Have you ever seen some family photography sessions and you just think, “How?!?” How do they all look so happy and relaxed and beautiful? Well, I’ve got some secrets for you today. The secrets behind the clothing, the carefree feeling, the laughter and the cuddles. Your family can definitely have these kinds of photos too, and it’s not too hard! Bonus, if you’re in Nashville, Pensacola or Greenville, I can help you make it happen!

Collaborate With Your Photographer on Clothing

Styling is really half the battle. When you book your family photos with me, I can help you out with narrowing down what to wear. I would love to collaborate with you and help you pick out something amazing! I can give you tips along the way and we will work together to find the best outfits for your family. 

After doing this for awhile, I have learned what photographs well and what doesn’t, and I’m happy to use that knowledge to create awesome outfits for you!

Show Up With a Great Attitude

I know this can be difficult, I really do, especially with getting kiddos ready and out of the house! I have been there! But the best family photography sessions come from parents going with the flow and not stressing over their kids’ behavior. To put it plainly, just pretend like everything your children do during your session is THE CUTEST THING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN. Silly I know. But if you can do that, then your photos will turn out awesome. 

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve taken photos where the kids are all laughing and happy over something and the shot is ruined by parents scolding their kids and having mad or annoyed faces. But imagine if those parents were lovingly watching their kids like they were doing THE CUTEST THING THEY’VE EVER SEEN!

For this hour or so, harsh discipline is not encouraged, but redirection works wonders. You can do it, I believe in you!

To families with older kids…

Note to families that have older kids: Please try not to say anything to your child about their smile. The only thing it will often do is make them feel self-conscious. Most of the session, I really want them to interact with their family and not smile at the camera, anyway. We’ll still get those nice posed shots, but for the most part we want it to look natural. I will say silly things to make them laugh and loosen up, so please don’t worry if there are some stiff smiles or funny faces at first. I’ll take those photos in the beginning to make them feel confident that they are doing amazing, and once they feel they are doing well, that is when the real smiles will happen. Or you can step in with some funny stuff you know will make them laugh. Whatever you think your child will respond to best!

Be Affectionate!

During your session, I would love for you to pick up your children and wrap your arms around them tight. Run your fingers through their hair. Smell your little baby’s head (why do baby heads smell so good anyway?). Give your partner a sweet kiss on the cheek or put your arms around! Cuddle in while the kids go explore! Gaze at your family and really remember where you all started. Doing these things will help me to capture the emotion and true beauty of your family. The photos will turn out so much better when sweet little things like these are happening. It will also be that much more special to you if you do these things naturally without me needing to tell you exactly what to do. Do this in a way that is authentic to you.

If you ever aren’t sure what to do, just get close to someone and snuggle them. You really can’t go wrong. 

Think of things that make your kids laugh!

Be thinking of things that your kids find funny and have them in mind ahead of time! Then during your session, do or say those things! Of course your photographer has tricks to make them laugh, too. But parents know their kids and the little inside jokes or memories so if you can use those, it will make the experience so much more fun for the kids. And that will come through in the photos. So make some notes on your phone and keep adding as funny things happen!

• 

Choose a fun and patient family photographer

When you select a photographer who is able to go with the flow, be flexible and let your kids be themselves, your photos will reflect that. I will never get frustrated with your kids and will laugh off any of their silly behavior. That’s seriously the trick to relaxed photos anyway! Actually being relaxed. If I am telling you to do it, you can bet that I’m also listening to my own advice!

If you’re in the Nashville, TN Pensacola, FL or Greenville, SC area, check out my packages page, or book your session by contacting me!