Family sessions are SO MUCH FUN! I putting it out in the universe that I want to do even more family session this year than I did last year :) I think it is so important to have someone else take photos of you and your family being a family. iPhone photos are great, but having a fun afternoon at the park documented where you are ALL in the photos means even more.

Scroll through some tips and tricks below to help prep for your session! And remember to reach out to your photographer (or book a session with me) to see what they say. Every photographer works differently!

Its okay if there is crying

I am just going to start this off with crying because crying happens and its okay. I think there is this assumption that everyone needs to be “perfect” during a session. And while I get you don’t want your kid to scream the entire time, it is okay if they have feelings about what is going on and feel the need to cry. That won’t scare me away, I promise! And honestly, trying to make sure everything is “perfect” the entire session will only stress you out more and then stress out out your child.

Danielle-Alex-Noah-BlackwellForest-FamilySession_1967.jpg

“Fridge photo”

While my style is very much documentary I always make sure to get a few photos of everyone looking at the camera. But the way I like to approach this is more organic than a forced “okay stand here and everyone smile”. When you book a family session with me, I usually start off with the little kids leading the way. Maybe they are in your arms, maybe they are walking around, maybe they need a snack. Basically I want them to get comfortable with me and being in front of the camera before trying to get this photo. So while we are running around, I wait for a moment to come up where your toddler is smiling at me and take advantage to grab this shot!

Sometimes this means you are running around or hopping up and down or I’m making goofy faces (pre masks) to get them to smile.

MackenzieMaeder-PhotoAndVideo-FamilyPhotography-Chicagoland_0019.jpg

Choose a location where you child can feel comfortable and explore

Choose a location for your family session either where your child feels comfortable or where they are free to run around and be a kid! I do a lot of in home session because oftentimes that is where kids feel most comfortable. They have their snacks and toys all there (sometimes their puppies) and are excited to show me all of their favorite things! Plus who doesn't want to document their time together in their home?

Another location suggestion is choosing a place like a forest preserve or a playground so they can run around! Movement is a big part of my sessions especially with kids. I like to follow them and snap photos as they walk or run, play tag, tickle monsters, etc so choosing a place like downtown chicago might be difficult to capture those types of moments.

Let your kids be silly

I think this one speaks for itself. Some of my favorite photos from family sessions are where kids are just having fun and being goofy! I LOVE to document that. Plus this smile deserves to be printed large and hung up somewhere fun in your home.

Be silly with your kids!

Your photo session is meant to be fun! So get silly with your kids. Get on there level, play games with them, tickle, sing. Not only will I capture some seriously adorable moments but you will also be making memories with your kids. Your photo session is meant to be FUN not a chore :)

Choose an activity to do during your session

Like reading books together! Or baking. Or coloring. Sometimes having an activity helps to get you to interact naturally with your kids in front of the camera if you are nervous but also is a great way to capture sweet moments like this. If you love reading together, why not do that during your session?

What to wear

If you are unsure of what to wear, choose neutrals! Neutrals look great in any type of environment and go well together. I also recommend that you DON’T all wear the same exact outfits. Wear coordinating colors. Wear patterns and solids that compliment each other like the Gardners did in the photo above The colors all go really well together. Each has something on that ties to another person in the family and the mix of a solid sweater and a patterned top work nicely!

Check out some fun moments from family sessions below <3