It is going to be okay
First, please tell yourself: "It is going to be okay; a family fight over pictures is not worth it". The more you tell your teen to smile or behave, the more they will try to make it difficult for you. This is not because they are a bad kid, but because that is what teens do sometimes. The more you tell your littles to cheesy smile, the less the smiles look natural and authentic. There are tons of ways to get that giggle laugh you love some much out of them!
Your spouse or partner might also not like spending time in a park while there is a game on TV, yardwork to be done, or maybe they are just feeling uncomfortable in an outfit they only wear once or twice a year. Meanwhile, you are trying to get dressed and get your hair and make up done while also helping everyone get dressed and ready on time. Please know your family is not the only one ( and you are a SUPERHERO for getting it all done on time) and I can help you get the best family photos before everyone gets hangry or annoyed.
Here are some tips to help you with the process:
Leave it to your photographer
When you run a family household, you are used to managing everything: their doctor appointments, homework, sports and activities, whats for dinner and more. Adding the family photosession to your plate might be just too much. I am here to help. I have a lot of information for you on one webpage where you can find all the answers to your questions. On the date of the photo session, I'll take the lead on how to pose, how to get kids to cooperate (as much as possible), talk to teens to get that one smile in the photo. Together we will make sure you get the family photos you will love and cherish for years!
What to wear?
There are many tips to find the best outfit, you can read about in this blogpost.
https://www.sandrienbphotography.com/blog/the-best-outfits-for-your-photo-shoot/
But if there is obe golden tip, I would say this is the one: Pick an outfit you feel comfortable and confident in!
Your family does not need to look like models for your photoshoot. Choose outfits that show off your personalities. Even if you want to dress up for your photos, you should wear something that represents all of you. If they feel uncomfortable in their clothes, their faces will show it.
Where to go?
Finding a location for your next photoshoot can be difficult. Chester County and surrounding areas offer many different photoshoot locations that are perfect for a variety of sessions. The best location for your photos depends on a few factors.
You are never alone in this process. I have completed hundreds of photo sessions all over Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas. I am always happy to offer suggestions! There are a few things you should consider when picking any photoshoot location. This post will walk you through how to find photography locations for your next session.
the right time of day
The best time of the day might be the light is the prettiest. Some people prefer the golden hour at the end of a beautiful summer day, others like the ealy morning crispness during the fall season, but to be honest, the best time of the day is what is the best time of the day for YOUR family. Are you guys early risers, plan a session at 9am, Do you have teens who LOVE to sleep in, don't force them to be up and ready by 10, because it will not help getting a relaxed and easy photo shoot. Do you have 10 activities planned on a day and drive from soccer to piano classes, you might want to pick a different day or time in stead of squeezing in 30 minutes on the way from A to B. As your porfessional photographer I can photograph in any light condition and even inside if the weather is bad and we need to change locations last minute. I have studio lights that I can bring to your home and we can create beautiful photos there as well, We will talk about all of this in your pre session consultation.
the more the merrier
For your holiday card, it is probably something you do with your family, but when you include (great-) grandparents, pets, aunts, uncles or other lovedones in your family session you will create images you and your extended family will enjoy for years to come. It probably requires a little more planning and coordinating (outfits and setting a date and time is usually the most challenging part), but plan these sessions when you have a family gathering, when everyone is there for a holiday or celebration, that is a great way to take that family photo where everyone looks their best and is having fun at the same time.
To avoid all traveling to parks, we usually take those photos in a back yard or at the location of a venue you are gathering. We will take photos in smaller groups ( grandchildren, siblings, individual families etc) the possibilities are endless. I am happy to help make the planning process as easy as possible!
Whats next?
I always ask my clients what they want to do with their photos. Most say, well, digital to share on social media of course. But they don't always have an idea of what else is possible next to a 5x7 printed photo and holiday cards. That is where I can help you! You will have access to a guide with information about products I offer and we will look at the best photos and the best product for your family and budget.
This generation kids will have a lot of digital photos, but hardly exists in printed images. If your computer crashes or your computer gets damaged in a fire or flood, you will loose ALL photos. Please make sure to print at least a few photos of a session!
https://www.sandrienbphotography.com/blog/8-reasons-you-should-print-your-images/
Relax and Have fun
Most importantly, the purpose of your photo session is because you love your family the most and want to capture this moment of your lives together.
To be honest, a photo means more when an emotion or memory is connected to it. YOu probably have a photo of your wedding where you felt loved the most, or a photo of your first born riding their bike or a graduation photo from elementary school. These moments mattered and were meaningful and you will feel that when you see the photo years later. That is exactly what I would like you to remember from this session. If you remember that you had a fight over an outfit, were yelling because you were going to be late or you felt like everyone was looking their best, but you felt like you had to apologize for unmatching sox of your middle child, I did not do my job well. I want you to replax for 30 minutes and enjoy the moment of spending some time with your family. Laugh, be silly, hug, look into your partners eyes, and share a moment with your childres they will remember as a beautiful memory as well!
