5 Tips to Take the Stress Out of Family Photos

One of the things I hear most often when talking with friends about family photos is how stressful they think it is. Getting everyone ready, dressed in pre-selected outfits, on-time, and smiling for the camera simultaneously and just in time for “golden hour”. When it’s put that way, Yes, it sounds stressful! But, it doesn’t have to be. So, I came up with 5 tips to make this years’ family photos, well, Simple!

1. Let It Go!

Take the lead from Elsa on this one, and Let It Go. Stress during family photos is unavoidable, so try hard to just embrace the chaos and go with it. Sure, there will definitely be expectations for your family photos, but, I guarantee they will not turn out the way you envision them. And often for the better! Family photographers are used to the chaos and they make it work. Sometimes the candid shots of all the craziness are the best ones. So, my advice is to let the little things go and enjoy the experience as much as you can.

2. Incentivize (OK bribe them)

From one mom to another, there is no harm in giving your children something to look forward to when there is something you want them to do. Especially if that thing you want them to do happens maybe once or twice a year. So, go ahead, promise them a trip to the ice cream shop when the photos are finished, extra screen time, or even a new toy. These are photos that you will remember forever and if everyone can go into them just a bit more willingly, I say go for it.

3. Casual Is In

The family photos we see filling our Pinterest boards are often of casually dressed families in less formal poses. Your family photos should be a reflection on who you are as a family day to day. With this in mind, don’t stress about having the kid’s hair perfectly combed or the outfits too different from what you normally might wear. Everyone will feel more comfortable and the smiles will come much easier.

4. Enlist Help

You shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help both in the getting ready part or even during the photo session. Ask Grandma to come help get the kids dressed or hire a babysitter for an hour to help with getting ready. Help is good! And arriving to a family photo session early and happy would be the ultimate dream for most families. Go for it, ask for help.

5. Book Your Session on the Weekend

Of course not everyone’s schedule permits this, including the photographer’s. But, if at all possible, a weekend is much better than a school and work day for a family photo session. Some kids need to let off steam after a school day, some parents need some transition time after a work day, family photos may not be the best time or place to do that. So, book your photo session on the weekend when the family schedule is a little more flexible and everyone can enjoy the full experience.

I hope these tips will help to make your next family photo session just a bit less stressful and dare I say, even enjoyable!

-Abi

Book your family photo session with a PictureHum photographer here.