Ideas to make your family photo session different than the rest

family

Jan 1

How to Make Your Family Photo Session Different from the Rest!

Capturing family memories through a photo session is one of the best ways to preserve the precious moments we experience with each other every day. Whether you choose to participate in annual family photoshoots or if doing them every couple of years is more realistic, making these sessions special is so important. Below, I’ve compiled a list of my top tips to make your session unique!

Family Walks On Creek Bank Holding Hands And Younger Daughter Throws Something Into The Creek

Choose a Special Location

As they say in the world of real estate, “Location, location, location.” And this is so applicable to photography as well. Whichever location you choose, it’s important to fully embrace it as it will set the mood for the photoshoot. And no, it doesn’t need to be the perfect place, but it does need to be a place you feel comfortable at! I have had the pleasure of working at numerous locations around the Portland area and am always happy to offer suggestions. If you are unsure where to have it, or are generally more comfortable in your home, an in-home session is a great option, as well.

Two Young Girls In Dresses And Rainboots Climb Metal Door Inside Old Brick Structure

Connect With Your Family

Lifestyle photography is meant to be organic and relaxed when it comes to the final product of your photographs. To accomplish this, I place a huge emphasis on not posing. This makes for such a fun time for your family, especially if kids and/or pets will be participating. By not posing, you are able to interact with each other just like you do every other day. These “non-posed, poses” will be both natural and laid-back. To add even more connection, I highly encourage movement which can come in the form of running, playing, and hugging each other.

Monochrome Image Of Two Young Girls In Dresses And Rainboots In Their Dads Arms Kissing His Cheeks

Two Young Girls Wearing Dresses And Colored Rainboots Hold Hands

Plan Your Outfits Ahead of Time

The last thing you want to be doing the day of your photo session is scrambling to figure out what the family is going to wear. Start by figuring out what theme you’re going for and keep it as simple as possible (think: no more than 3 colors to coordinate). If you’re going for a timeless look, colors such as navy blue, beige, and gray are perfect. And if you decide to incorporate prints and patterns, keep them classic with stripes, polka dots, and florals. The most important thing when selecting your outfits is to make sure you are able to move and have fun in them!

Young Blonde Girl Stands At The Legs Of Mom And Dad Holding Their Legs And Smiling

Bring Activities for the Kids

If you have kids that will be a part of the photo session, I promise, they will be so much more excited and relaxed if they have their favorite toy, instrument, or book with them. It makes it even more special to snap authentic photos of them reading or playing. Afterall, those moments are the ones we want to remember years down the road… not an inauthentic, weirdly posed picture.

Monochrome Image Of A Young Blonde Girl Wearing A Striped Dress Holding A Stuffed Panda Bear

Monochrome Image Of A Dad Lifting Up His Daughter In The Air

Have Fun!

Happiness is seen and felt through great photography. Let yourself enjoy the session and embrace the imperfect moments that will happen along the way. I promise, no one will notice if your kids weren’t flawlessly well-behaved or if your hair was a little out of place.