Tips For Your Family Photography Session | ST GEORGE UT FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

My fall mini sessions are coming up here in St George, Utah and I am so excited! The B-E-A-utiful location I've chosen is everything I've every wanted in a fall session. Seriously.

Preparing for the sessions, I get the same questions repeatedly in my inbox-

"Help! What do we wear?"

"What do I do with my kids"

"Should I bring Grandma because she is the only one who can get my child to smile?"

I used to guide my clients to resources like pinterest and a few very informative blogs dedicated to photography session prep, but makes things too complicated. Your family is not complicated so why should session prep? Here are a few tips I found to help you for your photo session!

1. Choose your clothing carefully.

Have your clothing chosen way in advance and make sure that your outfit choices are comfortable and attractive. What do your dream family photos look like? If they are soft and elegant? Chose neutral colors with soft, flowing fabrics…. think creams, very soft pastels, oatmeals, light browns, tans, grays, and slate blues. Want to showcase the fun and spunky side of your family? Choose coordinating colors (but not matchy, matchy) with bold accent colors, such as hues of gray with yellow or bright red accents. Adding fun accessories like scarves, headbands, hats, etc. can add a modern twist and sassy flair to your images.

2. Be well rested and well fed.

This is very very very important. Be certain not to schedule your photo session around your child’s nap or bedtime. The best time for lighting is the two hours before sunset and after sunrise. If this is a bad time for your children, talk with me. I am able to shoot at any time of day by utilizing areas of open shade that will give your skin a beautiful hue and put a sparkle in your eyes. Don’t show up to a photo shoot on an empty stomach. I meet many families who come to a photo session with dinner scheduled at the end. If this is your plan, be sure to give everyone a healthy snack before the photo shoot.

3. Be sure to leave plenty of time to get ready.

Moms are often rushing around before a photo shoot, making sure that their family is dressed and ready. I always encourage mothers to have their hair and makeup professionally done. This will prepare mom for her pictures and when mom is feeling pretty and confident, this will reflect on the rest of the family as well. Leave plenty of time for showers, baths, dressing, and grooming. When a family shows up to a family photo session rushed and disorganized, it sets the tone for a rushed and disorganized session. Give yourself extra time so that you are ready before it’s time to head out that door.

4. Ask dads to be cheerful participants.

Dads, please cheerfully participate. I know that many dads dread the family photo session, but fathers, please understand how important capturing your family is. These images will be left as a legacy, when your children are grown, with families of their own some day. Family photos are treasured forever and they are so important. Please, please, dads… cheerfully participate in your family photo session. Once you see your happy wife and amazing photographs, you will be so glad that you gave this time to your family.

5. Cheese is for crackers.

Please, parents… leave the “cheese” at home. Cheese is for crackers. So many times I have found parents who stand behind the photographer and scream, “Say cheese to the lady kids!” Yelling and demanding young children to look at the camera to smile will only stress your children out (not to mention the photographer) and will result in strained, unnatural and often unflattering photographs. Step back, and allow me to naturally interact and talk with your children. This will result in natural, gorgeous smiles. Help me, the photographer, capture the true essence of your child’s personality by talking with and coaxing out those smiles naturally and easily.

xoxo

Stephanie Erin Photography is your St George Utah Newborn Photographer!

#familysessionprep #whattowearforfamilyphotos #tipsforfamilyphotos #tipsforphotographysession #photosessionguide #stgeorgeutnewbornphotographer #stgeorgeutahnewbornphotographer #stgeorgeutcakesmashphotographer #stgeorgeutahmaternityphotographer #stgeorgeutahphotographer #mesquitenvnewbornphotographer #lasvegasnevadanewbornphotographer #lasvegasnvnewbornphotographer