My Tips for an Easy Family Photoshoot

Well guys, we finally had some family photos taken of our family of 5 and it only took a year, but who’s counting, right? I just don’t know where time goes. My baby turned ONE this week 😥 and these are literally the first professional photos I have had of him. With my other two, that was a different story. I felt like I was constantly getting their picture taken. But I guess this time around I had a major mom fail. It’s just harder to find the time these days, but whatever the case was, it’s done. I am just so thankful we finally have some beautiful family photos now that our little family is complete!  In this post I’m sharing my tips for a family photoshoot.

I totally stressed myself to death before this session. You know, it ALL has to be perfect. You only get a good 30 minutes or so to get it right. The outfits, the weather, the moods, the setting, the hair all have to somehow magical sink together to get the perfect photos. Well, I thought I would help you take some of the stress away and share with you a few easy tips that I followed to get your family picture session to be a success.

Family Photoshoot Outfit Tips

This part seems very stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. First, figure out your color palette. Creative people use color pallets for home design, food, and fashion all the time so why not use it for family photos as well. My dress that had a pattern and some colors that I loved, so I worked everyones outfit around that. I don’t believe the whole family needs to be rocking some patterns but one or two simple patterns are fine. My color pallet was navy, white, and pink so that is what we went with. I had everyone wear white since I believe it looks so beautiful in photos. Then, I just mixed navy and khaki in with the other outfits and that was it. Just don’t overthink your color pallet and keep it simple. I believe you are safe to stick with 3 basic colors and go with that.

Also, make sure your color scheme fits together in any combination you choose to do it in. My advice again is to keep it simple!

Family Photoshoot Location Tips

If you go in knowing what your location looks like or the color of your props, you can incorporate them into your wardrobe. You can also do your research on your photographer’s locations and see the colors ahead of time. I knew that we would be in front of this chippy red barn so the roses of my dress matched the barn perfectly.

I also love how the white trim on the barn pulled everyones whites together!

Plan Ahead

I was fortunate enough to work with some pros at Simply Sweet Photography who knew what they were doing, but it’s always great to go in with a plan. Have an idea of the poses that you like. Know the family combinations that you want to do. It’s also good to make sure you and your photographer are on the same page. Have a discussion before the session and know what the goal of the photo shoot is. Share your ideas with them ahead of time. I knew I wanted some one year pictures, but I also wanted some of each child and a few other combinations. They knew what the plan was ahead of time so it made everything run a lot smoother.

Here are just a few more tips for your family photoshoot.

Be on time to your shoot, check the forecast ahead of time to make sure all the elements are good, know where your shooting location is so you don’t run late, make sure the kiddos have eaten and had naps ahead of time, be happy, and stay positive. Heck, maybe even bribe your kids for ice cream if they smile and listen during the shoot. Just do whatever works best for your family, but try to stay positive and keep the stress out.

My goal is to hopefully make your family photoshoot just a little easier. Yes, I totally stressed myself out before this one, but it was all for nothing. Everything worked out, and I ended up LOVING my photos so much! I can’t wait to share with you how I display them in my home!

I hope you enjoyed a little taste of my family. They are my WORLD. I think that if you don’t do anything else, get family photos made. They are priceless. You will never look back and regret the time or money spent getting them done. They are a cherished memory that will live in your home forever!