Preparing for your family pictures beforehand can help so that there is less stress on the day of your photoshoot. Having less stress the day of will help everyone feel relaxed at the session so we are able to get those true and natural smiles. But don't worry if things don't go perfectly! I'm convinced that they never do haha. Below are some tips and tricks to help your preparation go as smoothly as possible.
Pick Out Your Outfits Early
Knowing what everyone is going to wear for pictures can help everyone feel prepared. It is also sometimes tricky finding outfits for everyone that look good together (check out our What to Wear Guide for extra help on outfits), so choosing them early can take off a lot of stress the day of your photoshoot. Remember to think about accessories as well!
Iron Outfits and Lay Them Out the Day Before
Ironing seems to be one of those things that you think about last, after making sure everyone is dressed, wearing the right shoes, and has their hair done. Just about every time I have my own family pictures, we are just about to head out the door when I notice that my husband's shirt is wrinkly! It's so stressful trying to get the wrinkles out in a hurry. Ironing the day before always makes the process go much smoother.
Make Sure No One is Hungry
Having done many family photoshoots, I can tell you that the thing kids complain about the most is being hungry. That and wanting to leave so they can go get the prize they were promised haha. To avoid grumpy kids, I suggest having them eat before the session. If you are planning on eating dinner afterwards, I suggest packing some mess-free snacks they can eat in case they do get hungry.
Think About Bringing Your Kid's Favorite Stuffed Animal or Toy
Bringing a toy for your littles can help them feel more comfortable for pictures. Keep in mind though that it may end up in the pictures. This can add a lot to your images and truly show them in the stage they are in. Some of the cuter stuffed animals can even be really fun in pictures. However, if you do not want it in the images, make sure that your child will be okay handing it over when it's time to take pictures and if they aren't, I would suggest not bringing it along.
Leave Early for Your Shoot
Leaving home early to get to your photoshoot is key to avoiding stress. Running late causes emotions to go high for everyone in the family. Plus, if anyone rips out their ponytail or spills their sippy, you'll have some time to get things in order once you arrive. If one of your kids is known for getting dirty, spitting up, etc. I would also suggest bringing along their outfit and having them get dressed once you get to the session location.
Stay Calm
This is by far the most important step in preparing for your family photo session. Staying calm is definitely easier said than done, but it can make a big impact on how your session goes. As the saying goes "When mom is happy, everyone is happy". There will probably be something that doesn't go according to plan on the day of your photoshoot, but rolling with the punches and having a positive attitude will help both your kids and husband/S.O. be much happier during photos. During the session, I will also make you love on each other and this is much easier to do when there's no contention. And of course, if there is something stressing you, just let me know!! I promise I am very understanding having a busy family of my own. If you reach out to me at least 24 hours before your photo shoot, we can also reschedule if it seems something isn't going to work out or cause extra stress.
I hope this helps you to prepare for your family pictures! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me. I'd love to help you feel as prepared as possible for your photo shoot. Check out our blog for even more tips on preparing for your session.