Hey snapshot seekers! If family photoshoots are on your horizon and a wave of questions are hitting you, fear not – I’m here to turn those queries into answers. This guide is your golden ticket to the world of family photography frequently asked questions, where the only serious business is serious fun. So, whether you’re sipping on coffee, enjoying a cup of tea, or going all-in on a chocolate milk, let’s transform your family photoshoot into a delightful adventure. Ready?
Table of Contents
What should we wear for our family photoshoot?
How long does a typical family photoshoot session last?
Can we bring props or special items for our family photos?
Do you have a preferred location for family photos, or can we choose one?
What is the best time of day for a family photoshoot in terms of lighting?
How far in advance should we schedule our family photoshoot?
What can we do to prepare our children for the photoshoot for a smooth session?
Do you offer retouching or editing services for the final photos?
What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy for family photoshoots?
Can we include our pets in the family photoshoot?
What should we wear for our family photoshoots?
Choosing the perfect outfits for family photos is key, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. My top advice? Opt for complimentary colors, selecting a palette with various tones like blues, earthy hues, neutrals, or pastels. This allows each family member to showcase their style within the chosen color range, resulting in a beautifully coordinated group. Alternatively, consider neutral tones like cream, gray, and tan, offering a timeless and versatile look that stands out in any setting, while also keeping the focus on your family. Also make sure that if you can specific pose ideas, your clothes will accommodate your movements.
How long does a typical family photoshoot session last?
A typical family photo session with me will be one hour and you will get 15-20 edited images. Of course we can do a longer session if you feel that one hour cannot fully capture the adventure that is a photoshoot. The session can also run longer if there is more than one location we’ll be shooting at.
Can we bring props or special items for our Family Photoshoots?
A good way to inject personality into your photos is by exploring the world of props. Bring your kids favorite toys and let them play with them, it will make them feel more happy and produce a more natural smile. This will as well get them to loosen up and make the whole experience more enjoyable for all. You can also bring props/accessories such as scarves, necklaces, signs, and even benches if they hold significant emotional value to you.
Do you have a preferred location for family photos, or can we choose one?
I have several locations that I am familiar with and love to shoot at but I always ask if the client has a location they would like to shoot at. Your own comfort is my top priority so if there is a location that you hold near and dear to your heart I am more than happy to shoot there.
What is the best time of day for a family photoshoot in terms of lighting?
L i g h t i n g i s L i f e
Can lighting make or break a photo? The short answer yes, however that really depends on what kind of lighting you had in mind for your photos. Every one of the above photos has the perfect lighting for what the client wanted. If you want bright, overexposed photos, then the middle of the day is the perfect time to reserve your photoshoot. On the contrary if you want vibrant color filled photos I suggest one to two hours before sunset. This allows for there to be plenty of light that can illuminate the surrounding area and create a flattering environment for your shoot.
How far in advance should we schedule our family photoshoot?
The best time frame to reserve a session is between 6-8 weeks in advance. This allows you time to be fully prepared and have multiple conversations with your photographer to set up the location, what you want to wear, reserve the time spot you want, and the kind of shoot you’d like.
What can we do to prepare our children for the photoshoot for a smooth session?
My Tips and Tricks for the little ones:
- Avoid saying things like “I need you to behave during our family photos” or “If you are good I’ll give you a special treat after the photo session.” Instead, hype them up about how much fun it is going to be!
- Don’t be too active during the day with your kids. We want them to have lots of energy to run around and play while taking photos. That’s how we make it a fun and lasting experience.
- Make sure to feed everyone before the session to ensure no hangry family members. And then brush their teeth and wipe their faces! A full belly will make a huge difference in your child’s mood during their family photo session. I also recommend bringing some water and a couple of non-messy snacks they can eat quickly. Also be sure to only bring them out if needed so they are not begging for a snack after every photo.
Some snacks I recommend:
- Grapes cut in half (so they don’t pop and accidentally make a mess)
- Fruit snacks
- Apple slices
- Dried fruit (but not berries, they can still stain)
- Beef jerky
- Mini marshmallows (not too many)
- Cheerios
Avoid snacks like these:
- Gum (don’t want to see that when they smile or laugh)
- Chocolate (too messy and could stain)
- Suckable candies (jolly ranchers, suckers, etc. These take too long to eat)
- Crackers (They get stuck in teeth)
- Berries (Really these and anything else that could stain clothing or teeth)
- Make sure your kids are happy with their outfits and enjoy being in them so they can be comfortable therefore being more themselves.
- Be ready as early as you can, I recommend 30-60 minutes ahead of schedule. This allows a bit of a buffer so that if you need the time it is there and you don’t have to stress about being there on time and rushing. This can cause people to get snippy with one another and tainting the feel of the session.
- Plan a special surprise for after the photoshoot. No need to think of it as a bride, think of it as a way to extend the fun. Let them know you’ll be having family funtime while your friend Hayden (that’s me) takes some photos, and then you’ll all be doing some other fun activity after. That activity could be going for ice cream, making a craft, watching a fun movie, or even playing their favorite game.
Do you offer retouching or editing services for the final photos?
The short answer is, Yes! I offer that as a part of any package that you purchase. I take all the final photos and edit them to be as magical as you remember them. However this process typically takes about two weeks and then you’ll have all your favorite photos sent to you through the email you provide.
What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy for family photoshoots?
Life happens! We all know that and I understand. If there is any need to reschedule that is perfectly fine and I will set you up with my next available day. To ensure that you simply don’t show up to the shoot, I have you pay a 20 dollar down payment which you will get back after the shoot. However If there is a cancellation then I keep the down payment.
Can we include our pets in the family photoshoot?
Furry friends are family too! I am more than happy to photograph your pets as a part of the shoot, just please let me know beforehand so I can be prepared and know what kind of personality from the dog I should be expecting.
Your Family Photoshoot Awaits!
So, there you have it – a whirlwind tour through the ins and outs of family photoshoots! I hope these insights have turned any stress into excitement and left you eagerly counting down the days until your family adventure in front of the lens. If you’re ready to turn those dreams into reality, drop me a message below, and let’s start planning! Looking forward to capturing the magic of your family moments together. Cheers to happy days and picture-perfect memories! And remember, booking a session with me guarantees not just photos but an absolute blast! Can’t wait to capture the joy with you!