So you can't wait to get some perfect photos to show off your family. Here are some great tips to help you prepare...
- What to wear
It's important to keep things realistic and dress appropriate for the weather and for the location. Make sure everyone will be warm enough, as its hard to relax when tense with cold lol. Think about what you would normally put on for a walk in the woods or the beach.
Don't be scared to express your personality with colours, although remember that fashions change so stick to classic prints and designs. If in doubt then plain colours work best. Logos on clothes will be distracting & at the end of the day you want the focus on your happy faces. Colours that complement each other are wonderful, or even just pick a common colour like a grey or blue, which everyone can wear a little bit of. Soft natural fabrics always look the best.
Above all you must feel completely comfortable in what you are wearing!
A change of clothes for little ones is useful, incase conditions change or if an outfit gets marked or dirty. It may also give your photographer a little input, with making any changes that will work better for them.
- What to bring
Its better to be safe than sorry, so if in doubt - bring it! Again much will be location dependant, like towels for the beach or a picnic blanket for the park. Of course your usual bag essentials for your little ones, nappies, food, drinks, change of clothes, accessories like hats, etc. anything you need to make sure they can be content.
Make sure you have a little cash/card, perhaps for parking at the location or for a well earned coffee or ice cream afterwards!
Think of the weather.... the joy of living in the UK is you never know what it might throw at you. Ladies maybe bring some hair bands or clips if its windy.
Toys & personal items, these can be lovely to have in a few shots. Cuddly toys or blankets with sentimental appeal, can really bring out some natural joy and expressions. It's usually easier to add these things in, rather than take away mid-shoot, so keep them stashed in a bag perhaps until needed.
- Whats important
Enjoy yourself and your family's company! feel free to breath and move around lol. Of course try and face towards the photographers direction, if you are going to give your daughter a kiss, otherwise it won't be captured. Yes it really is a good idea to show a little affection with each other, but if your family is not naturally a 'touchy-feely' bunch then please don't force it. A tickle or a play fight can work just as well. Simple proximity to each other will show you are a close family, so let down your personal space barriers and get everyone around you.
If your photographer wants to try something or find a different background, they will let you know, otherwise if you don't hear anything from them, its working fine just as you are, so keep doing it.
Try and ignore your photographer when interacting with your family unless you've been asked to look at the camera of course. They are just a fly on the wall most of the time.
You know the little things to say or looks to give to make your kids laugh. It's worth while 'pulling it out the bag' especially during any individual shots, to put your child at ease.
Parents should try not to look down and watch the kids all the time during a shoot. In fact, mum and dad please switch off a little from 'parent mode' and concentrate on each other too. Let the photographer give guidance if needed. Reconnect with your partner and give your husband a kiss or hold your wife's hand. Its those images that your children will love more in years to come!
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