Tips for a Smooth Fall Session / Family Photographer in Birmingham, AL
I always forget how stressful family pictures can be until I’m the one in front of the camera. You book your favorite photographer months in advance, buy new outfits for the family, and pray no gets sick or gets a black eye the week of your shoot. While so many things are out of control (weather, sickness, etc) there are few things that can help it be an enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Tip #1: Choose your outfit first, ladies. Find an outfit you feel beautiful in. I wore cut-off jean shorts and a big sweater at a shoot one time and I felt like me. … and guess what? I love the pictures!
Tip #2: Set out everyone’s clothes DAYS before the shoot. I know this sounds extreme, but trust me! A few days before get EVERYTHING out that you need even socks, bows, bloomers, etc. Go ahead and iron what needs it and tuck it away somewhere safe. The day of the shoot, no one will be frantically running around getting dressed and asking you questions on what to wear. If you have an opinionated toddler, give them an option (even if it’s just the choice between two bows!).
Tip #3: Have a “reward” or something to look forward to after the session. This can be everyone going out for ice cream, a yummy dinner, or even a little wrapped present for your kids in the backseat for afterwards.
Tip #4: This sounds silly, but…. have fun! Seriously! If you are having fun, your kids are going to feed off that energy and be more willing to buy into whatever you want them to do. Tell your kids “we are going to have fun, explore, and play games while someone takes our photos” — if they think they are going to have to pose and smile for an hour that is a lot of pressure! They will be much more willing if they know they’ll get to run around an explore some.
Tip #5: Remember the season you’re in. Maybe your toddler refuses to drop the stick he found on the ground, or your baby is teething and drooling everywhere. What is the point of pictures if not to remember that fleeting season of life you’re in right now, stick and drool included?
We had our family pictures taken last Spring by my friend Mallory and I can honestly say we had SO much fun. I made a conscious decision to take deep breaths, go with the flow, and just enjoy my precious family. It’s not often, if ever, that we have an entire hour to literally just love on each other, snuggle, and play! I hope you find these tips helpful and they help you have an enjoyable session!
Photos by Mallory Bell of Huntsville, AL