Hello, Colorado Springs moms! As a family photographer, I understand that preparing for family photos can be overwhelming. Between coordinating outfits, making sure everyone is in a good mood (impossible to predict), and dealing with last-minute surprises, it’s easy to feel stressed. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few tips to help you prepare for a more enjoyable experience.
Photo taken at Palmer Park in Colorado Springs
1. Prepare Your Clothes
So you’ve already chosen your outfits for your family photos, hopefully with your photographer’s help. Now you’ll want to make sure everything is ready to go for the big day!
- No Wrinkles: Grab a steamer and get those wrinkles out. To further prevent creases, don’t dress your littles until you’re at the location and out of the carseat. If you’re using one of my client closet dresses then it will be clean, steamed and ready for you!
- Keep it Together: Organize everyone’s outfits in one place, down to the accessories and shoes. You can put jewelry in a ziploc bag and stick it through the hanger so it’s right there.
2. Prepare Your Kids
Kids can be unpredictable, but with a little preparation, you can help them enjoy the photo session:
- Talk About It: Explain to your kids what to expect. Let them know it will be fun and that they can play and be themselves.
- Bring Snacks and Toys: Pack some non-messy snacks like apple slices, grapes, pretzels- anything that won’t make crumbs or color the teeth. For little ones, bring favorite toys to keep them happy and occupied between shots. Bring some water in a sippy, they will probably get thirsty!
3. Take Care of Yourself
As a mom, you’re often the one behind the scenes making everything happen. Don’t forget to take care of yourself, too:
- Pamper Yourself: Consider getting your hair and makeup done professionally. It’s a little luxury that can boost your confidence and take some of the stress off of you. Just make sure it’s someone you trust or do a test run first so you know you love it. You want to be able to recognize yourself in your photos!
- Relax and Enjoy: Try to relax and have fun with your family. Genuine smiles and interactions make the best photos. It can be hard to watch your kids giving goofy smiles and not say anything, but let your photographer work their magic- we have ways to bring out their natural smiles and it can be hard to do that if they are constantly being corrected.
4. Communicate with Your Photographer
Good communication with your photographer is crucial to ensure your vision comes to life:
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the process, what to expect, or how to prepare. We’re here to help!
- Trust Their Expertise: Remember, your photographer is a professional. Trust their guidance on poses, lighting, and locations.
5. Day of the Session Tips
On the day of your photo session, a few last-minute tips can help things go smoothly:
- Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to get to the location. Rushing can add unnecessary stress.
- Pack Essentials: Bring a small bag with all your essentials like water, snacks, extra clothes.
- Stay Positive: Keep a positive attitude and go with the flow. If something doesn’t go as planned, that’s okay. Sometimes the best photos are the unplanned moments. Remember, we are there to have fun and love on each other, not be perfect!
Conclusion
Preparing for family photos doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and these tips, you can have a fun and enjoyable experience with your family. Remember, the goal is to capture your family’s unique personality and love, so relax and enjoy the moment. I can’t wait to help you create beautiful memories here in Colorado Springs!
If you’re ready to book your family photo session or have any questions, please contact me!
