So you’re thinking about booking a family photo shoot but not sure if you can handle the stress of preparing your family for the shoot. Here’s a few helpful tips:

Instead of telling them that you’ve organised a photo shoot, tell them that you’re going to their favourite location to have a fun day out, an adventure and there will also be a lovely lady there to take some photos. Let Dads know too that it’s not a posed family photo shoot as this sounds like a chore.
Work with me to find a location where your family loves to visit, somewhere where your children will play and have fun as this produces the most natural smiles.
Clothing choices don’t have to be hard. Have the children dress in casual clothes so it doesn’t matter if they get dirty as this is what childhood is all about. You can wear jeans or pants, plain coloured t-shirts or flowing dresses or tops for the girls. Choose neutral colours like oatmeal, tan, navy, grey, white or soft pastels. Do make sure to not have any overpowering logos or stripes on the tops as they can be very distracting in photos.
Don’t try to pose your children, engage with them and play with them. All children want their parent’s attention and when you try to pose them this is when they’ll probably misbehave. Forget that I’m there, think of it as their special time with you. Try not to be mad at them as children do pick up on their parent’s stress levels.
It’s the love you have for one another that I’m trying to capture, what life is like for your family right now. So I want you to snuggle, tickle, kiss and play with each other and not focus on the camera. No forced ‘say cheese’ smiles! Look at each other and if I want you to look at the camera, I’ll let you know. It’s about showing your children how much you love them so that they have these memories in years to come.
Make sure children have had their naps and have a full tummy when you arrive at your shoot. Always have some snacks and drinks on hand.
Sometimes a child may not have rested enough or just has a melt down because they don’t know why. I bring out the bubbles then but If all else fails perhaps have a treat for them to help calm them down.