Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1190140
Mindy's 9 Tips for a Headache-Free Family Photo Session 1. DECIDE WHICH TYPE OF PHOTOSHOOT YOU WANT. Many families are moving away from on- location shoots and opting for lifestyle sessions. Lifestyle sessions are more candid and natural, and sometimes occur within your home and include video. For lifestyle videos, I tell my clients not to look at me, which is very di€erent from a traditional photoshoot. You'll love how easy it is to incorporate fun props and toys, try on mom's heels, or even bake cookies together during a session— the possibilities are endless. Visit cominghomemag.com to watch one of Mindy's lifestyle video sessions! 2. CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE LOCATION. For on-location shoots, the location can have a big impact, especially if it's a place that's special to you—like a family farm or houseboat. Try to choose a place that o€ers a variety of backgrounds, so you don't have to drive to additional locations. A wide-open field, a tree-lined path with foliage and a fence line can create lots of unique backdrops. City parks are great for a€ordability and creative backdrops, but they can be busy, so make sure you plan accordingly. Don't overlook the beauty of an old shack or a local donut shop. These places can pack your pictures with personality—just remember to get permission if you don't own the building or business. 3. AVOID MINI-SESSIONS. No matter which type of photoshoot you choose, I suggest avoiding a mini-session. The first few minutes of the photoshoot can feel awkward, and there's nothing worse than getting all dressed up just to have a toddler meltdown during the entire 20-minute shoot. Extra time gives you a chance to get in the groove and capture the necessary posed shots, plus it leaves time to catch some candid shots at the end. 4. PREPARE THE FAMILY. Family photos can be very stressful, which is why many families only do them once every five years. Choose a time slot that works for your family's busy schedule. Be sure to talk to your kids about the session in advance, so they know what to expect. Eat beforehand and make sure everyone is comfortable in their outfit. Bring snacks just in case—dry cereal works well, but trust me, avoid Oreos at all costs! I also like to put all accessories—like necklaces, tights, hair bows, jewelry, bow ties, and socks—in a plastic bag for each person, so nothing gets forgotten during the race to the photoshoot. 5. COORDINATE YOUR OUTFITS. If you're a color-matching novice, try a website like StyleandSelect.com that o€ers interactive styling tools and the opportunity to see outfits side-by-side before purchasing. If you're on a tight budget, get creative with pieces you already own. Pick one of your favorite plaid shirts, a floral scarf, or even a paisley notebook—any pattern will work. Look closely at the colors in the pattern. Do you notice pinks, greens, and yellows? Or perhaps browns, oranges, and blues? Now, you can search through everyone's closet for pieces that fit the color scheme. If you're unsure about the background or location, choose solid colors. But, avoid solid white or solid black tops—they don't photograph well and can make photo editing a challenge. Have fun with accessories like hats and scarves. They're a great way to pack a lot of variety into a quick shoot if you don't have time to completely change outfits. 6. KEEP IT COMFORTABLE. Simple and comfortable is always best, especially for children. Dresses can be lots of fun to twirl around in for photos, but if your daughter despises wearing dresses the other 364 days of the year, you may not want to spring a dress and itchy tights on her right before heading to the photoshoot. 7. USE PROPS SPARINGLY. I don't use props in every single photo, but I find people tend to be much more relaxed if they have something to focus on besides sitting still and holding a smile. Some of my go-to props are thrift store chairs, favorite blankets, bubbles, cute hats, finger puppets, and vintage cameras. 8. MIND THE BUSINESS. Photographers use a language of their own—to avoid being disappointed with the final product, you need to understand it. Be sure you're aware of your photographer's policy on digital vs. print delivery, watermarking, sharing online, retouching, etc. And of course, hire an experienced photographer, whose work—and work ethic—you like. 9. RELAX AND HAVE FUN. As a mom, I know what it's like to want your family to behave perfectly to get that one Christmas-card-worthy photo. But, as a photographer, I've noticed it's actually the little moments that happen in between the camera clicks that are the most endearing. So, try to be flexible. Someday you'll look back and laugh about the year Annie did handstands during the entire photoshoot, or Billy kept stomping on his bow tie. Those unpredictable moments can make the best memories, and that's what family photos are all about. 17