo clothing, and too many pattern prints. If you choose to do a pattern print, then others would look best in more simple to solid colors. Check out Pinterest for some great color scheme ideas.
https://www.pinterest.com/wendycampo/what-to-wear/
2. Please be well rested and well fed.
Be certain not to schedule your photo session around your child’s nap or bedtime. The best time for lighting is the one-two hours before sunset and after sunrise. If this is a bad time for your children, talk with your photographer. We can shoot at any time of day by utilizing areas of open shade that will give your skin a beautiful hue and put a sparkle in your eyes. Don’t show up to a photo shoot on an empty stomach, be sure to give everyone a healthy snack before the photo shoot. If you wish for little ones, you can bring a non messy snack and water. Ex. Goldfish, pretzels, cheerios, apple slices, etc.
3. Be sure to leave plenty of time to get ready.
Moms are often rushing around before a photo shoot, making sure that their family is dressed and ready. I always encourage mothers to have their hair and makeup done prior so she can focus on the rest of the family as needed. This will prepare mom for her pictures and when mom is feeling pretty and confident, this will reflect on the rest of the family as well. Leave plenty of time for showers, baths, dressing, and grooming. When a family shows up to a family photo session rushed, it sets the tone for not so happy moments. Give yourself extra time so that you are ready before it’s time to head out that door. Also arriving on time or even a few minutes early to your photo session insures that you are able to have a full-session with your photographer with the best lighting conditions.
4. Ask the family to be cheerful participants.
Let’s face it…not everyone wants to be at the photo session, but please cheerfully participate. I know that some members may dread the family photo session, but please understand how important capturing your family is. These images will be left as a legacy, when your children are grown, with families of their own someday. Family photos are treasured forever and they are so important. Please, please, cheerfully participate in your family photo session. Once you see your happy wife/mom and amazing photographs, you will be so glad that you gave this time to your family.
5. Smiles
Understand that photos can be beautiful even without smiles. No need for anyone to be upset when their child is not smiling. Please don't ask them to say "cheese" or demand young children to look at the camera to smile. This will only stress your children out (not to mention the photographer) :) and will result in unnatural and often unflattering photographs. It’s ok...let me interact with the child and hopefully we can pull out some natural smiles in time without them looking like forced smiles. Allow me to naturally interact and talk with your children. It's important to give them time to warm up. This interaction often will result in natural, gorgeous smiles. If needed, you could help the photographer capture the true essence of your child’s personality by talking with and coaxing out those smiles naturally and easily. We want this to be a great experience!!
6. Have fun with your family... not all photos need to be posed and having everyone look at the camera.
Don’t be afraid to interact with your children... maybe even toss them in the air. Give your wife a sweet kiss on the cheek. Tell your husband how much you love him and appreciate him for being there for your family. Have fun. Laugh. Giggle. Joke. Embrace. Kiss. Snuggle. Play. Doing these things will allow the photographer to capture the emotion and true beauty of your family. Show your photographer who you really are, so that she has the opportunity to capture your love through her lens.
7. Bring an activity that you enjoy doing together as a family.
Incorporate an activity that your family loves to do together. This gives you something to do with your hands and feet, engages the little ones, and brings an authentic smile to your face. Do you love to read together or sing /play an instrument? Bring some books or a guitar and sing. Play with bubbles or a ball? Love to play board games or cards? Bring them along and play a round or two. Other ideas include: football, piggy back rides, races, bike riding, hiking, picnics, the ideas are endless. When families are engaged in doing something that they love together, the photographer will have the opportunity to take some beautiful and authentic photographs and capture your individual personalities.
8. NOT everyone has to be looking and smiling at the camera at the same time.
The best photographs are often the ones where everyone is engaged or interacting with each other. Understand that not every picture needs to have everyone looking at the camera and smiling at the same time. If you are engaged as a family and loving on each other, your eyes will be on your family members and your smile with be natural. These are the photographs that you will cherish most because they depict your family connection and your love.
I shoot both posed and natural photos of interaction within the session. Feel free to share your ideas about your session and dream photos. I want your time together to be special and not stressful. If your child is having a bad day and not wanting to do the things you want, no worries. Take a little stroll and leave that stress to me. I will talk and interact with your child and help them feel comfortable, and hopefully bring out some natural smiles.
