How to Prepare For A Stress-Free Family Photoshoot | Part 1: A Guide For Parents
Planning for a family photoshoot can be stressful for parents. I get it. As a photographer, I have firsthand experience with the challenges of getting children to cooperate and parents to feel relaxed in front of my camera. That’s why I am so excited to launch a new blog series designed to help parents prepare for their family photoshoots without any added stress. Throughout the series, we’ll focus on practical tips and tricks to help you manage your expectations, encourage positive behavior, and get everyone excited about the shoot. We will cover everything from coordinating outfits to preparing your children. With these tools at your disposal, you can make your family photoshoot a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved.
Step 1: Take a Deep Breath and Trust Me
Approaching a family photoshoot with a positive and flexible mindset is crucial to capturing beautiful and authentic moments. While you may have specific expectations for the session, it’s essential to keep an open mind as unexpected situations can arise. When we fail to meet our expectations, it’s easy to feel disappointed or stressed, which can affect the overall mood of the shoot. (You can read more on that here.) As a photographer, my goal is to help you feel comfortable and enjoy the moment with your loved ones. You are doing an amazing job as a parent, and this photo shoot is a celebration of the love that you share with your people. So, I encourage you to relax, have fun, and focus on cherishing these special moments with your family. Trust me to capture the unique personalities and emotions that make your family who they are.
Step 2: Use Positive Reinforcement
As an experienced photographer who has worked with over 600 families, I promise there is nothing your children can do that would make me think poorly of them. I understand that as a parent, you may worry about your child’s behavior during our session. I promise that whether your child is shy, hyperactive, or anything in between, I will show up with patience and positivity. Capturing children in their natural element is my absolute favorite subject, and I have a wealth of experience and techniques to help me do so.
With that being said, please avoid using punishment or threats during our session. Children are more likely to respond positively to encouragement and positive reinforcement, which can help them feel more confident and comfortable in front of the camera. By using this approach, you can teach your child valuable life skills while creating lasting memories with your family. Remember, a happy and relaxed family is the key to beautiful family photos. So, just relax, have fun, and let me guide you through the session. If you would like more info on positive reinforcement, you should check out this website!
Step 3: Communicate and Compromise With Your Spouse
I understand how stressful it can be to plan a photo session, especially when trying to get your partner on board. However, you can do a few things to help ease the process. Start by having an open and honest conversation with your partner about why this photo session is important to you. Express your feelings in a polite and empathetic way, and try to understand their perspective as well. Let your partner know that this will be a low-stress session and that they won’t be the main focus of the shoot unless it’s a Father’s Day session or another special occasion. You can also sweeten the deal by offering to do something your partner enjoys in return, such as going to a game or doing something else they love.
Remember, the key to a successful photo session is communication and compromise. With a little bit of effort and understanding, you can create beautiful memories that you and your partner will cherish for a lifetime
In Conclusion…
Family photoshoots may seem stressful, but with a little planning and a positive mindset, they can become fun and memorable experiences for everyone involved! As a photographer with years of experience working with families, I understand the challenges that can arise during a session. Just remember that your child’s behavior will not affect the outcome of the shoot (unless you allow it to!) With patience, positivity, and positive reinforcement, we can create beautiful, authentic moments that showcase your family’s unique personalities and connections. Remember to communicate with your partner, remain flexible, and enjoy the moment. By following these simple tips, you can make your family photoshoot successful and create lasting memories with the people that you love.
Joyfully,
Leah Parks of Nightingale and Willow Photography
PS: Be sure to check back next week for part 2!
Leah Parks with Nightingale and Willow Photography is an Indianapolis area-based Family and Newborn Photographer, Motherhood Educator, Hands-Free Mama, and Neuro-Inclusion Advocate.
