How To Have The Best Family Photoshoot | The H Family

Georgia Photographer | Georgia Family Photographer

Family Photoshoot Inspiration // Lifestyle Family Photoshoot

It’s no secret that family photoshoots can feel super stressful at times. From coordinating outfits to getting everyone ready and out of the house on schedule, there are so many factors that go into a family photoshoot.

Lucky for you, family photoshoots are some of my favorite, and as someone who has photographed hundreds of families, I’ve learned lots of tips and tricks over the years to help you pull off an amazing family photoshoot.

First and foremost, scheduling is everything! Not all photographers offer mini sessions, but if this is something you’re considering, ask yourself if you feel like the shortened timeframe will be enough time for your child to warm up to their surroundings. If the answer is no, then you may want to avoid mini sessions altogether, and splurge for a full hour or longer session! After all, these are the memories of a lifetime!

Next, and this may be the hardest part about family photoshoots yet, you have to choose your outfits. This task seems the most daunting, but it’s honestly a make or break for any photoshoot situation! My biggest tip? Stay away from being overly matchy-matchy. This has the potential to be the main focus of the photos, and even though the fits should be on point, they’re not the stars of the show. We want the outfits to compliment the subjects not become an eye sore.

I recommend mixing patterns the way the H Family has done! The plaid pattern of the skirt pairs super well with the earthy tones of mom’s dress and dad’s overall ensemble. These outfits also allowed the family to move around easily and didn’t cause any discomfort, which is another huge bonus! The H Family also dressed for the season and temperature. They didn’t force an outfit just because it was cute, which could have potentially made them uncomfortable. This is huge when trying to make an invasive activity like photography feel more relaxed and easy going.

Next, location and time of day are key to pull off any successful photoshoot! Choosing a location that fits your family’s vibe and vision is critical. Don’t force a location! One of my favorite things about lifestyle family photos is that we can explore your favorite areas together! This also helps if you have littles who need to get acquainted with an area. If they’re already familiar with the location, then it may take them less time to warm up for the camera. The time of day is also super important! Golden hour is always my top choice to help avoid any crazy shadows, squinty eyes from the sun, or blown out backgrounds. If your child has an early bedtime, plan photos accordingly!

My final tip on how to have the best family photoshoot is to show up with a smile on your face, ready to do what it takes to make your kid(s) laugh, smile, and enjoy their time in front of the camera. I think that a lot of times, parents dread the thought of how their kids may act, so they’re already psyched out before they get to the shoot. In this case, try to stay calm, make positive comments about the situation, and understand that in an hour or so, you’ll be on your way!

It’s always my goal for my clients to enjoy our time together. I work hard to reduce any type of stress that’s associated with family photos, which is why I send over a questionnaire to get to know you and your family a little bit better before the day arrives.

At the end of the day, family photos are meant to be capture your family exactly how it exists right now, in this moment. I promise that if you follow these tips, you will show up stress free and ready to make the most of these memories!

Interested in booking a family photoshoot? Inquire with me HERE, and let’s get started capturing life’s most precious moments!

Venue: Charming Greenhouse