It shouldn't be this hard
I wrote a blog post last month about why we take a family photo every year (you can read that here) and I also understand why many families don't do this. There can be so many barriers to taking regular family photos including budget, scheduling, getting your partner and/or kids on board, picking clothes for everyone, etc. Here I'm giving the top tips I've learned over the years for how to minimize the preparation needed and overcome the obstacles that keep many families from booking and enjoying photo day.
TIMING
One of my secrets to making family photos easy is when we schedule them. For us, fall is ideal for many reasons. In addition to the beautiful scenery, I love that all of my back-to-school prep means we are already 90% ready for photos. The kids have had recent haircuts, their clothes and shoes fit reasonably well and we are back to a regular and more predictable schedule. While this can feel like one of the busiest times of year, it also means that so much of the hard work is already done. Getting photos taken in early-ish fall means you'll have them back from your photographer well before the holidays and they can be used in greeting cards or as gifts to family members. One more thing you can check off your to-do list!
CLOTHING
This can be one of the biggest headaches for people- What the heck is everyone going to wear??
First of all, I recommend against trying to match everyone. It can feel dated and inauthentic (Does your family walk around in your day-to-day life in matching outfits? Probably not haha). Secondly, it is so much work. What make more sense to me is to build outfits from what we already have. To be completely honest, I find myself to be the hardest one to dress, so I pick my clothes first. Find something from your closet that you feel good in (maybe a cozy sweater you love or a skirt that makes you feel pretty but often just sits in your closet) and then shop your family members' closets to find pieces that make sense with your outfit. Avoid big logos if you can and remember that pops of color paired with neutrals is often pretty easy to pull together for a group. If you do need to purchase anything, try to be sure it's something that really compliments that person's wardrobe so that it will get worn again and again.
If you feel good in your clothes, you will look good in your photos, so don't pick an outfit that feels itchy or makes you self-conscious. Layers can be a great way to add visual interest to a fall outfit. Details like tights, a belt, a sweater or accessories can be small ways to make an outfit feel special without it becoming a huge chore.
BUDGET
One major consideration when booking family photos is the cost. To begin, I recommend deciding what is a reasonable budget for you for photos. A big city will have many photographers to choose from and if you do your research and book in early, you'll have lots of options. In Calgary there are photographers who offer family photos starting at below $100, those whose packages start at upwards of $700, and everything in between. Look at what is included in their prices and what dates and locations they offer to choose what works best for you. Check to see if your area has a beginner photographers group, where budding photographers may be offering their services at a lower cost.
If money is too tight this year, ask a friend to snap a few photos of your family in a park or garden. Some of our family photos have been taken by my own camera on a tripod. Of course these types of photos may not be the highest quality but that's not really the point. Some of my favorite pictures of my family were taken on a cell phone.
COOPERATION
A big barrier to professional photos can just be getting everyone on board. If you have reluctant family members, the best thing you can do is to make things as easy as possible for them. You may need to lower your expectations of what outfits you deem acceptable or choose a date or time that wasn't your top aesthetic choice but is more convenient. To minimize the stress for everyone, decide that you will not expect perfection.
Once at the session, you can just go with the flow and follow the direction of the photographer. I try to keep sessions light and fun, which helps parents avoid having to beg their kids to smile. Typically, we get the more formal posed photos out of the way at the beginning so everyone can relax, have fun together, and capture more candid moments of connection. Before everyone knows it, it's over! Some families like to get a treat after their session, or plan something else that everyone is looking forward to. Above all, try to be positive and encouraging and don't sweat the small stuff.
If posed photos are just a no-go in general, I highly recommend one of my Day in the Life packages. While these are longer, they are unposed and work really well for families that need (or just want) the ease and flexibility of relaxing in their home or a favorite place, having fun together, and getting those memories captured without any pressure to do or be anything other than themselves. You can learn more about my documentary family offerings here.
A little love note to my camera-shy friends
For some people, especially adults or teens, there is a lot of hesitation to get in front of the camera. One not-so-well-kept secret is that many photographers don't like having their picture taken. If you ever feel self-conscious or even consider yourself unphotogenic, you are in good company. I am one of those people, too. I have to push through my feelings of insecurity but I do it because capturing these memories with my family is so important to me. I have pictures of myself from a decade ago that I didn't like at the time but now I look at with fondness. Because of that, I know that the things I pick myself apart about now will be nearly invisible to my future self. So give yourself some grace, you are worthy of being in the photos.
Some ideas that may help you push through and get in the photo:
- Getting professional photos taken does not mean you have to share them with the world. There's no requirement to post them on social media, order Christmas cards or blow them up into huge prints. While I appreciate that most clients allow me to share photos on my website and socials, I always respect any request to keep a gallery private.
- Give yourself time to get ready and feel your best on photo day. Life happens, and you may end up putting your mascara on in the passenger seat on your way to meet me, but doing what you can to feel confident will go a long way.
- Once you arrive for photos, be as present as you can. Interact with your partner, admire how cute your kids are, enjoy the beauty of the location you are at. Try to let go of any nagging thoughts about how you look. Enjoy the togetherness, be playful and try not to take yourself too seriously. Trust your photographer to take flattering photos so you can let that burden go and just enjoy the moment.
