How to prepare for your family photo session

Chances are you have partaken in family photos in the past. Maybe from when you were a kid or when you were visiting distant relatives and they wanted to get some photos together. If this is the case, you may also be aware of how stressful planning a family photo session can be. I emphasize 'can' because it doesn't have to be. Family photos should be fun, not stressful. From planning the session all the way up to having the final images delivered should be an exciting experience. With this guide, I will walk you through step by step how to prepare your family photo session and ensure that the preparation itself will be a memory to cherish for years to come, just like the photos will be.

When should we have our family photos taken?

Deciding when to schedule your session is generally the first step towards getting the wheels in motion. Luckily, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to family photos. Families schedule their sessions all throughout the year. What might help you decide what time of the year is best for you is asking yourself "What do I plan on doing with these photos?" Are you wanting to send them to extended family as a Christmas card? If so, then closer to Christmas would be ideal. Do you wish to print these photos out and hang them up on the wall, for you to see every day? If that's the case, what's something that you would like to see every day? Maybe you're a family that loves the summer months and all it has to offer, like going to the beach. Scheduling a session in July at the beach, then, would best represent your family.

Of course, with that said, there are a couple things to keep in mind. If you are looking for family photos in Phoenix, Arizona, which I'm assuming most of you are, then you are well aware that it gets very hot here in the summer months. Scheduling your photos during that time frame has its challenges. It can be uncomfortable for you due to the heat, you may sweat a lot more and look red in your photos and it can be dangerous, especially for younger children. I always like to suggest lifestyle sessions during hot parts of the year as this allows sessions to take place indoors, usually at the comfort of your own home. Not only is there the benefit of getting away from the heat but a lifestyle session can also allow the photos to be even more personal as it is your family in their own element, doing something they love.

What photographer should we hire?

Okay, you've decided that you want family photos, and you know when you want to take them but... who should you hire to take them? Now, obviously, I want to say me. I want to say you should hire me. But I'm not going to. You should hire a photographer that you connect with. Not just one that takes great photos. If you're looking for a family photographer in Phoenix, you should ask yourself "Does this photographer share the same values as me?"

If your photographer doesn't share the same values as you or can't connect with you, they're going to have a much more difficult time relating to your family and bringing out the best of them and showing it in the photos. So, visit their 'about me' section on their website, go on their Instagram and check out what they are posting regularly, talk with them on the phone during a consultation and really get to know them. Now, if I do fit the bill, then absolutely, hire me. But if you connect with someone else more and believe they are best suited to bring out your family's best, then you owe it to you and your family to hire that person.

How do we choose the best location?

After deciding on a photographer, you'll now have a partner in crime who will help you out along the way but allow me to still give my two cents on some important issues. When it comes to choosing a location for your session, most everyone's impulse is to just consider a gorgeous spot without considering if it's authentic to them. Sure, family photos at Superstition Mountains will make for beautiful images but will it ring true to your family? You should consider locations that hold a deeper meaning to your family, even if it's not a traditional one. My earlier mentioning of lifestyle photos is a perfect example of this. Let's capture photos of your family doing something they love together at a location they love. Now, in case you're wondering "That sounds great, but I do still want traditional photos at a beautiful place too", well, there's nothing saying we can't do both. Work with your photographer to settle on the best location, or locations, for you.

What to wear?

When it comes to selecting outfits, it's essential to strike a balance between coordination and individuality. You’ll want to ensure that your clothing choices complement one another, creating a cohesive look. However, it's equally important to avoid being identical.

Earthy tones will always be a safe choice when it comes to the color palette as they complement the desert landscape that Phoenix is known for. You want to typically avoid any outfit that is overly flashy and trendy. The last thing you want is to have photos that you look back on and ask something like "What was I thinking wearing those skinny jeans?" and as someone who is in his late 30s, that's definitely something I could ask myself. You also want to avoid anything with giant logos on them as this can be distracting and take attention away from what's most important.

These aren't rules by any means, but merely basic guidelines and there are of course exceptions to them. It really depends on what you'll be going for and what you'll be wanting to capture with your family photos. If your family wants to have an emo themed session where everyone is wearing skinny jeans and their hair is covering one side of their face, then let's crank up that My Chemical Romance and party like it's 2005. I'm totally game for it.

What all to bring?

Hydration is key in Arizona, even in the winter months. You'll want to bring enough water for your whole family. Not only for safety reasons, but dehydration can show through in your photos. You may look tired and won't glow as much if you are not properly hydrated.

A comfy pair of shoes might be wise if you're planning on doing some hiking to get to your spot. The terrain in Arizona can be rough, you don't want to be walking a long distance in high heels or dress shoes if you don't have to.

Bring any kind of blanket you may have to lay on. Again, Arizona has very rough terrain so laying directly onto the ground will most likely not be very ideal. Your clothes will get dirty, you'll get pricked by every thorn imaginable and it just won't be comfortable. I have a blanket of my own that I can bring but, of course, bringing your own will make it more personal.

And that leads me to this; bring anything that is personal to your family. Any props at all that helps demonstrate the bond you have. Can be anything from a board game to four wheelers. Each family has their own unique way of connecting and that's what should be captured.

One more thing to mention

As a parent, you're well aware that you can lose a kid's interest very fast. That's why you want to prep them for a fun time. Family sessions are meant to be fun and playful, not stiff and boring. Let them know that this is going to be a time for laughs, cuddles and some games. I always like to employ games in my sessions to keep everyone's spirits high and capture genuine laughs. If your child has a comfort toy or item, bring it along. Whatever it is can make its way into the gallery as well!

Final words

There's a lot to consider when getting family photos taken but it doesn't have to be stressful. I hope this guide eases some of your concerns so you can go into your session confident that the final images will demonstrate the love your family shares. Of course, each session is unique and with that, some may have unique situations and concerns. If you find yourself with a question that wasn't answered here, feel free to reach out to me and I'd love to answer them. Also, if you feel I am the right photographer for you, please feel free to reach out as well. I'd love to hear from you.

Contact Me