Can we be honest here Mamas? Chances are your husband has groaned audibly when you brought up the topic of your family photo session. I wouldn’t take it personally. It isn’t that he doesn’t want to take photos with you and the kids! More than likely, the word “photoshoot” conjures up childhood visions of stiff family photos, wearing itchy collared shirts, taken in a department store studio.  Good news! You won’t find anything stiff or uncomfortable when it comes to working with me. My sessions are all about the connection and the love you share as a family! I can’t make promises about itchy collars, but I can promise there will be plenty of fun, that no threatening requests for smiles will be uttered! 

What Not to Wear…Or What To Wear as the Case May Be

Since the topic of clothing has already been brought up, let’s start there! How you dress for your session will affect the posing that we do during your session. If tickle sessions on the floor are your jam, then skinny jeans and a cute top will probably photograph better than a mini skirt! Long flowy dresses photograph beautifully in scenic locations where the wind brings added movement to your photos, but if you are into a lifestyle session at home cuddled up with your pups and snuggling with your babes, something more casual will probably suit the mood better. One of the keys to keeping the session fun is to feel like yourselves. You can check out some more detailed style suggestions here. 

Oh the Places You’ll Go

The location you choose will also affect the direction and feel of your family session. One thing that dictates how I photograph families is the question “Why?” – I want your images to make sense for you. You’d probably never drag a vintage couch out into the middle of a field, so why would we do that for your photo session? Would you really hike through the grassy hills in heels and an evening gown? Most likely not. You’d probably wear cute booties with a flowy dress! If you are in the mood to dress up, let’s meet downtown and use the architecture for a cool backdrop! We’ll visit places that make sense to who you are as a family! Do you love cooking together? Let’s do an in-home lifestyle session while you cook or bake, and maybe cuddle as a family on the couch. Does your family enjoy park playdates? Let’s meet at your favorite spot and capture fun-filled photos of your family doing what they love. The key to a relaxed family photo session is making sure the elements of the session feel authentic to your family. Still stumped for where you should have your family session? You can check out some of my favorite scenic locations around Austin, Tx here. 

It’s all in the Details

Here are some pointers that are less about making sure your family loves your session time and more about you loving your photos! Little details matter. The right necklace to complete the outfit, making sure Dad’s belt matches his shoes…those are the kinds of things that you see after the photo is taken and wish you’d done them differently. Speaking of shoes…they can make or break an outfit. Especially guy’s shoes. Most men aren’t as concerned with having the perfect shoe to complete their look, as we women are! If he doesn’t have the right shoe for your style, maybe take this as an opportunity to give his look a little more polish with a new pair of shoes! What I am saying here is if you are wearing your favorite heels, but your hubby was planning on wearing his favorite pair of flip flops…you may want to make sure his look coordinates with yours! 

Don’t Forget to Have Fun

Sure, there is going to be some looking at the camera and smiling, because you know your grandma has an open 8×10 on the mantel waiting to be filled with your smiling faces! However,  most of your session will be you interacting and enjoying each other. I use the term “poses” very lightly when I discuss what to expect out of your family photo session- while I will offer direction, what I am capturing is your natural connection. You aren’t going to hear me telling you to smile every few minutes -mostly because I won’t have to! You’ll have so much fun, those smiles will come naturally! When you focus the session more on who you are as a family and less on getting the perfect shot, the real magic happens. I want to create images that tell your family story, and not just how good you can look together!