Getting ready for family photos can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. 

Here are some top tips on how to make your experience as low stress as possible and -ultimately - to have FUN!

 

 

1. PREP IN ADVANCE

    Procrastinators - I’m looking at you! Don’t wait until the last minute to decide on what to wear!! This is often the #1 stress-causer for families getting ready for their photoshoot. Plan in advance what everyone is wearing. Get it approved by your photographer. And allow plenty of time if you need to order outfits online. I offer my families a step by step clothing guide here to help with the planning process and provide lots of extra tips and resources on this subject. Don’t wait! 

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2. COMFORT OVER CUTENESS

    When selecting outfits, especially for children, don’t select something you know they will hate - this may seem obvious but how many times do we fall in love with an outfit that ends up being too itchy, not comfortable and they just plain REFUSE to wear it. This discomfort will make any photoshoot a less than pleasant experience. Select outfits you and your children can play, dance and move around in. Wool is great in photographs but can be itchy - so select an undershirt to go under it if needed.

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3. TRY IT ON EARLY

    I cannot stress this enough - if ordering outfits online, especially, order well in advance in case it doesn’t fit and you need to exchange it. For children’s outfits, even if you swear up and down it fit on them just a month ago, THEY GROW FAST! Check to make sure it still fits a couple weeks in advance.

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4. CLOSET THE WARDROBE

    Once you determine what everyone is wearing - STASH away all the outfits in the closet, washed, ironed & steamed (if needed) and don’t bring them out again until your session.

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5. BACKUP OUTFITS

    This just sounds like more work, and it is, BUT, it will give you peace of mind the time of the session. These don’t have to be super fancy like your original picks but just another option in case the worst happens. A personal story - I was on my way to the location to photograph my 3 month old daughter and luckily she had pooped A LOT just BEFORE I had put her special outfit on & get in the car. Well, on the drive over, she had ANOTHER blow out poop all over her WHITE photography outfit. I couldn’t believe the odds. Luckily, I had another white outfit, not my favorite, but oh well. At least I had it packed and we didn't miss the sunset light.

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6. PREP BAG NIGHT BEFORE

    Don’t wait until you’re out the door to think of what to bring to your photo session. What should you bring, you might ask? Here are a couple things:

 

    - your backup outfits

    - tissues/wipes for those boogers and unnoticed peanut butter lips!

    - snacks - non-crumbly non-tongue staining easy snacks (think cheese sticks & coco melts)

    - hairbrush/ comb - I prefer photographing messy hair over gelled back, perfect hair - but a comb does come in handy for those unexpected knots after a long car ride. 

    - your sanity lol!

 

 

7. LET GO OF EXPECTATIONS

    Speaking of sanity, this may be the hardest one of all. I get it- You want beautiful photographs and you hope your children (and husband!) behave. The truth is, they will feed off your energy - if you’re stressed, they will act out, trust me, I know from experience. If you let go, and treat the photo session as “just another family outing,” where you guys have fun, relax, and enjoy each other and be in the moment, things will simply unfold before the camera. It’s MY job to worry about getting the best shots, so LET GO and enjoy your family as they are.

 

 

8. PREP THE KIDS GENTLY

    Going off the last tip, just let them know this is going to be a fun family outing - not a big, serious event. Tell them you guys will play, snuggle, and laugh at (fill in the blank location) while Nicole takes pictures of us. Ask them what photos they want to get captured! They’ll feel good about having a say in it.

 

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9. PLAN NAPS & MEALS ACCORDINGLY

    Another hard one, especially for those sunsets that occur super late (think July) or right around dinner time (hello, fall!). But this is an important one - getting young kids to nap beforehand and well fed can make all the difference. Bring snacks if needed - we can always stop photographing and take a quick snack break. 

 

 

10. ARRIVE TO SESSION AHEAD OF TIME

    Plug in the address earlier that day to see exactly how long it will take to get to your photo session location, then factor in evening traffic. Plan to arrive a little early to go to the bathroom, eat a last minute snack, and brush hair. Arriving 10 minutes early will leave you feeling relaxed and ready to go!

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BONUS TIP!   ——>  CHOOSE THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER!

    And lastly, choose a photographer (hi!!) that will help guide you in every step of the way. I make sure that my families are feeling well prepared, confident, and ready to go before their session, from wardrobe to location, taking a lot of the thinking off your hands.

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Ready for your photo session? Book here & let's get started! I can't wait to meet you!

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