Tips to feel confident on your family photo session
Here’s how to feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera – and enjoy the photo session experience with your family.
Search for a photographer who suits you and your personality. Asking friends for suggestions cuts to the chase as you’ll get a name and lowdown on their experience (but still check in on their style – does it make you go WOW?). Head for the photographer’s website ‘About’ page to get a feel for their personality, vibe and how they take photos. My style, for example, is natural, candid and emotive. If you want something more stylised or formal, you’re better off with someone in a studio setting.
Go with the flow - I go with the flow of your baby and children – and you can too. For babies, sleeping, feeding, getting settled is all part of the process, and for kids, running, playing, chatting, chilling, whatever they feel comfortable doing is good with me. I noticed how often after our family photography session is over, I see surprised (and relieved) faces at how easy, fun and yes may I say, enjoyable it was. Let’s face it, it can be daunting to have a professional camera pointing at you and that’s ok, but I can also promise we don’t do anything you wouldn’t do normally (sorry no handstands and acrobatic tricks - only at your request). All you have to do is play and cuddle up with your kids and partner. Easy.
When parents are asking their kids to look and smile at the camera, it can have the opposite effect. Young children get easily tired and too much fuss can overwhelm them too quickly. My approach is to gently direct, not overdo it, let natural curiosity take over and evolve naturally – telling off can kill the playfulness. I love capturing whatever comes from my gentle direction – hang out on the bed and have a giggle, and I’ll work around what’s going on and you won’t even realise I’m there. I aim to make everyone feel comfortable and not self-conscious – so if hanging out at home on your bed works for you, it works for me.
I feel there is often a sigh of relief from parents when the kids are cooperative and smiling at the camera. However, it doesn’t happen every time and it is ok. Not all the pictures have to be smiling and laughing, it is great if we get them but if that doesn’t happen, don’t beat yourself up about it. It’s nice to have a mixture anyway. Let it go and cuddle up with your ‘forever babies’, hanging on to you and have some lovely, sweet photos. Enjoy that too.
Some dads who come along to a photo shoot have felt a bit reluctant, especially on maternity shoots, so firstly, you’re not alone, and secondly, we’re used to it, so we’ll make him feel relaxed and chilled. To get him on board, decide together on a location spot that’s special to both of you and show your partner our website to get the style and feel of our photos. You’ll see there’s no need to pose or perform, all dads need to do is have fun with their kids and have a cuddle.
Enjoy the experience – part of the delight in the photos afterwards is remembering the day and fun you had.
If you’d like to learn more about my family photography sessions, how it works and availability, feel free to contact me via email or call.