Below I've compiled a list of tips for capturing the authentic you in your family photos session, without breaking the bank!
1. What style of photos do you want?
Guess what, photography like most art forms is subjective. Figure out what style YOU like, do some searching on Instagram, Facebook, or even Google. Find the photographer that matches your style.
Documentary - this is often labeled as lifestyle sessions. These sessions will typically last longer and strive to portray a day in the life. They often focus on the relationships in the family rather than fully staged photos. This type of session will often be centered on an activity which will cause interaction among the subjects.
Portraiture - this is your classic style. Everyone will be looking at the camera and typically placed in a pose. There is definitely room for creativity within this style as often a photographer will pose their clients, but then help move them into a more comfortable position.
Modern and Edgy - this category is close to the Fine Art category; however differs by using interesting framing techniques as well as outside-of-the-box tilted angles. You will often see pictures of the family that might be framed by foliage from a tree in the foreground.
Many photographers incorporate a little of all the categories above, this is why it is important to view a gallery that they provide for a client.
** There are so many different styles of photographers out there, you need to be 100% certain you like most of their photos on their site/feed/etc, not just one or two, I'm talking like 90% of the photos you would want to hang on your wall. I'm saying this fully knowing you might select another photographer, that is fine, photography is subjective and not going to appeal to everyone. I promise, I won't be hurt. Remember, these are YOUR pictures I want you to be 100% satisfied with them.
2. Ask to see a price list for products the photographer offers?
Take this into account as often photographers will offer a cheap or reduced sitting fee, then force you to purchase a set amount of photos before offering digital files. I've had numerous friends been fooled by this, and often pay double what other photographers charge. Once you are confident in how much the session and any products desired will cost you can relax and enjoy the experience.
3. What should we wear?
When clients ask me this question I often ask them, where do you plan on displaying the photos? I know, I know this sounds weird; however, this will help you coordinate colors and outfits for the family. How you ask? Think about what the room looks like and what colors might match the curtains. I mean, you wouldn't want to wear a Lime green shirt if it clashed with the couch in the room you will hang the final portraits, right? OK this might be just me, but honestly it is something that is often overlooked.
4. Prepare the family
Make sure everyone is well rested and well fed, especially the hubby. For the kiddos, build the anticipation. Start days in advance, tell them how much fun it will be, maybe learn some new dance moves to show off. If you've selected an outdoor location, 90% of the time us Photographers will want to shoot during the golden hours which means 1-2 hours before sunset or after sunrise, if that does not work for your family's schedule make sure to talk to the Photographer. Most of us photographers know many different locations that will work with different times of the day. Trust me, it would be better to pick a secondary location if it means everyone is at their best so be picky, it is fine.
5. Have fun with your family!
That is what this is all about, you're beauty is in you being you. The natural smiles come when everyone is relaxed and having fun. If the photographer puts you into a position that feels awkward, change it up until it is comfortable for you.
Bring an activity everyone can enjoy - this is especially helpful with littles. If you love camping, lets meet up at a fire pit and roast some marshmallows. If the littles love playing ball, get a new colorful ball to play catch with, bubbles and balloons always produce smiles and add just the right pop of color.
The most important thing to remember is that these photos capture your life right now. If the kids melt down, don't worry, it happens to all of us! That is the age that they are at and what a better story to tell at graduation than the time they melted down and ruined the family portrait session ~ or made it spectacular!