Family Session Prep!
To help you prep for our shoot, I’ve put together a guide that’ll ensure we get a big batch of framers.
How to dress for your session
It’s the hardest part of the whole thing, isn’t it? There are a few places you can start as you think about pulling wardrobe together. What does our setting call for, more casual or formal? Can you start with an outfit for the person who is hardest to dress in your family and work outwards from there? Does anyone have a favorite piece already that you want to build everything around?
From there, pick a loose color scheme if one hasn’t already revealed itself. If nothing feels quite right, neutrals and earth tones are the easiest route where everything generally looks pretty good. I’d put a special focus on texture as you hunt for pieces. Knits photograph beautifully. Subtle patterns help with the visual texture, like small stripes or floral patterns. Accessories can also help bring everything together in a cohesive way, while also adding more personality.
Make sure your kids feel comfortable in what they’re wearing. For spring and fall outdoor sessions, consider outfits with layers or have a backup option on hand. Temperatures can fluctuate pretty wildly, depending on the time of day.
What to expect during our shoot
My main goal with every family session is to nail that smiling-at-the-camera shot of all of you. It’s the framer, the Christmas card photo, the “one good one!” Although to get there, I don’t ask or expect your kids to sit still the whole time. I might ask you all to do some silly faces. We may take a break to see how high they can jump or how loudly they can sing. It’s important that your kids see this as a fun activity that they want to participate in. And honestly, I adore the candids that it produces as well. That’s the stuff that really lights me up as a photographer, when it’s honest and fun and in-the-moment.
After we’ve got the classic framers in the bag, then we let the kids loose and get creative. I’m looking to capture more of your relationships, personalities, quirks, and anything else that comes my way during our time together. We’ll keep things moving, invent some games, show affection—anything that allows you to be fully present together. While the ultimate goal is great photos, I want this to be a time where you can connect with your family too.
Ways to make your session more personal
Shoot at home. Whether that’s indoors, the backyard, or going for a walk in the neighborhood. Being in a place where your kids are already comfortable brings a beautiful, natural element to our session.
Incorporate a real life activity. Is there a special treat they love? Let’s end our session with popsicles on the deck. Do they love reading with you? Let’s spread out a picnic blanket in the park and have a quick story time with the book they always reach for.
Add heirlooms. Maybe it’s dressing your kid in an outfit you wore when you were small? Incorporating a beloved stuffed animal? Recreating a photo of you and your parent that you treasure?
Preparing for our shoot
I’d love to know if there is a certain phrase that will help your kids smile, a song they know and love, or a Youtube video to have queued up in case we need reinforcements. I find it helpful to think on it in the week leading up to our session—what my own kids respond to changes pretty quickly and it can be hard to remember in the moment.
Feel free to bring snacks as motivation. Marshmallows or Goldfish work well, or anything that can be given one at a time. Bribes tend to work if you need ‘em, big or small. No judgement!
Tell me if you have any priorities for our shoot that you want me to know ahead of time. With smaller children, the “best” photos usually happen first, when they’re more willing to sit and smile for the camera.
Try to let go of any unrealistic expectations for your kiddos. They’ll feed off of your energy so if you’re stressed, they’ll respond in kind. I’m always aiming to keep the mood light, although every once in a while there are some tears, whether that’s a scraped knee, a shy child, or some other factor you can’t control. That can be beautiful too! Some of my favorite images have come when a parent steps in for comfort, showing a beautiful slice of real life.
Please give me a heads up if anyone in your family has special needs. I want this to be a great experience for everyone and will support you any way I can.
Let’s do this!
Have any questions? Email me, I’d love to help.
Want to send some outfit snapshots my way? kimberly@studiokh.com
I’m thrilled to get to photograph your family! Let’s make some magic together.