Top 5 Tips for Stress Free Family Photos

School is back in session here in Iowa, the weather is cooling to a more manageable temperature, and fall is on everyone's mind. With fall, comes family photos! Here are my top 5 tips for stress free family photos for the entire family. Outfits

I know we've talked about this before but look at closet staples first. You don't need to run to Old Navy 13 times the week before your family photos, because chances are you have something already in your closet that you can wear. Start the planning process early. Fit mom first, because she is going to be the hardest to shop for and the most critical of her outfit choice. Then move to the second most difficult person and end with the easiest person to shop for. Look for basics pieces in solid colors that compliment and incorporate a subtle pattern.

Come Prepared Arrive at your session a little bit early. This allows for time to go potty, grab a quick snack, or run a comb through the hair. If you have little ones with finicky outfits that may wrinkle or get dirty, have them get dressed in the vehicle before the session starts.

Bribing

I am not above bribing my family members for photos. When my boys were very little, we had fruit snacks in our pockets to offer between smiles. Now that they are older, they get an ice cream treat, afterwards. They are guaranteed ice cream no matter what just for getting dressed in the outfit I picked out and standing in the photo--but the size of their ice cream and the add-ins depend on their level of participation and listening skills. Maybe they stood in the frame and mean mugged the entire time, they get a small cone. BUUUUUT if they listened and entertained and were an absolute joy to be around that little cone gets upgraded to a milkshake. Have fun Parents, do not spank or yell at your kids. I am a professional photographer and mom. I need you to look where I tell you to look. Every single time you look at your child to correct them, they are making the most perfect angelic face, and you are looking a little crazed. Just keep up the act and I'll keep snapping. I am going to throw out some fun family prompts to engage in natural emotions. Just love on your kids and have fun with them.

Trust your Photographer I promise I will capture something that you love! I will change up my approach or angle if I need to. But please trust me on lighting and posing. If a pose feels super forced or painful, we'll obviously stop, but sometimes the silly things that I ask you to do, look so good from my vantage point.