What to do before a family photoshoot

So, you're all set to capture those beautiful family moments in an upcoming photoshoot – fantastic decision! But let's be honest, getting everyone ready can sometimes feel like a juggling act. Fear not! Here's a down-to-earth guide that incorporates your notes, designed to help you prepare your family and make the most out of your upcoming photoshoot:

1. Choose your outfits first

Kickstart the process by curating your own outfit first. Build the rest of the family's attire around it, ensuring that the colors complement each other while avoiding any pattern clashes. Here's the bonus: This is also the time to pamper yourself and boost your confidence. Choose an outfit that makes you feel absolutely gorgeous, then coordinate the family outfits around yours. Need more style advice? Take a peek at this blog post for wardrobe inspiration.

2. Prior pamper time for yourself!

Prioritize a couple of hours for yourself before the shoot. Feeling confident will naturally show in the photos. Set aside an hour or two for hairstyling, makeup, and personal grooming. I can't stress this enough! You're investing in lasting memories, so don't skimp on effort. You are investing into having beautiful artwork of your family, why not invest into yourself? We are trying to create wall-art worthy photos. If makeup isn't your thing, consider a professional artist – check out my list. (Hint: two of my favorite make up artists will COME TO YOU and they are mammas themselves, so they "get it"). If you're not into heavy makeup, that's okay too! Just take the time to enhance your look. Confidence shines in photos, so make sure you're at ease with yourself.

3. Preparing the Young Ones

Photographing kids can be an absolute whirlwind. To keep potential crankiness at bay, ensure they're well-rested and have had a good meal before the shoot. For the older ones, dive into heartfelt conversations about the upcoming photoshoot. Emphasize the excitement and encourage their best behavior – a promise of a little treat afterward can weave some magic. And hey, let's take this up a notch! Picture this: a mom-daughter hairstyling escapade or a dad-son barber shop adventure before the. Just make sure that you are giving you and your family ample time for these type of ventures, perhaps the day before? These pre-shoot bonding experiences add that extra touch of anticipation and warmth. Don't leave out the teenagers – involve them in the clothing choices; after all, their unique style can add an interesting twist to the family ensemble.

4. Trusting the Laughs: Let Me Handle the Smiles!

You don't need to worry about orchestrating picture-perfect grins from your little one – that's my job. I specialize in capturing those natural, unrehearsed moments that truly shine. Guiding poses and snapping candid shots is where my expertise comes into play. So, just be yourself, and rest assured that I've got everything under control.

Now, let's chat about embracing the unexpected during the family photoshoot. If your child decides to put on a full-fledged cryfest during the shoot, no need to fret. This is where the trust in your photographer works its magic. Our main objective is to immortalize authentic moments that tell the story of your family's journey. Fast forward a few years: imagine pointing at that very photo as your little one gets ready to walk down the aisle. You both share a good laugh, reminiscing about the "wild child" phase that, in reality, included a bit more nose-wiping than planned. And just like that, that photograph turns into a cherished memory, a testament to your family's unique love and laughter. By embracing these unscripted instances and allowing me to lead the way, you're adding an extra layer of authenticity to your photoshoot that's bound to bring smiles for generations to come.