How to prepare for a family photoshoot at home?

So you’ve decided to invest in a good photographer to capture those precious magical family moments and finally get those wall worthy photos. So surely, all you need to do know is turn up well dressed, yes? Actually, there’s a few things you can to make sure you make the most of your family photoshoot. Want to learn how to plan a photoshoot?

How to prepare for a family photoshoot:

Pick your location

Location, location, location. If you’re still undecided on your family photoshoot location, and secretly believe you need a studio level background or stunning gardens, Check my post: Is my house good enough? Now that you see the benefits of having everything you need, from the comfort of your own home. Let’s move onto photos.

What type of photos you want to achieve?

For those who prefer the more natural candid family pictures at home. Here are a few at home photoshoot ideas to inspire you from the family games at the dinning room table to bubbles in the garden.

  • Family games at the dinning room table
  • Snuggles or reading on the sofa
  • Baking in the kitchen
  • Bedroom cuddles
  • Family giggles
  • Front door family photo
  • The mayhem (perfect moments come from imperfection)
  • Throwing kids in the air
  • Swing from parents arms
at home family photo ideas

What to wear?

Before we get into the nature of picking colours, you need to think about the location. If you’re in the garden or you house has feature wall colours / wallpaper. Then you need to make sure you don’t clash with it. You then need to coordinate your family outfits, no I did not say matching. Here’s a few ideas to get your started.

  • Picking similar colour or textures helps bring the whole family together.
  • Get creative with theme outfits.
  • Weather in mind – You also need to think about the practicality of what your wearing. No point in trying to run around in heels at the park or freezing in the fall.
  • Don’t be afraid to use your kids favourite toys or show off their latest hobbies.
  • Check out my seasonal what to wear guide.
  • My top tips on how to look more photogenic and less conscious.

How to prepare your kids for a family photo?

We’ve prepared a checklist of things for you to remember in order to make sure your child is prepared for their big day! 

  • Don’t forget to feed your child before the session. Also, pack snacks just in case hunger strikes again while we’re shooting.
  • Bring more than one outfit.Make sure you always have backup clothes just in case. And we suggest that you don’t change your child into their session clothing until after you have fed her. Also, be very careful with drinks, as well – only clear liquids in a safe cup. 
  • Let your child help when picking out their clothes for the session (unless they have a hideous sense of fashion.) By letting your child wear his favourite shirt or shoes, etc. this will help him feel more comfortable. If his choice of clothing is awful or doesn’t match, see if you can use that shirt as an undershirt or tell him he can put it on for a couple of shots at the end of the session. 
  • If you have a young child, try to schedule the session around her naptime so she will be well rested and happy for photos.
  • Have a bribe in place. Bring fruit snacks, candy, a toy, etc. and let him know that if he cooperates he will get said bribery. Some parents have bribed their children by telling them if they are good, they can watch Netflix on Mommy or Daddy’s phone. Use whatever you think will work for your child to motivate him to cooperate.
  • Bring along her favourite toy or blanket. This will help your child be comfortable in a new, unfamiliar surrounding. Just be aware that this will probably become a prop in some of the photos, so bring something that is pleasing to the eyes or has sentimental value and you’d be okay with photos of it.
  • Talk to your child about the session and explain what’s going to happen. If your child is informed about the situation, it will be less scary for her when she comes to the session. Tell her that she is going to meet a new friend who is going to take some pictures of her. Let her know that you’ll be there with her and that we are going to have lots of fun. We might change her clothes once or twice and ask her to sit a certain way. During the session, we can show her a couple of the photos so she can put two and two together.
  • Bring Grandma (or someone else your child loves). Bringing along reinforcements is always a good plan. If grandma lives close by, or if your child’s favorite uncle has the day off of work, bring him or her with you. You can use this family member to help get your child to relax and laugh.
  • Wear sturdy shoes. It is a good idea to wear good, sturdy shoes to a session like this, as it’s challenging to chase a little one around in flip-flops or heels. During the session, I may ask you to grab your child if he keeps running out of the frame. Or I may have us walking around exploring, so we need to be prepared to keep our feet safe and comfortable.

How you want to use your family photos?

Yes, that’s kind of the point of having a family photoshoot. Was to get some great photos of you and your family. But what are you going to do them? Where do you want to hang them?

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