Planning Your Perfect Family Photo Session

Let’s Roll!

Planning Your Perfect Family Photo Session. Family photo sessions are a wonderful way to capture precious moments and create lasting memories. At Kelly Tareski Photography, we understand the importance of these special occasions.

Our guide will help you plan the perfect family session, from choosing the right time and location to preparing your loved ones for the big day. We’ll also share tips for natural poses and interactions that showcase your family’s unique personality.

When and Where to Capture Your Family Memories

Seasonal Considerations

Each season offers unique opportunities for stunning family photos. Spring brings vibrant blooms and fresh greenery, ideal for outdoor sessions. Summer provides longer days and golden hour lighting, perfect for capturing warm, sun-kissed moments. Fall’s rich colors create a cozy backdrop, while winter’s snow can result in magical, serene images.

While fall is often considered a popular season for family photos, the best season for your family depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle.

Indoor vs. Outdoor: Making the Right Choice

Outdoor sessions offer natural light and diverse backdrops, from parks to urban landscapes. They allow for candid moments and give children space to move freely. However, weather can be unpredictable, and lighting conditions may change rapidly.

Indoor sessions provide controlled environments and consistent lighting. They work well for families with young children or those who prefer a more intimate setting. Studio sessions also allow for more elaborate setups and outfit changes.

Consider your family’s comfort level and the desired mood for your photos when making this decision.

Reflecting Your Family’s Personality

The location you choose should resonate with your family’s interests and lifestyle. Nature lovers might prefer a scenic trail or a lush garden. Urban families might opt for a city park or an iconic local landmark. If your family has a special place where you create memories together, that could be the perfect spot for your photo session.

When selecting a location, think about the activities your family enjoys. Do you love picnics? Consider a park with open fields. Are you beach enthusiasts? A coastal setting might be ideal. The key is to choose a place where your family feels comfortable and natural.

Time of Day Matters

The time of day you schedule your session can significantly impact the quality of your photos. Professional photographers often recommend the “golden hour” (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) for its soft, warm light. This magical time can add a beautiful glow to your family portraits.

However, if you have young children, you might need to work around their schedules. In this case, mid-morning or late afternoon sessions (after naps) might work better. Your photographer can help you choose the best time based on your location and family needs.

Now that you’ve considered when and where to have your family photo session, it’s time to think about how to prepare your family for the big day. Let’s explore some tips to ensure everyone looks and feels their best in front of the camera.

How to Prepare Your Family for Photo Day

Coordinating Outfits for Visual Harmony

When you select outfits, try to coordinate rather than match. Choose a color palette of 3-4 complementary colors and build your family’s outfits around it. Earth tones and neutrals work well in most settings and seasons. For example, you might choose navy, cream, and burgundy as your base colors.

Avoid clothing with large logos or busy patterns, as these can distract from the photos. Instead, opt for solid colors or subtle patterns. Layering adds depth and texture to your images, so consider adding cardigans, scarves, or jackets to your outfits.

For women and girls, flowy dresses or skirts can add movement and femininity to your photos. Men and boys look great in button-down shirts paired with well-fitted jeans or khakis. Don’t forget about shoes – they’re visible in many poses, so choose footwear that complements your outfits and suits the location.

Getting Kids Excited and Cooperative

Children’s enthusiasm can make or break a photo session. To excite them, involve them in the planning process. Let them choose between two pre-approved outfit options or pick a special accessory to wear. This gives them a sense of control and investment in the session.

Talk about the photo shoot positively in the days leading up to it. Frame it as a fun family adventure rather than a chore. You might say, “We’re going to play games and have fun while the photographer takes our picture!”

Consider bringing their favorite toy or comfort item to the session. This can help them feel more at ease and might even be incorporated into some shots for a personal touch. Displaying family portraits for children to see regularly can create a sense of belonging, importance, and security. This can boost confidence in children.

Packing Your Photo Session Survival Kit

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, pack a small bag with essentials. Here’s what we recommend:

• Snacks and water: Pack some non-messy snacks and water to keep energy levels up (hungry kids-and adults-are rarely happy in photos).
• Touch-up kit: Bring a brush, hairspray, lip balm, and powder for quick fixes between shots.
• Outfit changes: If you plan multiple looks, pack extra outfits in wrinkle-resistant bags.
• Wipes and tissues: These come in handy for cleaning up spills or runny noses.
• Props or meaningful items: If you want to incorporate special items into your photos, don’t forget to bring them along.

The goal is to capture your family’s genuine connections and personalities. These preparations will set the stage for a stress-free and enjoyable photo session. Now, let’s explore some posing and interaction tips to ensure your photos look natural and showcase your family’s unique dynamic.

How to Pose and Interact Naturally in Photos

Embrace Movement and Play

Static poses often result in stiff and unnatural photos. We encourage families to move and play during the photo session. Try walking together, starting a tickle fight, or playing a simple game like “Simon Says.” These activities create natural smiles and laughter, resulting in authentic images that truly reflect your family’s dynamic.

Research has revealed that selfies often evoke criticism and disrespect, and are associated with non-authenticity and narcissism. This reinforces the importance of capturing real moments during your session.

Focus on Connections, Not the Camera

One of the most effective ways to create natural-looking photos is to focus on each other rather than the camera. We often ask family members to tell each other stories, share secrets, or give compliments. These interactions lead to genuine expressions and emotional connections that translate beautifully in photographs.

Professional photographer Anne Geddes suggests that the key to capturing authentic family moments is to “photograph what you feel, not just what you see.” This approach allows us to document the essence of your family relationships.

Incorporate Meaningful Props and Activities

Including props or activities that reflect your family’s interests can add a personal touch to your photos and help everyone feel more at ease. If your family loves to cook, we might capture you baking together in the kitchen. For outdoor enthusiasts, we could photograph a nature walk or a picnic in the park.

A survey by the Professional Photographers of America found that 78% of families prefer photos that showcase their hobbies and interests. This statistic underscores the importance of personalizing your photo session to reflect your unique family identity.

Trust Your Photographer’s Guidance

A skilled photographer (like those at Kelly Tareski Photography) will provide direction and suggestions throughout the session. Trust their expertise and follow their lead. They know how to position you for the most flattering angles and can suggest poses that look natural and comfortable.

Relax and Have Fun

The most important tip for natural-looking photos is to relax and enjoy the experience. Laugh, joke, and be yourselves. Your genuine emotions will shine through in the images, creating beautiful, authentic memories that you’ll treasure for years to come.

That’s a Wrap!

A successful family photo session requires careful planning and preparation. You should select the right season and setting that reflects your family’s personality. Coordinating outfits, exciting children, and packing essentials will ensure everyone feels comfortable and looks their best.

Natural-looking photos showcase your family’s unique dynamic. We recommend you embrace movement, focus on connections, and incorporate meaningful activities during the session. These elements will help create lasting memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.

At Kelly Tareski Photography, we specialize in capturing genuine interactions and emotions in a timeless, elegant style. We offer a range of family sessions tailored to your needs (including outdoor locations and our five-acre property studio). Contact us today to book your session and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. Planning Your Perfect Family Photo Session.