A Positive Approach to Family Photography
North Dallas Family & Child Photographer
The other day I was hanging out with some moms of young kids and the subject of family photography came up. One mom said it had been a long time since she had had pictures taken. A few other moms also commented that they also had not done pictures in a while. So, I asked them what held them back the most. And here is what I learned:
“I’m afraid my kids won’t cooperate for pictures?”
I hear this a lot from people actually. If this resonates with you, you certainly are not alone in this thinking. One mom, who has three boys ranging from preschool to high school, quickly responded with, “I am not sure they will cooperate.” As a mom, I complete get this. You imagine other families show up and their kids are perfectly behaved. And then there are your own feral, monkey kids… You might have to hang your head in shame as you walk away from your family photography session where kids wouldn’t sit still and smile. Does this sound like the scenario you are imagining?
Here is the key to success on this –
Find the photographer that has a portfolio of families that looks like more of an adventure rather than posed (because sitting still and smiling is …. boring). This also goes along with setting your expectations of what a family photography session will look and feel like. These aren’t the family photography sessions your mom dragged you to in dark studio with that powder blue background. (thank goodness!) Another point that goes along with setting your expectations is considering that your family might need more time than a 15 minute mini session. A half or full session might be better for your family.
“Coordinating outfits for a family photography session is hard.”
You are right! It can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be with the help of your photographer. You don’t have to go it alone. Once again this come down to finding the right photographer for you. Before you book a session ask your photographer what type of wardrobe assistance they offer. Some have an Amazon link with outfit ideas chosen, some offer a bit of personal shopping, and some offer client closets. I have found what works best for my clients is giving them pointers in the session guide and then being available to answer questions and help narrow down selections.
“My photographer moved away.”
Surprisingly, I hear this one often. You had a photographer you were using, and then they moved away or they are no longer doing photography. We have our seasons of life too. Sometimes we are in our raising kids, up to eyeballs era, and photography has to take a back seat. Luckily for you, there are many photographers to choose from. So, put your feelers on and start asking around. Look for the photographer that fits you and your season of life.
“I intended to book a session, but time got away from me.”
Nodding my head along with you friend. I get it. If there is anything that motherhood does for us all that we have in common, I think it is this. We just have so many things that demand our time and attention. This is why your photographer friends start advertising for sessions months in advance. We know you need a few reminders to help you along. Or maybe that is just me … I am the girl with about 10 alarms I set on my phone to REMIND ME to get things done. So let me just say my fall calendar opens up August 1st, and my spring calendar opens up January 1st. So, go put it on your calendar now so that you can get it crossed off your to-do list.
Let’s summarize the problems and solutions.
I am afraid my kids won’t cooperate. Reframe what “cooperating” at a session feels and looks like. Playing, laughing, exploring can all be part of a successful session. Find a photographer that fits into that idea
Coordinating outfits is hard. Seek out a photographer that will assist you in this. There are levels of helping all the way from loaning you the outfits to wear, to walking you through what is in your own closet and adding a few pieces to make sure your outfits are coordinating rather than matchy-matchy.
My photographer moved away. Now is time to start the search for the photographer that is right fit for you.
I intended to, but time got away from me. Same answer as above!
The common theme here is finding the right fit photographer for you! As you were reading this, if you thought, “hey, this photographer sounds like the one for us!”
Let’s chat and book you a session!
Mom’s dress: Free People (one of my favorite places for mom’s outfits for photo sessions!), The two graphic tees on the boys are from the line Little Co from Kohls. (another one of my favorite lines for kid outfits for sessions!)
February 24, 2024
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