Taking family portraits is an important event for any family. It's a chance to laugh, smile, and capture memories with each other. But before you can have one of the best days of your life, there are some things you should do! In this post, we'll go through everything you need to know about preparing for your family photoshoot so that you look good and feel great on camera.
Pick The Perfect Season For Family Portraits
You might not think about this, but the season you choose for your photoshoot can make a big difference.
When you are planning for family photos, think about when the leaves are changing color or in the springtime, when everything is green again.
If you want fall pictures, the best time for them would be around October and November. This is because you will get more vibrant colors from the trees and flowers!
If you want a spring photoshoot, it is best to pick a weekend in May or April when the flowers are all colorful and the grass and trees are green.
Choose A Photographer That Is Right For You
After you choose the perfect season, it's time to find a family photographer!
You should look for someone who specializes in family photos and has lots of testimonials from other happy customers. You'll also want to see if they have experience with children so that your family isn't just another shoot on their list.
You also want the photographer to be right for your family's personality. If you are laid back, choose someone who is calm and easygoing. On the other hand, if your family loves to laugh and have fun with each other then find photographers that will join in on all of your crazy ideas!
Schedule Your Appointment
If you are choosing a photographer, make sure to schedule your appointment first. This way your photographer and your family can get prepared for the day of the photoshoot.
You also want to do this early because photographers tend to book up quickly. So if you wait until closer to the date, it might not fit your family's schedule.
Choose The Location For Awesome Family Photos
Now that you have your photographer and when the appointment is, it's time to choose a location!
You want the photoshoot to be in a place where everyone will feel comfortable and happy. So think about if there are any places like this for your family:
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Do you want to do it at their studio, inside or outside?
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Would you rather have it at your house?
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Is there a certain park or place that your family loves?
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You can even ask photographers if they know of any good places where they do photoshoots!
Decide Where Your Portraits Will Go In Your Home
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After you have your location, it's time to decide where the pictures are going in your house.
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You will want them somewhere that is easy for everyone to see and enjoy! Some places photographers would recommend include:
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The hallway leading up to a bedroom or bathroom
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A living room space on top of a fireplace mantle, facing out into the room
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A family room or office
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On your dining room wall
Choose Outfits For The Whole Family
The photographers will help you decide on outfits for your photoshoots, but it never hurts to have a few ideas of what everyone should wear!
Make sure the outfits fit your family's personality and that they're easy to wear. For example, if dressy just doesn't fit your style then dress more casual. These are your pictures, so they need to fit your family's style.
Also, remember that the season is important to think about when it comes to outfits as well. Wear warmer layers that will cover up arms and legs in fall or winter, but choose lighter outfits that are perfect for spring.
If you are doing the photoshoot outside, make sure everyone has comfortable shoes on!
Will Your Pet(s) Be Taking Family Photos With You?
Finally, it's time to think about if you want your pet(s) in the picture!
Remember that pets can be unpredictable and may not like all of the attention from strangers. If this is a concern then leave them at home or bring someone along with you who will help control them during the shoot.
If they are going to be in the shoot, make sure you let your photographer know ahead of time! They can help you choose a location that will work best for them too.
The photographers will take extra pictures with your pet(s) and family together. This added bonus is normally included at no extra cost when booking.
Pack Everything Night Before Shoot
Finally, make sure you pack everything your family needs the night before.
You will want to wake up early and be ready for anything that happens on the day of!
Remember to bring extra clothes in case something spills, blankets or jackets if it's cold outside, and snacks like granola bars and water for the children if they get hungry.
Also, bring any makeup you need like your favorite lipstick or powder.
Get A Good Night Sleep
The last thing you want to do is not sleep well the night before your photoshoot!
You will look worse for wear if you are exhausted and won't be able to enjoy yourself or feel confident.
You also don't want the little ones to be cranky and tired.
So make sure everyone gets a good night's rest so they can feel their best on picture day!
This way, even if something doesn't go exactly as planned, you will be able to stay positive and enjoy the process.
When You Arrive At Studio, Bring Everything In
When you arrive at the studio to do your photoshoot, make sure everyone has their outfits and everything they need and take them into the dressing area.
This will make it easier on everyone because all of these things won't be scattered all over the studio.
Pack everything into one bag or basket that can be easily carried by whoever is coming in with you. This way, there won't be any confusion about which items are needed for each family member!
Most Of All, Relax And Have Fun!
The most important thing to remember on the day of your shoot is that you don't need to be perfect.
It's ok if someone spills something or gets a little cranky, as long as everyone tries their best and has fun together!
Remember that this time will create memories for years and years that you won't ever want to forget.
Don't forget to laugh and play around. Sometimes the candid pictures end up being the family's favorites.
So relax, have fun and let the professionals take care of all of the hard work!
A family photoshoot is a great way to capture the people you love and share memories with them. You can find the best photographers who will help make your day memorable. Follow these few simple steps for planning your shoot so you get everything right on picture day: pick an outfit everyone feels comfortable in; pack all the essentials; bring someone along with you if there are pets involved; have fun while getting photos taken! If something goes wrong, don't worry because they'll be able to fix it when shooting time comes around. Remember that this experience should be one full of laughter and joy - after all, these pictures last forever.
Interested in a Family Photoshoot with Misty Westebbe Photography?
Call us at 615.281.0612
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At Misty Westebbe Photography, we specialize in all your family photography needs! This includes maternity, newborn, baby, children, family, and high school senior portraits. Our Cottage Garden studio is nestled in downtown Franklin Tn on 2.5 acres, and services clients in Nashville, Franklin, Leipers Fork, Brentwood, Belle Meade, Green Hills, Thompson Station, Murfreesboro, and more!
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