10 Tips for Family Pics

Guest post from Christina Lang

 

Image by lizziebeephotography.com

It is that time of year again…the family picture.  I start thinking about this photo op that only happens once a year a couple of months before it happens.  As soon as I book the photographer (usually in September) I start thinking color schemes and location.  Here are a few tips and tricks that I have learned about surviving photography shoots with kids…

10 Tips for Family Pics:

1-Book early.  If you want a good photographer (one who will make your kid smile).  Do a little research.  Chances are there is someone in your area who runs their own photography business looking to fill up their holiday photo shoots.

2-When thinking fashion, don’t overthink.  Simple, everyday clothes that look and feel comfortable will have the best results.

3-Don’t dress everyone matchy-matchy.  Even if it is easier to put all the boys in the same flannel…Resist the urge.

4-Pick a color scheme (usually 2-3 colors) and stick to it.  Everything doesn’t have to be the exact same shade or pattern.  It’s ok to mix it up a little.

5-Layers look awesome in pics, so do accessories.  If your little guy is wearing a button up shirt, stick another color underneath it, or a vest or scarf on top.  It adds texture to the photo and gives your viewers more details.

6- Pick a location that your family is comfortable with.  A park that you go to often, your house, a nearby lake.  Driving for hours all dressed up is never a good idea.  Clothes wrinkle and kids drool 😉

7- Don’t do photos during a meal or skip nap time.  Pick the time of day that is best for your kids and tell the photographer why.  They want happy kids just like you do, so they should be more than willing to cooperate.  Right after a meal is a good time, that way the whole time your are taking pics the kids aren’t complaining about being hungry.  Although, it is not a bad idea to keep a few (non staining) snacks close by.

8- Let the kids take a break.  Smiling for an hour will make anyone crabby.  Do some photos and take a break.  Then a few more after you let everyone run around- but not enough running to mess up their hair.  Keep a comb close so that you can fix tousled hair quickly.

9-Be prepared for anything (meltdowns, snotty noses, bad attitudes, etc)  It is totally fine to have candy in your pocket to increase your toddler’s chances of smiling.

10-Just do it… even if you haven’t prepared at all and no one is wearing matching clothes.  Even if your two-year-old has already stripped down for the day…just take a pic.  You will never regret capturing the moments through the years when you are all together.  I know this first hand as an adult, because if/when my mom ever gets all of us adult siblings in a room (or even the same state) at the same time, she must take multiple pictures since it is such a rare occurrence.

So do it now.  You won’t regret it.

Do you have any tips to share?