Preparing for your family photography session

So you’ve booked your family photoshoot, now what? We know preparing for your family session can sometimes be really stressful. What are you all going to wear, will the kids smile or even want to partake in the session?

Here are some tips and tricks to help you prepare! While we have found the following can help, we know that every child and every family is different. These are just suggestions to try to capture the smiles and laughter! But really, we like to capture the raw and real moments you want to freeze in time.

1 - You have finalized the backdrop/theme or location you would like so now we need to match your outfit to that set. We always suggest wearing clothing that you are most comfortable in and that allows you to move freely. We will always send clothing suggestions in our “how to prepare for your family session” paperwork, but please reach out and ask questions. The further in advance you plan the outfits, the better you will feel.

2 - Are there any appointments you want to book before your session? Do you want your hair or your children’s hair cut, or even styled before your shoot? Do you want to have a manicure or your makeup done? Now is the time to book those appointments.

3 -We suggest that you take time to prepare your kids several days (and sometimes weeks) in advance and promise a reward afterwards for good behaviour. Children love to have something to look forward to and celebrate! Again, this doesn’t work for every family but, we find it helps.

4 - Iron, Iron, Iron your clothing. I can’t stress that enough. Do it the night before if you have a morning shoot and hang them up. Clothing wrinkles cannot be edited out.

5- Try :) to get a good night's sleep and drink lots of water the night before and the day of your shoot.

6 -Give yourself lots of time before your session. Time to shower get dressed and prepared. If everyone arrives rushed and disorganized, that will set the tone for the rest of the shoot. Parents and children are generally less anxious when everyone is ahead of schedule. We suggest for a morning session, do not make any plans before and for an afternoon/evening session, leave plenty of time to get ready!

7 - If you have young children, pack their favourite toys or stuffies! Bring some light snacks but, please try to avoid overly messy foods so their clothing doesn’t get messed up during the shoot. Let your photographer know ahead of time about their favourite characters, tv shows perhaps or songs. Does your family like reading? Then bring along a few books. If board games are your thing, then bring them. Maybe even a soccer ball or a small tossing ball. Your photographer will be able to capture some beautiful moments when your family is doing something they love together.

8- For young children, we advise that you dress them upon arrival or, don’t let them eat or drink on route to the shoot. Clothing textures are impossible to edit.

9 - Let’s make your family photography session a good experience. Let’s not force smiles or repeat the word “cheese” over and over. We want families to have fun and not dread photoshoots. We know it would be perfect if everyone was looking at the camera for every photo but, trust us, those raw real moments of laughter and silliness are stunning as well. HOT TOP - parents, let your photographer capture your children’s attention if you are in the photo. In SO many of our family photography sessions, parents are looking at their children, talking or trying to get their attention instead of looking at the camera!

10- Your actual photo session may only last 10 - 30 minutes or less if you have young children. While most clients want to know how long the session may be, we want to ensure we get the shots but we also do not want to lose the interest or patience of everyone (especially young children, and after 10 years of family photography experience, sometimes Dads - not all but, it can happen).

If you are interested in booking a family photography session in West or North Vancouver, please follow this link https://www.markyourmoments.ca/familysessions or, feel free to reach out to info@markyourmoments.ca for other locations and questions.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have and look forward to meeting you - Anita (owner and main photographer at Mark Your Moments)