Tips for Family Photos

We recently had family photos done. In our family I am the one that is super in to it so I take on a lot of the prep work ahead of time. If taking family photos makes you nervous, try out some of these tips to make the experience smooth sailing.

1. Plan your outfits ahead of time. This will save you so much stress day of and you can lay out different options to see what will look best.
2. Try to stick to 2-3 colors. As you can see we did grey, yellow, and blue (jeans). Last year we did blue, green, and white. Too many colors can be distracting and too few colors can look too matchy-matchy. Also, if you use patterned prints mix them with solids so that they don't become distracting.
3. Bring distractions. If you're going to a studio (we went to Picture People) expect a quick session. We spent more time in the waiting area before/after than in the shoot itself which meant we had a lot of time to sit and sit and sit. Luckily they have a lot of activities there but if you are not going to a studio, bring something for the kids to do during the down time. 
4. Bring snacks. Over Christmas we did a huge family photo shoot outdoors. It was cold and snowy so to keep the kids' spirits up the photographer had candy for the kids if they could smile and look at the camera. It worked. 
5. Have a reward for when it is over. My daughter spotted the pretzel cart on the way in and we told her that we would get pretzels AFTER the shoot. We used this as a reminder when she got grumpy during the shoot and she perked right up and smiled for the camera. 
6. Make sure everyone is well rested. Somehow for the last two years our kids did not have naps. I'm shocked that we got so many smiley shots this year. Well rested children means they will be less grumpy and more willing to participate.
7. Be flexible. Most little kids do not enjoy the picture process. If one ran off to play with the giant crayons, we just took shots of the other kid. If they really aren't in to it, give them some space and try some different poses.
8. Have poses in mind. We know that our little guy will only sit still with a bench or chair. He won't stand still on his own. This helped with their brother/sister shots and individual shots. If you want certain poses let the photographer know. I knew I wanted us standing in most of them since our shoes were all different and I didn't want that in the shots. 
9. Have favorable lighting. Indoor studios should have all of the equipment for this. Doing shoots outdoors can be tricky...try and get as much natural light as possible and choose times of the day that will not cast harsh shadows (early morning or just before sunset).
10. Have fun! Sing songs, play with toys, use props...do whatever it takes to get smiles on those faces!