Ive learned a few things over the years photographing families. Here are my top 10 tips that come to mind.
- Show up early and pick out your specific spots at the agreed upon location. Even better, have everything set up, laid out and ready to go. I usually try to get that done, then head back to the parking lot and wait to greet the family as they show up.
- Be engaging right from the get go. Don’t be a bump on the log. No matter how I feel, no matter how late they are I always greet with a smile, hug and a kind word.
- Engage the kids right away. Try and become their favorite right from the get go.
- Know everyones name…nothing is worse than having to ask their name over and over during a session. It comes acrossed like you haven’t invested in them as a family. Get them memorized on the way there.
- Review poses you want to implement for the size family.
- Have your session planned. Have a shot list.
- Photograph the kids early. They fade quickly. Get those shots done ASAP.
- Switch lenses. It gives the gallery some variation. I start with wide angle 35mm then switch to my 5omm for details
- Engage Dad. He’s usually the hard-sell. Give lots of praise!
- Do one pose and move around! Walk close, get those portraits and back up to get those wider-pulled out shots.
And one bonus tip:
Leave your ego. I literally will do anything to get those genuine smiles and laughs from those kids. I’d rather be a crazy lady making the kids laugh than be sitting behind my computer wishing I had done more. Right?! No shame.
