Prepare for an Unforgettable Family Session with a Fort Worth Family Photographer
As a former teacher and new mama, trust me when I say: I get it. I know that getting ready for a family session feels pretty daunting.
It might feel a little overwhelming when you hand over your retainer payment for your session and there’s a lot of questions floating around in your head! I’m here to answer all of your questions and help you feel prepared and ready for your upcoming family session. Your only job is to show up ready to love on your kiddos. I’ve got the rest.
What to Expect for Your Family Session
Before your family session:
- Pick your package
- Questionnaire to get to know you and your session vision
- Pick your location
- Receive your style guide
- Receive session reminder & final invoice
After your family session:
- You will receive an email about 7 days after your session with your proof gallery (semi-edited)
- Make your selections within 3 days
- Finally gallery delivered about 1 week after your favorites are selected
- Order artwork/prints
Getting Ready for Your Family Session
Photo session day tends to be a little crazy. Several days before your session pull every outfit together and put it in a special place, hanging up. Go ahead and steam anything that needs it. Gather accessories (like jewelry, watches, hats, suspenders, and shoes) and put them in a bag so it’s already together. The last thing you want to be doing is scrambling on the day of your session.
Treat your session like a special occasion. This is so much more than just family pictures; this is a chance to make memories together!
Schedule hair, make up, and nail appointments. If you don’t want to splurge on those things, make sure you have a #selfcareday and give yourself a manicure.
Tips for the Dad/Men
You know how your husband/fiancé/significant other has been grumbling about this idea since you first mentioned it? Let’s make this more enjoyable for him, shall we? First of all, share the tips I have mentioned. They probably haven’t been scrolling Instagram for inspiration so they likely don’t know that it’s okay to laugh, play, and that they don’t have to be looking at the camera for every photo. Let him know this isn’t going to be as painful as those JC Penny photo shoots his mom made him do when he was growing up! I want him to be himself.
Tips For Your Children During Family Photos
Tip #1: Let Them Be Kids!
This is going to sound weird, but hear me out. Don’t parent during your session. Let me be the one to tell your kids what to do. You get to focus on loving and snuggling and laughing. I cannot stress this enough. Kids are cute, always. Moms & dads who are trying to force kids to sit still tend to have… not cute faces.
The caveat is, if they are in immediate danger you can for sure step in and be the parent again.
Tip #2: Forced Smiles Aren’t Cute
We are going to avoid “cheese” and anything else that forces smiles. I always tell my clients that the most important part of this experience is that they have so much fun. I want real, genuine smiles. Above all, I want this to be fun for the entire family!
Tip #3: Be Authentically You!
I want your photos to capture the essence of your family. Each and every family that steps in front of my camera is unique. I have my go to prompts and activities to get you moving, but the beautiful thing is no 2 sessions are going to look the same. Don’t be afraid to let loose and be yourselves!
Tip #4: Sometimes You Gotta Do What You Gotta Do!
I’m definitely not against bribery. As a family, choose a treat or activity that you will do after the session to help motivate the kiddos to have fun and be themselves during the session!
Tip #5: Don’t Fake It Till You Make It.
Small kids can’t fake it. They feel what they feel. I will not force them into anything they are not comfortable with. But don’t worry, I’m pretty good and making kids feel seen and welcome. I’m also not afraid to get really, really silly!
