5 Tips For Your Next Family Portrait Session

Hey there friends!

One of the most common questions I get from families is what they should do to get ready for their family photo session. Many of my past clients never had a formal picture taken together as a family, so I give them a couple tips to get them ready for the camera, and I’d like to share some of those tips here.

Here are 5 tips to prepare for your next family portrait session!

1. Plan your outfits in advance: Choose coordinating, complementary colors and styles that will look good together in the same frame. Avoid busy patterns and logos, as they can be distracting in photos. I also suggest trying to avoid clashing colors like bright pink, green, or highlighter yellow as they often won’t translate well on photographs. If you’re not sure what to wear or just need to know if your planned outfit is ok, just ask me and I’ll be happy to help coordinate!
2. Practice your poses: It can be helpful to practice posing in front of a mirror or with loved ones to get a feel for what looks natural and flattering. You can find endless ideas and inspiration online. But don’t worry, I’ll be your guide!
3. Take care of yourself: Make sure to get a good night’s sleep, eat well, and take care of your skin and hair leading up to the photo shoot. This will help you feel and look your best. Also, if you have young children, I find they’ll cooperate easier if they just had a nap or if they have full tummies!
4. Choose a location that is meaningful to you: This may already be arranged prior to our shoot together, but a family portrait is a great opportunity to capture memories in a special place. Select a location that has personal significance for your family, whether it’s your home, a park, or a beach.
5. Have fun: Remember that the purpose of the photo shoot is to capture your family’s love and connection, so try to relax and enjoy the experience! Encourage your family to be playful and natural, and try to capture candid moments as well as posed shots.

Bonus tip! Instead of saying “cheese”, say something funny! Saying “cheese” creates an unnatural smile. Telling a dad joke or a silly phrase should get a chuckle out of your family, resulting in a more natural, candid smile.

There you have it! Of course, the one advice that applies every single time is to have fun and let your family be themselves! Don’t take yourselves so seriously and guaranteed you’ll be loving the resulting photos for years to come.

If you’re in the DC Metropolitan area and interested in having a memorable family portrait session or need any of my other photographic services, get in touch today! I specialize in portraits, but also do business headshots, weddings, and other events. I offer free, no pressure quotes and I respond within hours, not days! I would love to work with you!

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