Tips For A Successful Family Session

Pictures play an important role, capturing a moment in time that you can relive over and over. Kids seem to grow like weeds so we try and get pictures done every year.

With my sister and her husband in town with their new baby boy, we thought it would be the perfect time to get a family picture done. It was hard to figure out where we wanted to do it. An outside picture would be nice but would the weather hold up? What do we wear? Do we match or coordinate?

Thanks to Calgary photographer, Lindsay Ross, for giving a few tips for a successful family session. You can see her work at http://lindsayrossphotography.net/.

Style and Location of Session

There are so many options for location, such as in your home, urban, downtown, city parks. Or make a day of it and head out to the Mountains, we are so lucky to have the Rocky Mountains so close! Talk with your photographer about what you are imagining for your photos and plan it together.

What to Wear

Be you! Do you like to be casual or do you prefer formal attire? Dress appropriately for the weather (cold children will be unhappy children) Coordinate 2-3 colours that you like or match your home decor. Plan ahead. Planning your outfits 1-2 weeks in advance will give you piece of mind. Knowing your ready will help you to relax going into your photo session.

Timing is Everything

If you are doing an outdoor session the best time of day is “golden hour” this is about an hour before the sun drops. It is the most beautiful time of day for natural light and therefore allows for the best images.

The day of your session

Rest is a good idea. Take it easy leading up to your appointment. Make your photo session the highlight of your day. Don’t surprise the children, but rather tell them a friend is going to take your pictures and afterwards you can go out for dinner or ice cream or hot chocolate as a family, not as a bribe, but as part of the overall experience! Also make sure to have water and snacks before your session…hungry bellies are unhappy bellies!

Relax and have fun!

Don’t stress! Again make this an experience where you can enjoy each other. Prepare to laugh and play with your kiddos and just have fun together!

 

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