As a fellow mom of littles, I know the thought of a "sunset" photoshoot (a.k.a. a photoshoot RIGHT BEFORE normal bedtime) sounds... well, not fun. 😂
You have to get kids dressed and ready, make sure they're fed, and hope nobody has a tantrum during the actual session itself. It's a lot of stress!!
Well, I've got some tips for you that will hopefully eliminate the fears and stress that sometimes go along with prepping for a family session.
BEFORE THE SESSION
1. DRASTICALLY LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS
As you probably know, high expectations lead to higher disappointment when things don't pan out.
However, what you may not realize is that your photographer literally is expecting your kids to be KIDS. More often than not, they are mamas too, and they know that nothing is going to go to plan.
We also know that sometimes, all it takes to reverse a tantrum is to simply PIVOT to a new pose. Or a new game. Or take a snack break.
Please don't expect your kids to be obedient, angelic cherubs for your photo session. Your photographer is not planning on it and we WANT to see their genuine emotion come through anyway.
So-- breath. We will get the photos. :) Just let go of the thought that your kids need to behave a certain way.
2. PREP IS YOUR BEST FRIEND
I highly recommend making a crockpot meal ahead of time so you don't even have to worry about dinner when the time comes. Serve up and continue getting yourself ready.
Do the basics (setting out clothes, props, snacks, water) the night before so it doesn't become a last-minute hassle. Boom. Super mom.
Doing all of this will de-clutter your mind of "to-do's" so you can truly be PRESENT with your family during the session.
3. HYPE UP THE EVENING
Tell your kids you're going on a family fun night.
Get them EXCITED for the evening: "Carter, we're going on a secret family adventure tonight! We're going to meet a new friend too! Her name is Sydney, and she's really fun!!"
Tell them about your photographer. Show them pictures of her and tell them about her camera and what it does.
Tell them that, as a family, you're going to play games, have tickle fights, spin around, and give big, tight, squishy hugs to each other.
REAL TALK: Kids crave you time and attention. A photo session is pure, joyful parent interaction on a silver platter.
Take advantage of that! Let them know how excited you are to connect. They will be ecstatic.
4. FILL UP YOUR CUP EARLIER IN THE DAY
It is so hard to emanate joy and energy if your cup is completely drained and empty by the time the photoshoot rolls around. That is why you need to fill up your cup before it happens.
So, consider blocking off part of the day for just "you-time." Hire a mother's helper, get grandma to watch the kids part of the day, sleep in, take a yoga class, whatever helps you feel like you get some time to just relax.
Then, by the time you see those kiddos again, you'll be excited to re-connect, and will they.
DURING THE SESSION
5. GO WITH THE (KID'S) FLOW
Kids are not wired to listen, stand perfectly still, and hold a smile for extended periods of time.
They want to be kids!
You want photos that capture home-grown connection, joy, and love between you, your kids, and your spouse.
So-- during you session, we're not going to do forced pose after forced pose.
We're going to do a pose, chat, do a fun prompt, let the kids run for a couple minutes, regroup, play a game, chat, pose, have a water break, give your kid a tickle fight, and then have a relaxing snuggle session. Ebbing and flowing with the kids' energy.
Give, give, give, and then and only then, we ask. They are far more likely to cooperate when we lead in a spirit of giving.
Do you know what happens in those in-between moments? Magic. You can't force it. Just go with the flow.
6. LET GO OF YOUR INHIBITION
When you truly let the session become a bonding experience with your kids, your photographs magically become 1000x better.
Okay, you hear what I'm saying, but realistically, how do you do that? (I could write a whole article on this.)
Here's a few tips for your upcoming session:
- Forget I'm there. In the in-between moments we will chat and get to know each other but, honestly, during the prompts-- keep your attention on those kiddos and your loving partner. I will guide you, like a voice in the distance, to give you more things to do to connect with your kids.
- Look into your child's eyes. Truly. Find joy in their joyful eyes. When you do this-- they will 100% forget I'm even there and lock in to you and MIRROR you. Why? Because they want to connect. They crave a deep bond with you. Open the gates to 100% attention and they will just bloom in your love.
- Trust your photographer. Your photographer will position you in a setting that's beautiful and in a pose that flatters everyone. Your natural demeanor and affection will create those awe-inspiring photos you are dreaming off. Let go of control, and magic is bound to unfold.
AFTER THE SESSION
7. SURPRISE THEM WITH A TREAT
Keep the love train going with a surprise treat reveal at the end of your session.
Get some ice cream and enjoy these moments with your family. Make it a core, joyful memory for them. Who knows, maybe they'll be so excited for the next family photoshoot!
WRAP UP
I hope these tips were helpful for you and prepare you for your photo session. I love writing these and think they're so beneficial for photo sessions that become family heirlooms.
Your kids will look back on these memories with so much love, and so will you.
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Sydney Brooke Photography is a Roseville family photographer offering timeless photographs for parents who value documenting joyful connection with their little ones. Specializing in family portraits in Roseville, Sydney also offers lifestyle newborn and maternity photography for growing families. SBP serves Roseville, Rocklin, Loomis, Lincoln, Granite Bay, Citrus Heights, and Folsom area families.
If you are looking for Roseville family photography, I would love to serve your family next!
