{"id":8830,"date":"2021-11-15T09:09:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-15T17:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beccajeanphotography.com\/?p=8830"},"modified":"2022-04-27T15:04:05","modified_gmt":"2022-04-27T22:04:05","slug":"preparing-for-amazing-family-photos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beccajeanphotography.com\/preparing-for-amazing-family-photos\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Tips on Preparing for Amazing Family Photos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s the day of your family photos and you’re in a state of panic trying to prepare and get everyone ready. Clothes are thrown all over the beds, you are shoving food in your toddler\u2018s mouth while trying to put on mascara, and simultaneously yelling at your husband to hurry up or you\u2019ll be late. Sound familiar? I hope not! But if it does, let\u2019s talk about some tips to make this never happen again. Like, ever. Family photos are supposed to be fun and I am here to help take the stress out of it (or as much as I can). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t overwhelm your kids with info<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t want to over-prepare your kids for their family photos. There are a few different ways that you can accidentally do that, so let\u2019s talk about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One way this can go wrong is for you to give them too much information about the photo session. Don\u2019t go into detail about how they need to act or what\u2019s going to happen during the session or anything like that. Don’t try and bribe them to “be good” because that is already setting the expectation that they aren’t going to like it. Instead, just tell them you\u2019re going to go have a fun family day, play together, and explore while someone takes your photos. That\u2019s all you need to say.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other way that you can accidentally over-prepare them is by coaching them to smile at the camera. Please do not<\/strong> do this. The goal here is to get authentic smiles and also connections between family members. I don\u2019t need them to look at the camera all the time. I will direct them to look at me if needed but most of the time kids will just laugh at the camera anyway (because I’m so hilarious, of course). And please do not ever utter the words, \u201csay cheese!\u201d unless it\u2019s the end of the session and we have not gotten a smiling photo and it\u2019s a last resort. But I\u2019d much rather you have an authentic smile than a fake cheese one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"mom<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Don’t be too active on the day of your family photos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t have a super active day on the day of your session. You don’t want your little ones to be all worn out by the time we start taking your photographs. With your session likely later in the day, this could make for some tired kids. And since my sessions involve exploring and lots of play, your kids will need their energy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"kids<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

No hangry family members<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to feed everyone before the session. And then brush their teeth and wipe their faces! A full belly will make a huge difference in your child\u2019s mood (and partner’s) during their family photo session. I also recommend bringing some water and a couple of non-messy snacks if you think your kids will need them. Something they can eat quickly and not get stuck in their teeth or leave a stain if they fall on their clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wondering what snacks to bring to your family photo session? Here are some examples of great snacks<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n