How to Make Your Family Photo a Huge Success!

 How to Make Your Family Photo Session a Huge Success!

I Booked it…. Now What?

So you have booked your Photographer for your Family Photo…. You decide a date, time  and location. Now you need to Prepare!

What to Wear?

By far the #1 question I get asked.  Ask yourself where am I going to hang my portrait?  Your outfits should coordinate with the room where your portrait will be hanging.  Then start with Mom’s outfit first! It is so easy to find cute kids clothes and a nice shirt for dad. Mom’s should find something they feel beautiful in and then coordinate everyone else around her.  You do not all have to be matchy – matchy. Although you can’t go wrong with a dark colored shirt and jeans.  If you are wearing pants they should be a little on the long side. (Think about when you are sitting and your socks showing.)  If you are choosing a fabric that wrinkles easily wait to change when you arrive to the shoot.
Last year my personal Family Photo we wore our Chicago Bear’s shirts and jeans. We are huge Bear fans and I knew this portrait would be on our Christmas card and the portrait would be hanging in my husbands Man Cave. See my Family Photo by clicking HERE.
Pick out everyone’s outfit down to the accessories and shoes and lay them out in the room where your portrait will be displayed. Kids should try on their shoes at least a week ahead of time. You know the shoes that seriously fit a month ago are suddenly too small. If it is a warm day and your family is casual go with out shoes! Look to Pinterest for hundreds of ideas for wardrobe inspiration.

1-2 Weeks Before the Shoot

Get a hair cut and/or colored. Do not try a radical new cut or color.  Hide scissors, markers from the little ones. How many of us have family photos from when we were little and we laugh now remembering that you or one of your siblings cut their hair and not in a good way.  (Yes, I have one … school picture day 3rd grade cut my own bangs really short.)
Gather anything you want incorporated into your Family Photo. Grandma’s quilt, a Family Bible, a story book you read to your child nightly. I am a huge list maker. I love checking things off as I pack my things or get the kids involved and have them check off the list while you gather things for your photo shoot.

The Day Before Your Photo

Remove any temporary tattoos with baby oil or rubbing alcohol.
Remove nail polish and freshen up your manicure. Clip the boys nails too!
Iron your clothes and set everything out.
Pack some dried snacks like goldfish or cheerios. Avoid any drinks or foods that will stain the face, like red Kool-Aid.
Pack a brush/comb.

Family Photo Day

Ladies if you don’t normally wear makeup a little mascara and lip gloss will help make your eyes pop and define your lips. Make sure you bring your lip gloss or lipstick to touch up during the shoot. It is not necessary to over do make up to try and conceal blemishes I photo shop them out.
If your child scratches or bruises their face please do not put make up on them. Check with your photographer but I edit out scratches and small bruises.
If your child is small bring their lovey or favorite toy.
Don’t forget to grab the special items for your Family Photo.  Grab your snacks and some bottled water.