Learn how a little preparation will make your family photo session even more fun – and produce gorgeous photos in the process

 
 
 
 

A WEEK before

 
 

plan your outfits

  • For timeless, beautiful photos, avoid big logos or writing on clothing since it distracts from all the lovely faces .

  • Dress the kids for comfort. We want them to be relaxed and not distracted by unfamiliar, restricting clothing that they do not want to wear.

  • Longer dresses look great because they capture movement and add interest. Short dresses can be a challenge when we do seated photos.

  • Consider accessories. Hats, sunglasses, flower headbands or scarves can all add fun and create visual interest.

  • For extra credit, you may want to think about the look and feel you would like your family photos to have:
    Are you going for soft and timeless? Have everyone wear a complimentary color palette, such as earth tones or blues and whites with flowing fabrics.
    Want to show off your family’s fun side? Go for bold colors and funky accessories.
    There are so many options to catch the spirit of your family.

  • Some families know they want a very specific type of photograph taken. If you have seen things you really like, be sure to collect a few examples and share them with me in advance.

 

Brand Photography Clothing Tip: fitted dresses

Let the Kids know

Get your kids excited about this extra family outing. Let them know where we will be headed and that your  photographer friend will be joining to take pictures of your play time together.
Keep things fun, lighthearted, and casual.

 

Consider Special Toys

Think about which toys your kids love right now, things that would be meaningful to include in the photos. This is often a cuddly toy, but it could also be a book, a dinosaur, a football etc.. Your pet can also be a fun addition to your family photos.

Brand Photography Clothing Tip: wear interesting textures and accessories

Think of activities your kids enjoy

Many of the best photos happen when you incorporate an activity into the session that you love doing with your child. Do you love to build in the sand, tickle your kids or braid each other’s hair? Do you love to read a favorite book or play cards together?

It is also a good idea to bring a few things that get your kids happy and excited. This could be a ball to throw, bubbles to blow – or even special treats . Avoid items that siblings might fight over and treats that sta

When families are engaged in doing something that they love, I have the opportunity to take beautiful and authentic photographs.

 

Get dad onboard

I know that many dads are lot less excited about a family photo session. So it might be a good idea to ask your partner explicitly to be a cheerful participant in the photo session. Once he understands how important it is to you to capture this beautiful time for your family, he is much more likely to put in his best effort.

Personal Brand Photography Clothing Ideas for Men

 

THE DAY OF the photoshoot

Try to be Rested

Try to have everybody in the family well rested and fed

As every parent knows – naps are your friend here. Usually, my photoshoots happen when the light gets soft and pretty in the late afternoon.  But if you know that time is just not going to work for your children, let me know – we’ll meet earlier in the day.

Seattle creative headshot photography wardrobe tips: scarfs and wraps

AnD Relaxed

Leave plenty of time to get ready.

Try to have a calm day before the photoshoot - when you show up unhurried and excited, it sets the tone for a relaxed, fun photos session.

 
 

WHAT TO EXPECT during our time together

Play and have fun

During the session you’ll play with your children, laugh, tickle and snuggle – and I’ll capture these authentic moments for your family.

While you play, I will sometimes ask you to do this one fun thing again,play over there in the shade, ask one person to look up etc.

In my photography style, not everyone needs to be looking at the camera. I encourage especially dads (who tend to be less comfortable during a photoshoot) to focus on their partner and the kids with a little smile.

And most of all, there is no need to be “perfect”.  We want to capture a moment in the life of YOUR family, not recreate photos of some kind of imaginary “model family”.

 
 

I am so excited for our shoot together!

Warmly,

Oriana



Seattle Personal Brand and Headshot Photographer Oriana von Specht