Families involve happy times, angry times, silly times, crazy times, and everything in between. The only way to get the real-ness of a family is to find a photographer that can catch those in between reactions and go on a fun (no, really!) family photo shoot with you.

1) Go OUTSIDE the box (Or studio, that is)

Sometimes being in a studio just creates that stuffy stifled atmosphere that suppresses the real interactions of a family. I believe that each family member gets nervous because it is an out-of-the-ordinary setting and one no one is used to. So, get out of there! Take the kids and go to a park. Visit the zoo or go get some ice cream. For fun family photos, take a trip somewhere to do something your family is used to doing together. Your family photos will look more real, your photographer will have an easier time of catching those moments that make your family unique, and everyone will be relaxed and at ease with each other. No nervousness allowed!

2) Matching Smatching

I don’t know any families that wear matching clothing all of the time. If you want family photos that look real, look believable, and look like YOU, wouldn’t it make sense to do the things you’re used to doing every day? If you don’t wear matching shirts every time you leave the house, don’t wear them to the photo shoot! Wear things you are comfortable in and that make each of you feel good. Bright colors usually work the best for the camera and help each person to stand out from the background. My suggestion is to pick a color scheme and stick with it. Choose just a few colors for your family photos that everyone is comfortable with and looks attractive in. Blend – don’t match.

3) Ignore the camera -no, seriously

I have seen so many occasions where people get in front of the camera and automatically freeze. There is just something about that big glass lens that makes people stiffen up and become nervous! The BEST way to become comfortable in front of the camera is to act like it isn’t even there. IGNORE IT. Tell the kids to ignore the camera like they ignore you when you tell them to clean their room. Yep, that should get the message across. The more you act like yourselves, the better your family pictures will turn out.

4) Photographer knows best

Moms, you may have to take a breather on this one. For your family photos, ask your family photographer for suggestions and tips on how to make your day more successful. For example, I would tell a client to make sure you scheduled your family photo session around your normal daily schedule. Be aware of naptimes,  wake-up times, work-times, and any other time that you are used to during your daily routine. Also, be very aware of the time of day that you choose for your shoot. If you want to take a trip to the park for your family photos, don’t plan on having the shoot at 1pm in the afternoon. The light will not work nearly as well as it would closer to evening or late afternoon. Squinty eyes can ruin a picture! Always ask your photographer for some helpful tips and ideas to you can plan your shoot accordingly. Remember: The photographer wants to work with you!

5) ALL Day is okay!

Here is a fun family photo idea that I often like to throw out there: why not book a family photographer for the entire DAY? Have the photographer get the real low-down on what your family is like on an hour-by-hour basis. Booking your family photographer for an entire day of shooting will get many moments of daily life you wouldn’t capture otherwise. For the moms, you are usually the one taking the pictures, right? Or you dads? This way, you BOTH can be in the photos without having to set a timer and run to pose in front of the camera. These shoots produce photojournalistic style photos – ones that tell a story, moment to moment, emotion to emotion. Get the kids in their jammies eating breakfast, the family making dinner together, and the parents tucking the kids in bed. You could break apart the day any which way you like, just so long as you get the memories that you want to hold on to.

The biggest part of fun family photography is getting everyone to act in the normal way they do when together, without a strange camera in your face. When a family is real and comfortable with each other, the true spirit of the family dynamic comes across. Using these tips for better family photos, getting that spirit across to the photographer is what will give you lasting and memorable family photos for years to come.

Scheduling is Important- The best time to photograph a baby is when he or she is neither tired nor hungry. Try to schedule your session right after a feeding. Most photographers understand that it is difficult, if not impossible, to predict a baby’s schedule and are, therefore, usually more than happy to wait while you turn your baby back into the sweet angel you want documented for posterity.

Bring Refreshments (for you and baby!)- If you are nursing, find out if there is a place for you to easily feed your baby. If there will not be an adequate place for you to comfortably nurse, consider pumping before hand and bringing a bottle. For slightly older babies, bring along something to drink and a light snack. Frankly, you may both get thirsty and hungry during the session. It’s actually quite a lot of work for everyone involved. Which leads me to the next tip.

Plan on a Little Hard Work- It’s not easy to keep your baby cooing gleefully for an entire photo shoot. Be ready to make those ridiculous faces and do those embarrassing dances that you swore you would never do outside the privacy of your own home. You will likely be up and down, singing silly songs, playing peek-a-boo, and pretend sneezing for most of the session, so check your dignity at the door. Remember, the baby will likely look at you, so put on your show wherever you want the baby to look. (The photographer will most likely guide you through this process, letting you know when she/he needs assistance and directing you to stand in a certain place.)

Clothes (Or No Clothes) Do Matter- Bathe your baby about two hours before the shoot if possible, and dress him or her in something that you can remove without disturbing your angel. If you want those adorably innocent naked baby pictures, keep diaper and clothing loose to avoid making unsightly red marks. A neutral colored onesy makes for a very simple and clean photo, but splashes of color and bright patterns or hats are also great. If you (or your spouse and/or siblings) plan to be in the photos, try to dress in neutral colors, so your clothes will not become the focal point of the image.

Gather Wardrobe and Props Ahead of Time- “Packing” ahead of time will ensure that you don’t leave something behind. Wash and pack clothes, blankets, pillows, accessories, toys, and any other special items for your session as soon as you can get by without them. Don’t feel awkward if you show up with a full suitcase. Many people do.

Be on time. – You are likely allotted a certain amount of time for your shoot. Avoid having to rush by being prepared and on time.

San Jose – San Francisco –  Baby  Photographer

Benipayo Photography

Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com

(408) 717-3670 ********** (415) 763-7643

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Christie Stockstill is a professional photographer in Austin, Texas. She specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, children, family and H.S. Senior portraits. Check out her website to view her portfolio and read more articles and tips: http://www.christiestockstill.com.

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