It’s the morning of your annual family photoshoot. You’re in the middle of applying makeup, your five-year-old is complaining about wanting a snack, your baby is crying, and your husband is grumbling that he doesn’t know where his clothes are. Complete chaos has broken out in your home. You’re doing everything in your power not to completely lose it and cry.
Sound familiar?
Family portraits can be stressful, but they don’t have to be.
Here are my expert tips; as a Reading, PA family portrait photographer; on how to prepare for a smooth family photoshoot:
1. Get everything situated early!
The week before your photoshoot, have all the outfits and accessories ready. Make sure everything fits everyone—there's nothing worse than scrambling on the morning of a photoshoot looking for a specific shirt.
Steam and press everything and organize the clothes on hangers. Place shoes and accessories in a bag and hang them with the matching outfit. Label everything for extra organization. Group the outfits together and store them in a safe closet where they won't be forgotten. Doing this will save you so much frustration and allow your partner to help with getting the kids ready since everything will be clearly labeled.
2. Make sure your kids are fed!
This seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes the chaos of getting ready leads to things being forgotten. Make sure your kids eat full meals before the photoshoot. If the shoot is scheduled around mealtime, plan to eat early—don’t wait until after the shoot.
Bring stain-free snacks like pretzels, plain crackers, or honey grahams. These options won’t risk ruining their clothes. Pack water instead of juice to avoid spills.
To stay even more organized, pre-pack a snack bag the night before and plan your meals for the day of the shoot.
Fed kids = happy kids.
3. If you have a baby, plan the photoshoot around nap time.
Don’t schedule a shoot at 1 p.m. if your baby naps at 2 p.m. Try to plan it for a time when they’re just waking up and will be well-rested.
4. Use a bonnet to protect hairstyles.
If you’re the parent of a curly-haired child like me, use a satin bonnet after styling her hair to protect it until you get to the photoshoot. This helps avoid messy curls. It’s also helpful for more active children who might disturb their hairstyles.
5. Treat yourself to professional hair and makeup.
This takes the pressure off you to get yourself ready, allowing you to relax and look your best. And since you’ve already prepped everything else, you can sit back while your partner takes care of the kids.
If your partner isn’t the primary caregiver, make sure they know where the outfits are, who’s wearing what, and what to feed the kids. With your daughter’s hair already done and protected under a bonnet, that’s one less thing to worry about!
Be extra organized by writing a checklist for your partner, so they know exactly what to do if they’re meeting you at the photoshoot.
6. Be patient!
Kids are unpredictable, and they will act their age. A two-year-old may not sit still and smile for long, and that’s okay.
It’s important to be realistic, stay patient, and let the photographer work their magic. Getting stressed or upset won’t help. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and let things unfold naturally.
Remember, family photoshoots should be fun, not stressful. By planning ahead, staying organized, and keeping a relaxed mindset, you can turn what could be a chaotic morning into a smooth, enjoyable experience. The most important thing is to capture those genuine, beautiful moments with your family—messy curls and all. So, take a deep breath, trust the process, and let your family’s true personalities shine through the lens. These memories will last a lifetime, and the effort you put into preparing will be worth every smile (and maybe even a few giggles).
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