Family photos. Always the right choice because nobody ever looks back on pictures and thinks they shouldn’t have taken them. Okay, let me rephrase. Nobody ever looks back on professional FAMILY pictures and regrets it. Lord knows we all have pictures from some point in our life that really shouldn’t exist LOL. But seriously, even if you don’t love the way you look in the photos or your daughter’s dress is the wrong color or the baby looks mad or you forgot to brush someone’s hair … it’s your family. It’s a piece of your life forever frozen in time, and someday in the future, you will be so glad those photos are there.
Now, I could say I’ve got expert advice on how to rock your photo shoot with your little ones, but that would be a bit dishonest because I made a few mistakes in this shoot … I mean, in one particular photo, I look like I’m in my second trimester (and in case you’re wondering … I am NOT pregnant), and the first thing I said when I saw some of the pictures was, “How did I not notice Chloe’s hair looks like she rolled out of bed?!” But maybe that’s why I should go ahead and list some tips anyway … we do learn by mistakes, right? But here’s the thing. It really doesn’t matter what mistakes you may or may not make … just do the photo shoot. I promise it will be worth every penny, every piece of bribe candy and every stressful minute planning the perfect coordinating outfits. So let me break down my “tips” based on both mistakes and wins.
* Outfits. I think this was a win for us overall. I chose coordinating colors, but nothing matchy (though I think matching your kids’ clothes could be cute). And although I loved my dress, I bought a size too big, thinking it would be fine, but I’m pretty sure that led to my maternity photo (oh please let that be the reason!) so I guess I would recommend choosing an outfit for yourself that is the correct size and will be flattering in photos. Maybe even take a few beforehand so you know how it’s going to look. We took our pictures in a forest and had to hike a bit to get to the location. Chloe’s shoe choice might not have been practical, but they sure are cute so no regrets there, but that might be something to consider. And lastly, whatever outfits you choose, make sure the colors will look good up on your wall in that framed photo.
*Hair. Brush it. Brush your own and brush your kids’. You laugh, but here’s the thing. My sweet Chloe’s hair looks like bedhead because I did brush it before we left the house, but forgot to touch it up again once we arrived on location. Toddlers rub their head on the back of their carseat, run their hands through it and play with their hair bows. So bring along a comb and some hairspray and remember to check everyone’s hair before the camera starts snapping.
*Bribery. Do it. Bring along snacks that aren’t messy (no cheetohs, you know) and can be eaten quickly. Think fruit snacks, mini marshmallows and skittles. Hand them out like … well, candy. Believe me, Chloe’s smile is SPOT ON when the lure of a fruit snack is right around the corner. And it was … and she smiled wonderfully for us in most of the pictures.
*Fun. Just have fun and try not to make everything feel forced. Your kids will be more relaxed and you’ll get great candids, which are my favorite anyway. Tickle your kids, spin them around, throw them in the air (that sounds weird, but I’m pretty sure you know what I mean), kiss their cheeks … you get the picture (aww, my dad would be proud of that pun).
*Props. Be prepared with items that might make your life easier. Toys that make your baby look up, a blanket in case you want any sitting photos (or in our case, a place for the baby to sit for her individual pictures) and of course the bag with the bribery treats 🙂 This was a win for us for the most part, but we struggled to get Emmy to crack a smile. No toy was going to work for her. Not even me AND our sweet photographer singing “baby shark” to her. And let me tell you, singing that song to a baby and not getting even a hint of a smile in return is just embarrassing.
*Time. Pick the right time for your family and for good pictures. Typically, the best lighting occurs in the early evening before dusk, but morning can lend itself to nice photos as well. But even more importantly? Pick a time when your kids are rested, fed and happy (I feel ya if you’re giggling right now). For us, the time was absolutely perfect – after nap and snack, but well before dinner and bedtime. Best lighting and best happy hour for the girls. Win-win.
What are some of your best tips to totally rock family photos?
xoxo,
Heidi
***Thank you to Hannah Goodale from Hannah Alyse Photography for these beautiful photos. I edited them over with my instagram edit because, well, gotta keep my insta consistent, but her original edits are just lovely.
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