Family Photography Sessions: What you need to know...

Photos taken @ Libby's Sunflower Patch!

Everything You Need to Know About a Family Photoshoot

Whether you're celebrating a milestone, updating family portraits, or simply wanting to create lasting memories, preparing for a family photoshoot can ensure you get the best results. Here's everything you need to know to make your family photoshoot a success.

Choosing a Photographer

The first step is finding the right photographer. Look for someone whose style you admire and who has experience with family photoshoots... Luckily your in the right place! Having 17 years experience & 5 children of my own, I come well equipped for family photoshoots!

Location

Make sure you consider a location that suits your family's personality and style, it can be indoor or outdoor depending on your preference:

Outdoor Settings: Parks, beaches, gardens, or urban settings can provide beautiful natural backdrops.

Indoor Studios: Professional studios offer controlled lighting and a variety of props and backdrops.

Home: Your own home can provide a cosy, personal touch to your photos.

Timing is Key

Consider the time of day for your photoshoot. The golden hours—shortly after sunrise and before sunset—offer the best natural light. Midday sun can be harsh, so if you're shooting outdoors, aim for morning or late afternoon session to ensure you get the best lighting on the day!

What to Wear

Choosing the right outfits can significantly impact the look and feel of your photos. Here are some tips:

Aiming for a coordinated look rather than matching outfit can give a better look & feel to the images. Choose a colour palette with 2-3 main colours and mix in complementary shades. For example:

Neutral Tones: Whites, creams, greys, and soft pastels.

Earth Tones: Browns, greens, rusts, and muted yellows.

Bold and Bright: Jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and ruby, or primary colours like red, blue, and yellow.

Busy patterns and large logos can be distracting. Try and stick to solids or subtle patterns like stripes or small florals. If someone does wear a pattern, balance it with solid colours on the other family members.

Consider the Setting...

Make sure your outfits complement the location. For a beach photoshoot, light and airy clothing works well. For an urban setting, you might opt for more structured, stylish outfits. Comfort is key, especially for children. Make sure everyone feels good in their outfit, as discomfort can show in photos.

Keeping it Fun & Preparing Your Children

A relaxed and fun atmosphere will result in the best photos. Here are some tips to keep the shoot enjoyable:

Play Games: Simple games like peek-a-boo, Simon Says, or even a family tickle fight can bring out natural smiles and laughter.

Sing Songs: If your kids have a favourite song, sing it together. Music can lighten the mood and keep everyone engaged.

Bring Props: Items like bubbles, balloons, or favourite toys can be great for keeping kids entertained and adding a playful element to your photos.

Prepare Your Children

Explain to your children what to expect during the photoshoot. Let them know that it's a fun family activity and that the photographer is a friend who will take some nice pictures of you all together.

Schedule Wisely

Choose a time when your children are usually in a good mood. Avoid scheduling the photoshoot during nap times or meal times to prevent any unnecessary stress. Have a bag of tricks ready with snacks, small toys, or books. These can be great for keeping kids occupied during any downtime and ensuring they stay happy and cooperative.

Posed and Candid Shots

During my family photoshoots we will mainly be focusing on candid shots however we will include some posed one in the mix too. Here's how to make the most of both:

Candid shots capture natural interactions and genuine emotions. Encourage your family to play, interact, and enjoy each other's company. These moments often result in the most cherished photos.

While candid shots are wonderful, posed photos also have their place. These are typically more formal and can be great for framing or holiday cards. I will give you guidance on how to stand, where to look, and how to arrange yourselves.

About Family Photoshoots

How long does a family photoshoot take?

A typical family photoshoot lasts between 90 minutes to 2 hours. This gives enough time for everyone to get comfortable, take a variety of shots, and accommodate any necessary breaks, especially with young children!

What if my children don't cooperate?

It's normal for children to be unpredictable. A good photographer will be patient and have tricks to engage kids. Bring along some favourite toys or snacks, and we will try to keep the mood light and fun.

How should we prepare on the day of the photoshoot?

Ensure everyone is well-rested and fed. Bring any necessary touch-up items like hairbrushes, makeup, or extra clothing. Most importantly, make sure to relax and enjoy the experience.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If you're planning an outdoor shoot, have a backup plan in case of bad weather. Many photographers will reschedule at no extra cost, or you can opt for an indoor location.

How long before we receive our photos?

Editing times vary by photographer, but you can generally expect to receive your photos within 14 days of the shoot & I will send over your sneak peeks within a few days!

Final Tips

Communicate with Your Photographer: Share your vision and any specific shots you want, you will be able to do this via our form where you can pop all your visions in there! You will also receive guides on how to prepare, what to wear etc.

Be Yourself: Authenticity shines through in photos. Have fun and let your family's personality come through.

Trust Your Photographer: They know what they're doing and will guide you through the process.

If you would like to book a family photoshoot in Manchester or Cheshire have a look at our packages. If you would like a custom package please contact us with your requirements and budget.