the [almost] perfect photo shoot | Cedar City Utah Photographer

Let’s face it; family pictures can be a stressful endeavor.  It’s easy to let worry about all the details get in the way of enjoying what should actually be a really great experience.    Here are some tips addressing what we can do to make our family pictures fun and stress free.

Prepare - Showing up completely prepared for you shoot is the best thing you can do to ensure that all will go well.  Your photographer should send you a list of things to do in order to be fully prepared for your time with him/her.  The most important tips to being prepared?

Have your outfits ready to go the night before.  Make sure everyone tries on what they’ll be wearing (nothing like finding out your child has grown out of their favorite jacket 5 minutes before you’re supposed to be to your session).  

Make sure everyone is clean!  Scrub those snotty noses, clean out those ears, and brush those teeth.  I’m serious!  No red lollipops, etc, on your way to the session.

Be on time.  You’ll feel better if you leave with plenty of time to get to your chosen location.  Running late is just stressful.  Eliminate this stress by allowing extra time to get ready.

Mom, have yourself a great hair day.  You’re investing time and money into this session, so make sure you look and feel smokin’ hot!  Let your family eat PB&J’s for dinner, if you need to have that extra time for yourself.  Take the time to look your best and you’ll feel so much better. 

If you want a more detailed list, leave a comment or send me an email.  I’d love to send you the prep advice I sent to my clients.

Involve your hubby/children – Involve your whole family.  I know we moms tend to be the most involved in our photo shoots, but let your family give input too.  Give the kids (and dad) two different outfit choices that will work for you, and let them pick what they’ll be more comfortable in.  Don’t want to give them that much input?  Let them pick their hairstyle or their shoes or help choose the location.  Letting them choose what treat the family will have after will also go far.

Relax  No really, RELAX.  I’ve never had a photo shoot where I didn’t get some awesome, super cute photos.  The more relaxed you are, the better the pictures will be.  I know this one is sorta hard for some people, but just let go.  Be yourself, be silly, be whatever you want except for worried and uptight.  The kiddos can tell when their parents aren’t relaxed and it’s true for photo shoots; If mama ain’t happy ain’t nobody happy.

Bribe - I’m not usually one for bribing children to get them to cooperate, but every once in a while (family pictures) I think it’s okay.  Let the family know you’ll get ice cream after the photo shoot, or go to their favorite restaurant.  If that’s not in the budget, try a movie night or hot cocoa.  I wouldn’t threaten to take it away if they misbehave (just my personal parenting platform), but remind them of it to get them to smile.  They’ll have something to look forward to and they’ll be happier. 

Having a small treat with you might also come in handy.  (Smarties or marshmallows – something that won’t color their teeth.)

Bribes work great for Dads too.  Remind him that it’s just once and he won’t have to do again for a whole year.  Promise him a steak dinner or a night of video games or whatever it is that he loves so much.  He might just cooperate (we hope)!  Then don’t be on his case the whole evening.  Flirt with him or tease him, but help him have a good time.

Have fun - Your photo shoot should be fun.  It’s not all smile and look at the camera.  Do some silly faces or a have a dance party.  I LOVE candid shots.  You don’t have to be looking at the camera to get a great family picture. 

Trust your photographer – Most photographers have a few tricks up their sleeve to get your kiddos or the hubby to cooperate.  They don’t always work on everyone, but sometimes they work a lot better than threats from mom and dad. :)  When taking individuals of your children, let your photographer visit with them and help them relax.  You might want to pretend to be engaged in something else so your child will feel less nervous.  Your photographer will certainly need your cooperation, help, and expertise, but he/she also needs you to let he/she work his/her magic.