Life is wild, and full of daily responsibilities, career demands, and small but wonderful family moments. In the midst of this chaos, family photography can be a welcome pause—a moment to capture the beauty of your family's journey. But the thought of preparing for a family photo session might seem daunting. So here are some tips to transform your next family photo session into a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

1. Choose the Right Photographer

The first step in ensuring a stress-free family photo session is selecting the right photographer. Look for a professional who specialises in family photography and understands your unique needs. Read Google reviews, testimonial on their website (you can see my reviews here), view their portfolio and instagram, and have a conversation with them to gauge their compatibility with your family's style and personality.

2. Plan Ahead

Start planning your family photo session well in advance. Select a date that works for your family's schedule and consider the time of day that your children are typically at their best. Your photographer can help advise for a good balance between great light and happy kids (hot tip: look for someone who prioritises happy kids!). Planning ahead will allow you to secure your preferred photographer and location, ensuring a smoother experience.

3. Coordinate Outfits, But Keep It Comfortable

Coordinating outfits can enhance the overall look of your family photos, but comfort is key. Select outfits that make you and your family feel relaxed and confident. Opt for colours and styles that complement each other without being too matchy-matchy. Remember, the goal is to capture your family's authentic selves.

There is a whole other blog post here about what to wear for family photography sessions.

4. Communicate Your Vision

Share your expectations and vision with your photographer. It's important to let your photographer know what your hopes are for you session. I'm not talking about specific images - you'll benefit hugely by trusting your photographer to do their thing (unless you're trying to replicate that photo you had with your sisters when you were kids ;)). Discuss your family's personality and any particular dynamics you want to emphasise this can really help your photograph work effectively with you. Communication is key to ensuring your photographer understands your desires.

5. Bring Snacks and Comfort Items

If you have young children, packing snacks and their favourite comfort items can be a lifesaver. Hunger and discomfort can quickly lead to meltdowns, so having these essentials on hand can keep everyone content and cooperative during the photo session. Feed your kids BEFORE the session. Be sensible with bribes - don't go too hard too soon and don't go there if these don't work with your kids! Bring snacks that are clean (no pink mouths!) and fairly quick to eat as you don't want your child with food stuffed in their cheeks with a hard-to-chew lolly. (Pez are great! Popcorn can work. Apple slices...)

6. Stay Relaxed and Be Spontaneous

The magic of family photography lies in capturing spontaneous, candid moments. Don't stress over achieving the perfect pose. Instead, enjoy the session, play with your children, and let the photographer capture those genuine smiles and interactions. The most beautiful photos often arise from authentic moments. Its super ingrained in parents to point towards the camera and to request your kids to smile. Don't! Your children will smile if they're having a good time. Have a good time together!

7. Schedule a Break

If your family photo session is lengthy, consider scheduling a short break. My sessions run for around an hour which feels like enough time - but with room for some breaks. This gives everyone a chance to recharge, especially if you have young children. You can use this time to pause, have a snack, or even engage in some quick family bonding activities. A good photographer will read your kids and allow for space for kids to have a moment if they need one.

8. Trust Your Photographer

Your chosen photographer is a professional who knows how to capture the best moments. Trust their expertise and guidance. Allow them to lead the session and provide direction. You'll be amazed at the results when you let go of control and trust in their skills.

9. Embrace Imperfection

Family photo sessions are about capturing the essence of your family, and that includes imperfections. Don't worry about every hair being in place or every smile being perfectly symmetrical. Embrace the uniqueness of your family, quirks and all. Embrace weather and location and quirky moods on the day.

10. Prepare for Weather

If your photo session is outdoors, be prepared for unexpected weather changes. Pack some extra layers or rain gear if necessary. A little rain or wind can add an adventurous and memorable element to your photos, so don't be discouraged by unexpected weather. Please dress warmly if it's cold not just for the outfits you most want.

11. Be Patient

Patience is key when working with children or even reluctant family members. Understand that not every moment will be picture-perfect, and that's perfectly okay. Your photographer will capture the genuine beauty of your family, which includes the moments in between. All we need is a split second!

12. Relax and Enjoy the Experience

Ultimately, the most important tip for a stress-free family photo session is to relax and enjoy the experience. These photos are a testament to your family's journey, and they should reflect the love, joy, and authenticity you share. Notice the moments, laugh together, and know that the chaos is a part of the beautiful story that is your family.

Preparing for a family photo session doesn't have to be a stressful endeavour. With the right photographer, careful planning, open communication, and a willingness to embrace imperfections, you can transform the experience into a memorable and enjoyable one. By following these tips, you'll not only capture beautiful family moments but also create lasting memories to cherish for years to come. So, take a deep breath, relax, and get ready to have your family photographed in the most authentic way possible.

Find out about more about my stress-free family photography sessions.