Family Pictures: 6 Steps to a Stress-Free Photo Session You Will Love

Family photos can turn into precious keepsakes, or they can prove to be complete nightmares. The good news is that you don’t have to cross your fingers and hope for a successful session. When you prepare in advance, you can be confident that your family picture experience will be smooth, and you’ll have a beautiful portrait to enjoy. Here are six steps to a stress-free photo sessions you will love:

Watch the Time of Day

Don’t just settle for the first appointment your photographer has available. Look for a time that doesn’t interfere with the regular nap or dining schedule. Children are more likely to be cranky if they don’t get their usual naps, and you don’t want to rush through a meal and arrive at the photo session frazzled.

Take Entertainment Along

The kids look great, and you’ve taken pains to achieve the perfect look. What happens if the photographer is running late? Another thing to consider is the down time for your kids when one person is having individual shots taken. Take along some entertainment to keep everyone happy and on track.

Consider the Appearance

The morning of the photo shoot is not the time to start looking for clothes. Select clothes ahead of time to find outfits that complement each other without looking too matched. This is a great time to freshen haircuts, also. You don’t want to make a drastic change right before a picture, but you can have your current cut cleaned up. Be sure to find some hairstyles for short hair or longer tresses so you can have your kids’ hair done without having to worry about what you are going to do the day of your photo session. Choose something different, but simple, so you don’t stress and everyone looks good.

Communication is Key

Talk openly with the photographer before the shoot. Let them know what you’re looking for and what types of poses you like. Give them tips on working with your family and other important information you want them to know.

Look for an Experienced Photographer

Choose a photographer that has experience and is accustomed to working with groups. Otherwise, the pictures could come out looking stiff and posed, or you could be rushed through the process as the photographer starts to lose patience.

Relax and Enjoy

Go with the flow and have fun during the session. The best pictures are often candid shots, so don’t be afraid to joke with each other. If you start feeling too tense, you might want to take a little break for everyone to catch their breath.

Family photos are a source of pride and joy, but you don’t want the session to become stressful and miserable. Follow these steps to make sure you get the best family portrait.

Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She writes about home and family, finances and fashion. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading a book and spending time with family.

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