Tips to Make Family Photos Fun
Everything you need to consider before your family photo session
Keeping kids engaged during your family photo session doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, the entire photo session can be a fun experience, enjoyed by the whole family. I’ve compiled a few tips to keep the session genuine, joyful and while making family photos fun.
Three of the top concerns I hear from clients are related to what they should wear, the unpredictable nature of the weather or equally unpredictably of kids cooperating.
As a family photographer in Bend, Oregon I have worked with kids of all ages and families of all sizes. While parents may worry about young kids not cooperating, in my experience, it’s the older ones that need worrying about. 😉
My goal is to create an inviting atmosphere that is open to movement, play, laughter and a little organized chaos that creates memories that your family will look back on years from now, smile and recall the “good ole days”.
Here are Some Tips to Make Family Photos Fun
Location, Location, Location
When selecting the location for your photo sessions, it’s great to consider a few things like the distance you are willing to travel, where you might display the final photos and the type of feel you want the photos to have.
Do you love the mountains and want to include the beauty of nature in your photos? If so, book an outdoor session instead of one set in the studio. Do you want the photos to feel free-spirited and whimsical? Consider booking your session in a big open field with golden grass where the kids can run free and spin around.
If you are visiting and are unfamiliar with Bend or have not thought much about a location. I am happy to recommend some local options based on any requirements you may have, the specific landscape you want based on the time of day we’ll be shooting.
Click here to check out a list of my favorite photo shoot locations in Bend, Oregon.
Dress Comfortably
If you are comfortable in your outfit, you will feel confident and look great! We’ll discuss the location for your session in advance but please be prepared to walk a little and wear shoes that are appropriate for the weather and terrain.
Prior to our session I’ll send some tips on selecting outfits for the entire crew! Personal style is encouraged. Letting your kids help select part of the outfit can be a great way for them to feel involved.
Play Games
I believe the best sessions are ones that feel authentic to your family. I understand it can feel uneasy, stressful or just awkward to be in front of the camera. It’s my job to make each individual feel at ease. For littles it can be challenging to stay in one place and smile for more than a few minutes. Don’t worry about that! One of the best ways to get folks to loosen up or keep the attention of little kids is to play games.
Some favorite games include:
- Red Light, Green Light
- Airplane
- Everybody Look
- Peek-a-Boo
- Tickles
If kids are feeling shy and the opposite of rambunctious, that is ok too! Big bear hugs, nuzzles and holding hands while walking together are all great things to incorporate too.
Make sure no one gets hangry
Bring some snacks or something to drink during a little break. Make sure the snacks won’t leave a mess, get stuck in teeth or make colored mouths (obviously, no cheetos. lol).
Some great snacks to pack are mini marshmallows, cheerios, fruit snacks, sliced apples, or string cheese.
Weather
It feels like a lifetime ago but during my time working in Antarctica, I was taught there is no such thing is bad weather – only bad clothing. This very much applies to the unpredictable weather in Central Oregon.
With over a decade in the photo industry I am accustomed to watching the weather like a hawk prior to each session. When necessary I will reach out 24 hours in advance if the weather looks a little sketchy or if it is going to be drastically different than we planned for. We’ll discuss the option to reschedule. However, there have been many occasions where the call to reschedule has been a last minute game-time decision that we both agree upon based on unhealthy wildfire smoke, heavy rain or high winds. We’ll likely continue with the shoot as planned even if there is a little snow or light rain forecasted. Weather can add a dramatic element to the photos and sometimes we are rewarded with a magical rainbow, an unbelievable sunset or some big fluffy snowflakes to chase.
Staying flexible helps prevent any unnecessary stress since the weather is out of our control. The best way to be prepared is dress for the weather. We want to make sure the littles are nice and warm and in my option happy smiles make the photo better than fancy dresses.
Involve Family Pets
When clients ask if they can bring dogs, my answer will be “heck ya!” After all, they are a part of the family and deserve to be in family photos too!
The only time I suggest leaving them at home is if we are photographing at a location such as a nature reserve or somewhere that pets are not allowed, it’s a busy location or if the pups are reactive, unpredictable or frightened by strangers.
Don’t wait
Life is short; Don’t wait until you feel photogenic, “get in better shape”, or plan the perfect outfits. Don’t let life pass by without documenting these moments as an entire family (there is usually one family member who isn’t in many family photos because they are usually the one snapping the pics). I know there have been moments in my life where I’ve felt chubby or zit-faced (hello adult acne) and recall not wanting to be in front of the camera at the time and now looking back on those moments I am filled with joy and a tender nostalgia for that time.
It sounds cliché but family photos are so important. Photographs are one of the most valuable and irreplaceable possessions we can own. When families have to evacuate for fires or any natural disaster what are the first things they grab? Family photos and albums. When a beloved passes on from this life, what are the first things members of the family reach for? Photographs of their loved one. Document your time on Earth. <3
Candid Family Session at Nature Park
This family session at Shevlin Park is a great example of what a playful, candid and genuine session can feel like and the results of our collaboration. We got some great photos of the three of them smiling directly at the camera while capturing authentic giggles and sweet moments together as a family. Candid photos are always some of my favorites because they are unposed, full of movement and real. These are the moments the family will look back on decades from now and feel the love from the images.
Some of the tips we incorporated in this fun shoot included playing some games while continuing to move and explore the trails of the park. Staying in one spot can lead to kids getting bored easily. I handed one of my cameras to this doll and she had a great time snapping a few pictures of mom and dad!
As the sun was setting we relocated to a secondary location which is loved by this family and frequented by them. Mom let her daughter select her own outfit and that is such a great way to get kids involved and prepared for their photo session. We wrapped up the session just after noses and fingers started to get a little pink and ended with lollipops for good behavior. 😉
My goal for family sessions are for families to show up as they are and create a meaningful mix of imagery that can be enjoyed as art worthy of being hung on the wall and cherished as family heirlooms for years to come.
Speaking of Family Heirlooms
All this talk about family photos and I had to pull out a few of my cherished family photos. The sepia toned photo (bottom left) is of my Grandpa Boots with his parents and sister and the Shoemaker Family (bottom right). Don’t you just love seeing the styles from the 1920s and 1980s?!
Get In Touch
If it’s time to book your family session, reach out, I’d love to get your family on the calendar.
Gwen Shoemaker is a personal branding and portrait photographer based in Bend, Oregon. Servicing the local area of Bend and the surrounding area of Central Oregon. Providing services for photography across the country and worldwide. Specialties include authentic personal brand photography, bold portraiture and joyful family photos. Forever searching for the best gluten-free pizza. Read more on the blog here.