General Advice
1. Clients choose your clothing carefully.
Have your clothing chosen way in advance and make sure that your outfit choices are comfortable and attractive and fit well. What do your dream family photos look like? What location will you have your session at. If they are soft and elegant? Chose neutral colors with soft, flowing fabrics…. think creams, very soft pastels, oatmeals, light browns, tans, grays, and slate blues. Want to showcase the fun and spunky side of your family? Choose coordinating colors (but not matchy, matchy) with bold accent colors, such as hues of gray with yellow or bright red accents. Adding fun accessories like scarves, headbands, hats, etc. can add a modern twist and sassy flair to your images.
My suggestion is to pick 3 colors to work with in your scheme. Adding layers and textures with your clothing gives interest to your photos. Avoid t-shirt logo clothing, and too many pattern prints. If you choose to do a pattern print, then others would look best in more simple to solid colors. Check out Pinterest for some great color scheme ideas.
https://www.pinterest.com/wendycampo/what-to-wear/
2. Please be well rested and well fed.
Be certain not to schedule your photo session around your child’s nap or bedtime. The best time for lighting is the one-two hours before sunset and after sunrise. If this is a bad time for your children, talk with your photographer. We can shoot at any time of day by utilizing areas of open shade that will give your skin a beautiful hue and put a sparkle in your eyes. Don’t show up to a photo shoot on an empty stomach, be sure to give everyone a healthy snack before the photo shoot. If you wish for little ones, you can bring a non messy snack and water. Ex. Goldfish, pretzels, cheerios, apple slices, etc.
3. Be sure to leave plenty of time to get ready.
Moms are often rushing around before a photo shoot, making sure that their family is dressed and ready. I always encourage mothers to have their hair and makeup done prior so she can focus on the rest of the family as needed. This will prepare mom for her pictures and when mom is feeling pretty and confident, this will reflect on the rest of the family as well. Leave plenty of time for showers, baths, dressing, and grooming. When a family shows up to a family photo session rushed, it sets the tone for not so happy moments. Give yourself extra time so that you are ready before it’s time to head out that door. Also arriving on time or even a few minutes early to your photo session insures that you are able to have a full-session with your photographer with the best lighting conditions.
4. Ask the family to be cheerful participants.
Let’s face it…not everyone wants to be at the photo session, but please cheerfully participate. I know that some members may dread the family photo session, but please understand how important capturing your family is. These images will be left as a legacy, when your children are grown, with families of their own someday. Family photos are treasured forever and they are so important. Please, please, cheerfully participate in your family photo session. Once you see your happy wife/mom and amazing photographs, you will be so glad that you gave this time to your family.
5. Smiles
Understand that photos can be beautiful even without smiles. No need for anyone to be upset when their child is not smiling. Please don't ask them to say "cheese" or demand young children to look at the camera to smile. This will only stress your children out (not to mention the photographer) :) and will result in unnatural and often unflattering photographs. It’s ok...let me interact with the child and hopefully we can pull out some natural smiles in time without them looking like forced smiles. Allow me to naturally interact and talk with your children. It's important to give them time to warm up. This interaction often will result in natural, gorgeous smiles. If needed, you could help the photographer capture the true essence of your child’s personality by talking with and coaxing out those smiles naturally and easily. We want this to be a great experience!!
6. Have fun with your family... not all photos need to be posed and having everyone look at the camera.
Don’t be afraid to interact with your children... maybe even toss them in the air. Give your wife a sweet kiss on the cheek. Tell your husband how much you love him and appreciate him for being there for your family. Have fun. Laugh. Giggle. Joke. Embrace. Kiss. Snuggle. Play. Doing these things will allow the photographer to capture the emotion and true beauty of your family. Show your photographer who you really are, so that she has the opportunity to capture your love through her lens.
7. Bring an activity that you enjoy doing together as a family.
Incorporate an activity that your family loves to do together. This gives you something to do with your hands and feet, engages the little ones, and brings an authentic smile to your face. Do you love to read together or sing /play an instrument? Bring some books or a guitar and sing. Play with bubbles or a ball? Love to play board games or cards? Bring them along and play a round or two. Other ideas include: football, piggy back rides, races, bike riding, hiking, picnics, the ideas are endless. When families are engaged in doing something that they love together, the photographer will have the opportunity to take some beautiful and authentic photographs and capture your individual personalities.
8. NOT everyone has to be looking and smiling at the camera at the same time.
The best photographs are often the ones where everyone is engaged or interacting with each other. Understand that not every picture needs to have everyone looking at the camera and smiling at the same time. If you are engaged as a family and loving on each other, your eyes will be on your family members and your smile with be natural. These are the photographs that you will cherish most because they depict your family connection and your love.
