It’s no secret: Family Portraits are TOUGH! They are stressful, they take planning, effort and are unpredictable! Especially when kiddos are too young to fully BRIBE! Every single year we have our portraits taken. Every single year its a challenge. Every single year I curse myself and ask, “WHY do I do this…never again…ahhhh!”

But once those images are returned…it all makes sense! ITS 100% WORTH IT! The good, bad and ugly. Its worth it!

Even as a professional photographer whom shoots both portraits and weddings, I constantly battle with myself over locations, outfits and the overall theme or style of my family pictures. I either feel as though I over plan, or didn’t plan enough. I never get the weather I want or the cooperation I need. I leave every session feeling JUST LIKE MY CLIENTS…”That was a hot mess….I don’t think we got a thing…Im so sorry photographer….kids….your soooo grounded…no toys…no treats!” This is real life! Don’t for one second think that kids of a professional photographer are any better than yours. They are probably WORSE!

But over my years of doing this, there are always FIVE things I do to make sure the session goes as well as it can….and that the organized chaos of a session translates into images that make my mama heart burst with happy tears of joy:

Tip One: HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER THAT HAS EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDREN AND WHOSE WORK YOU ADORE! 

This doesn’t necessarily mean they have to HAVE children (though thats an added bonus)…it just means that they have to have experience handling and dealing with children of multiple ages. It takes a LOT of patience and respect for everyone involved when capturing a family. The experience is supposed to be as pleasant as possible and ultimately FUN. You won’t love your pictures if you do not love your photographer. So, book a photographer whom was recommended to you by family and close friends or one whom you already have a relationship with. It will put you at ease going INTO a already “stressful” situation.

Tip Two: BOOK A SESSION WITH ADDITIONAL TIME. YOU CAN NOT RUSH PERFECTION!

20-30 minutes IS RARELY ever enough time to really get a child/family to open up. EVERYONE needs some warm up time. It can be very intimidating to have a camera pointed in your face, especially when it only happens once a year or once every few years. Give yourself some extra time and book a longer session. Even if you feel as though the kids won’t “LAST’ that long…they may NEED that long and so may your photographer. You can not FORCE or rush perfection. Make it less stressful on everyone involved and allow time for candid magic to ensue.

Tip Three: INVEST IN PROFESSIONAL HAIR AND MAKE UP AND TREAT YOURSELF TO THAT MANI/ PEDI. IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

Mama bears…if time and budget allows….PAMPER YOURSELVES! Go ahead and get your hair and make up done. Splurge on that mani/pedi you have been putting off. No, we can not touch up your roots, paint your nails or put on eye make up in photoshop. If you are making an investment into custom portraiture with your photographer, you must invest into yourself. Plus, the more gorgeous you look and feel, the more gorgeous those images will be. Trust me! Oh and side note…NO SNEAKERS or ripped jeans…dress to impress!

Tip Four: NAPS AND REWARDS! (FOR HUSBANDS AND KIDS!)

For children under the age of 6, I ALWAYS recommend naps and dinner prior to your session. ESPECIALLY in the summer as we are shooting closer to sunset and that can be as late as 8pm! If we are shooting near bed times/ meal times…take care of that before so they are not crying because they are exhausted or cranky because they are HANGRY! Thats adding fuel to the fire. Also, post session treats like a small toy from the dollar store or an ice cream cone or even a lolly pop works wonders. It gives me something to use to REMIND them why were are working so hard to smile perfectly so they can RECEIVE those rewards. And for those “LESS -THAN -THRILLED” dads in portraits…let them have a beer or 4 before moms…OR maybe plan to have a few right after with a date night or over dinner. Men need rewards, too and will give them motivation to “SMILE THROUGH THE PAIN” as my husband calls it!! : )

Tip Five: PICK A LOCATION WITH MINIMAL DISTRACTIONS/NEUTRAL BACKGROUNDS

Children are as predictable as the weather! They are ever changing and ever moving. Pick a picture location where there are limited distractions and other people if possible. Also pick a location that if they were to wander off and happen to stumble upon a cute pose or moment, you photographer can shoot them and still have it be a GREAT portrait despite the fact that they may have moved from the target background. Examples, woods, private beaches, farms, etc.

Family pictures are NOT for the faint hearted…but if you follow these 5 TIPS….I promise you will have a much more successful session and the resulting pictures will be THAT much better!

Thank you to my best friend and amazingly talented photographer, Brooke Bakken. Can’t wait to see the rest. To you and your families…happy picture taking. And yes…they are IMPORTANT…so book your photographer/session now!