The Stimpson Family | Tips for Family Photos
How often do you get family photos done? Twice a year? Once a year? Once every 2-3 years? Once a decade? In a perfect world, I think getting family photos twice a year would be amazing because that gives you the opportunity to photograph in different seasons. You could have a spring blossom and fall leaves photo shoot or a stunningly green summer and a winter wonderland! But I think for most people the norm is once a year, which is what I highly recommend. Included in this post are some of my recommendations on how to look your best and feel successful for your family portrait session.
Here is one of my favorite family photo sessions with one of my favorite families! Meet my sister and her family. They live in Dallas and took their annual family pictures at Lakeside Park and Arlington Hall in the heart of downtown Texas. It was a cloudy morning session, which makes for ideal photography weather.
Every family session I have ever done has required bribery for child cooperation, and this one was no different. There was definitely some crying and running away from the youngest, but that’s always to be expected and I find lots of ways to make even the youngest happy and cooperative. It’s all part of the family portrait memories and experience!
I always recommend bringing two outfits to family photos when possible and coordinating your outfit colors with the decor in your home so you can hang the pictures on your walls. Neutrals and solids always photograph well, though textures are an awesome way to add variety. I love to have families come in their casual clothes so we can play lots of games and get the kiddos and husbands comfortable. Then when everyone has warmed up to me, I like for you to change into your more dressed-up outfits for more formal photos.
I also recommend coming very well fed and bringing snacks to re-energize everyone while you change outfits. Another great idea is to arrive early so the kids have a chance to explore the area so later they'll be able to focus during the session. It’s also important to remember that sometimes kids need a break here or recompose, so I like to have little "breakouts" with smaller arrangements of family members. If you can, bring a grandparent or family friend who can help play with the kids while we get couples shots of the parents.
Family photos are the most precious keepsakes. Being able to freeze a moment in time with the people you love the most and have that memory forever is priceless. When you take family portraits regularly, you capture moments in time that you never want to forget. Those missing front teeth, that silly grin, that hair cut your two-year-old gave themselves—these are all memories you can keep forever. Follow these tips for a successful family portrait session and don’t let these fleeting family moments pass you by without capturing them!
