HOW TO PLAN YOUR FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION
Spring is just around the corner and I can’t wait to get back outdoors after a long wet and windy winter! I thought I would put a guide together to help you with how to plan for your family photo shoot. Ideas on where best to have the photo shoot? What to expect? What’s the best time of the day? What style of photos do you like? These are all important factors to take on board when looking to book your family session.
~ WHAT STYLE OF PHOTOS DO YOU LIKE? ~
When deciding on a family portrait photographer the best question to ask yourself is what style of photos are you after? Questions like; Do you prefer photos inside a studio with a simple plain background? Do you like the idea of having your photos taken outdoors amongst the colourful seasons? Do you like natural documentary photos which are not posed? Do you want photos inside your home? All of these different styles produce different results so choose the style you want to achieve for your photoshoot. It’s best to decide on this first as this will help you find the right photographer to suit your preferred style. Always look at a photographers portfolio to see if you like their style of work.
~ IDEAS ON LOCATIONS FOR OUR FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT ~
If you have decided to use a family photographer who specialises in natural outdoor portrait photography using natural light, then next you will be thinking where should our session take place? I normally recommend some location options as a guide because sometimes this can be a little overwhelming. Some of my clients have certain locations which are special or sentimental to them and their family which I think is perfect. This is ideal as it will be more personal and meaningful to their family photos and will be a lovely experience to look back on.
Our consultation is important in planning your photo shoot so I can get to know what you love doing together as a family. Whether it’s spending the weekends going for walks in the beautiful countryside, playing in the forest and climbing trees, walks along the beach or enjoying days out at a National Trust enjoying the colours and flowers in the gardens. Choosing a location that all the family enjoy going to will make the children more relaxed and will achieve more natural looking photos.
~ WHAT’S THE BEST TIME OF DAY FOR OUR FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT? ~
I normally suggest mornings are a good time of the day especially if you have young children as they tend to have more energy! The light is also better in the morning as it’s less contrasty and doesn’t create such harsh shadows. If you have older children the Golden Hour may suit you best. The Golden Hour is an hour or so before sunset when the light creates a beautiful warm glow and creates soft, dreamy photos.
~ WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT? ~
I like your family session to be fun and relaxed and something the children will enjoy. I like to mix things up so we capture a good range of photos from some natural posing with you all together as a family, which I will help you with and then mixing it up with some fun games with the kids. You can bring along their favourite toy such as a teddy bear, a bike to ride on, bubbles or colourful balloons etc. which will make fun, interesting props for them to interact with and will also distract them from the camera making for some great natural photos of them having fun. Also I love dogs, so please feel free to bring them along as they are an important family member too!
~ STILL UNSURE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT? ~
I am always here to help you every step of the way through planing your photo shoot to the delivery of your precious photos. If you have any questions or would like to book in your family session then please get in touch.
Rosanna xx