How To Get The Best From Your Family Photoshoot

A family photoshoot can go in two ways, the awkward exhausting session or the funny, precious moment session that is full of laughter.

We all prefer the funny, precious moment session. That is what we imagine in our minds. It is good to think like that but having high expectations is a recipe for disappointment.

However, keep in mind that the first step to getting the best is to keep it natural.

According to The Netherland’s Journal of Sociology, taking a sociological approach to family photographs, great photos come from everyday life things. Regular pictures of daily living. Like your toddler child taking a bath or Dad fixing something in the garage. Or a poster for a school dance.

The beauty of getting the best from photography is to allow nature to play its part. Allow the connection to flow, and creativity will come effortlessly. Create that joy on the location and establish that atmosphere of freedom.

Here Are Some Family Photoshoot Tips

• Be sure that everyone is well-fed and rested: This isn’t only for the kids but for you also. Kids shouldn’t be hungry, thirsty, or tired. And the same applies to you as a parent. Hunger might be a huge distraction. The “Let us finish this on time and go grab a bite” feeling.
• Loosen up on control: Most times, parents feel the need to control children, especially when meeting the photographer for the first time. Well, that might work, but what would seem best for you to step back. It would help if you didn’t force your kids to smile or say cheese. It would only look unnatural.
• Be ready to give it all of your time: There is no need to stress over time when dealing with a location shoot. Yes, you might not have the luxury of getting the service of a photographer for several days straight or for 24 hours. However, wouldn’t it be better to have the kids playing games for a while than spending 30 minutes trying to comfort them. Once everyone is in a good mood, everything becomes effortlessly easy.
• Give enough liberty to your photographer: Creatives produce great pieces when you allow them to soar on their wings of imagination. This doesn’t mean you should accept everything hook, line, and sinker. But give them the freedom to offer you the best.
• A perfect way to keep your kids happy is to promise them a reward. There are times when a shoot can be challenging. Promise them a bonus, and you might get their cooperation. However, do not make these rewards foods. The last thing you would want is a messy dress for the shoot.
• Get ready for a surprise: Most family photo shoots happen while the song or dance is going on. You might be surprised at how your picture turns out when you remember that your kids were only waving toys above their heads—or doing something ridiculously natural to them. Your photographer knows how to get the best from spontaneous moments. Give him/her the best environment to explore it.

There are many reasons why one would want to have a family photoshoot. Creating memories could be the crux of it. However, there could be hidden reasons for having a family photoshoot. In a study by Sandra L. Titus from the University of Minnesota, we are told that family photographs show us things beyond memories. It reflects more of role learning and a transition from being a couple to parenthood.

Innumerable occasions may warrant a family photoshoot. Maybe you feel it is time to start a family album. Or you want to send photos to other relatives. Whatever the reason might bean efficient performance from every family member is what makes the end product worth it.

What If My Toddler Loses It All During The Shoot?

It is no new news that toddlers are unpredictable. They are always in a world of their own and want to make a world of their own. You don’t just think they are not cooperating. Get the best of them by joining them in their world.

If you’re looking for a way to avoid tantrums, get a location not too far from home. When the journey requires much traveling, you might need to take tantrum breaks in the car before the main shoot. You all are stressed. Allow breaks and regrouping periods. This would keep their minds at rest and would prevent them from losing it during the shoot.

After taking all these precautions and he/she loses it all during a shoot. Don’t be in haste to quiet him/her down. Instead, attend to their need. Give in for a natural photoshoot in their innocent state of mind.

When He/She Refuses To Smile To The Camera

We all have that one child who wouldn’t want to smile at the camera for no reason. The ‘cheese’ phenomenon does not affect them. Children like this would also have a hard time posing for the camera. An excellent way to avoid this is to do your homework.

Build up the events leading to the photoshoot to create a rollercoaster feeling. Allow them to pick out their clothing. And if you plan on making use of a specific one, make sure they fall in love with it. It is wise to become their hype-man.

Prepare them with their favorite meal from home. And reduce discipline to the barest minimum during the session. This would allow positivity to flow during the shoot.

The Dont’s Of Taking A Family Picture

• Do not shoot by a tree. The base of a tree is not a good location.
• Do not put family members in awkward poses or positions.
• Do not put the parents or grandparents by the side. Their default position is the middle. There are instances where the parents could be by the side; however, grandparents must be in the middle.
• Do not expect your young children to pose. Some don’t even know what a photoshoot is. Place them on your lap as a parent and play a little before the click. Their smiles are always priceless. You can always check for ideas and posing guides to present