I shoot both posed and natural photos of interaction within the session. Feel free to share your ideas about your session and dream photos. I want your time together to be special and not stressful. If your child is having a bad day and not wanting to do the things you want, no worries. Take a little stroll and leave that stress to me. I will talk and interact with your child and help them feel comfortable, and hopefully bring out some natural smiles.
General Advice
- Hair – If you’re getting a haircut for your shoot, do so about two weeks beforehand, just in case it goes wrong – you just never know. For men, a fresh cut a couple of days before the shoot is fine.
- Hair accessories – If you’re shooting outdoors, be ready to put your hair up and make it look nice in case of a windy day. Bring bobby pins, hair clips, headbands or any other favorite accessories.
- Glasses – If folks wouldn’t recognize you without glasses, you want to wear glasses in your shoot – however, the glare on glasses can detract from your eyes in photos. I may have you tilt your head for best lighting. You can also have your lenses removed from your frames for your shoot or ask your eye doctor to loan you a pair of similar frames.
- Red eyes – Visine is your friend.
- Lips – You will probably wipe or lick your lips during your shoot, so bring fresh lip gloss or lipstick to do touch-up. Use lip balm for a few days in advance of your shoot to make your lips look their best.
- Teeth – If you want to brighten your smile, start your treatments about two weeks before your shoot.
- Breakouts – Start using African Black Bar Soap for a week in advance of your shoot to help reduce and limit pimples and blemishes. Equally important, don’t cake on a lot of make-up to try to hide blemishes – it’s almost always easier to Photoshop away pimples than to clean up overdone make-up. For fever blisters, use Abreva if one pops up.
- Make-up – A subtle application of make-up can really soften your skin and accent your facial features. Please make sure you are careful to match your skin tone, or your face may look orange compared to the rest of your body.
- Facial hair – Men, be freshly shaved with a new razor, shaving cream and a moisturizing after-shave lotion to avoid bumps and redness. Trim up your board, sideburns, mustache or goatee, especially looking for wiry stray hairs. Ladies, even if you have some light facial hair (particularly around your lip or chin), indulge in a waxing in advance of your shoot – even barely-there light facial hair will be noticeable in your photos. Men and women both, pluck and clean up those eyebrows.
- Moisturizer – Dry skin can really detract from a great photo shoot. Start moisturizing nightly a week in advance of your shoot. When you get out of the shower, dry off until lightly damp, and slather on moisturizer. Focus on your arms, shoulders, neck, face, hands, anywhere you’ll be exposed to the camera. This includes your legs if you’re shooting in shorts or a skirt. ProTip: For dry skin on your face, especially around your nose, use a sugar scrub. Mix a cup of sugar with about a quarter cup of olive oil, or just until it looks like wet sand. Scrub your face with it anywhere you have flaky skin, wash it off, then wash with soap to remove the oil. The sugar paste shouldn’t be oily, just wet enough to moisten the sugar. Also, be sure to use a facial moisturizer, not a thick body moisturizer, or you could break out. [Us men, of course, are most in need of this advice, especially around the face and hands.]
- Nails – A fresh coat of nail polish is best. Pick a neutral color that won’t distract in your shoot or clash with your outfits. Your photo shoot is a great excuse for a fresh manicure, but if you can’t go to the salon, make sure your nails look tidy and clean, including the cuticles.
- Bloating – Ladies, avoid high salt and high fat foods for two to three days in advance of your shoot to help prevent bloating.
- Undergarments – Bra straps won’t do anything to help your outfit look its best. Be sure you bring a set of bras and strap-adjusting accessories to work with any outfit you want to shoot in to keep those straps well-hidden.
- Sun burns and tan lines – If you plan to tan before your shoot, it's best to do at least a week beforehand and don’t get burned. Be mindful of clothing tan lines, sunglass tan lines, hat tan lines, etc.
- Ironing – If you iron, iron the night before and then hang the clothes for your shoot. If you’re wearing something that wrinkles easily, don’t wear it in the car on the way to the shoot – just change at the location.
- Shoes – Ladies, can’t go wrong in heels, boots, sandals or wedges. Heels elongate women’s legs and make them look their best. Men, closed toes shoes are more masculine… Dress shoes, boots are best… but as with most things, let your momma or your wife decide.