6 Tips in Planning Your Family Session

Salado College Ruins, Texas 

Planning for a family session can be a bit daunting and even hectic if you have a large family, working parents with busy schedules but, it does not have to be that way!!  I’ve been a family photographer for over 10 years and there’s nothing like getting a gazillion emails on what to wear, what location, and what to expect during the session. So here are a few tips to consider when planning you family session with a photographer.

Tips For Your Family Session

1. Choose the right photographer and choose carefully. Don’t rely solely on the price. Your family photographer is going to be interacting with your family and planning your session as they should. Look at their portfolio on the many platforms like their website, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr TikTok and even Twitter. Out of these platforms the most important is their website. Ask for recommendations and most important make sure they fit your style. See if they’re willing to meet you and your family in advance to break the ice with their kiddos especially those that are people shy… tend to be camera shy .

2. Location, location, location! Look for the right location and not to mention the time of day. Think of a place that you and you family can navigate to without hassle. If you have little ones or family members with impairments, consider their needs as well. If your in Texas the summer sun is intense mid day so most photographers prefer later in the evening around 6:00pm during the spring time and about 4pm in the fall. Some families like to go to the same place every year which is fine and some like to change it up.

3. Feed the babies!! With smaller kids this is key because they are the first to do the typical toddler freak out during your family session. As a mom of 3 kids I’ve had this happen to me a few times during our own family session. Do forget to feed the big babies too (typically the spouse LOL). Bringing a little bag of non messy snack won’t hurt a bit.

4. Picture perfect? Photographers strive to give their clients the own version of PICTURE PERFECT! What do I mean by that, well those pictures you see on websites and banners are all nice and stuff but, you are getting something way more special then that. You are getting the milestones of your kids growing up, their personalities, and their moments of happiness and love with you. We capture who you and your family really are.

5. WHAT DO WE WEAR! Start with dressing the hardest person in your household. In my family it’s the baby of the house. He’s is a big “I only wear diapers” fan. Recently I’ve had clients send me their mood boards from Pinterest which has been a success also. Make sure that everyones outfits fits well and that they are comfortable.

   1. Avoid crazy patterns like chevrons, small size plaid shirts, swirls, etc.

   2. Combine no more than 4 colors based on the season or special occasions.

   3. Some hues effective the way your skin will look. Pastel or neutral colors photography well so avoiding bright neon or bold colors like yellow, royal blue, red to name a few. These colors may effect your skin tone and came make you look more or less pigmented than you really are.

   4. Think about where in your home you are going to hang your family images that it may go with your interior decor. I do send a what to wear guide to my clients if they ask and some photographers may have that ready for you.

6. Confirm the date!! Once the date is set, send it to everyones calendar, so there are no surprises. If you are looking for those golden hour images make sure you’re on time. The window for the golden hour is vary small, so make sure you and your family plan accordingly (getting ready, hair make-up, traffic, etc). Ensure everyone knows how important it is for your family but most importantly have fun!!!

So are you ready to take the leap and have me help you plan your family session?? If so head on over to www.carmenjwilliams.com to learn more about our family photography services and collections!