Although it’s been a crazy, unpredictable year, Fall is right around the corner!

And do you know what that means?

Fall Family Photos!

I am starting to prepare for my busy fall season. I still plan on offering Fall Mini-Sessions with the appropriate safety precautions in place. I will be wearing a mask and maintaining proper social distancing during all my photo sessions.

With the Fall photo season coming up quicker than we can imagine, I wanted to share some tips for having a successful family photo session.

1. Be on time or Early
   It seems simple enough, but myself (an other photographers) typically schedule our photo sessions back to back. This means if you show up late you lose out on some of your photo session time, and we don’t want that to happen! I always suggest showing up a few minutes early just to be safe!
   

2. Pick a good time of day for your family
   Have younger kids that are morning people? Schedule a morning photo session where you know they’ll be bright and chipper! Have night owls? Schedule an evening session. I recently photographed a baby milestone session at 8:30am because his Mom knew he would be awake and happy (and he was!). You know your family the best, so try to pick a time of day that works for you.
   

3. Don’t wait until the last minute to choose outfits for everyone
   I’ve heard time and again from my clients how this is always the most stressful thing leading up to a family photo shoot. Choosing family outfits can be exhausting. Especially if anyone is really picky about what they wear. Give yourself plenty of time to find and coordinate outfits. I’m happy to help out and make suggestions. Client’s email me photos of clothes laid out on a floor or bed asking if they look okay or asking which shirt I think would go best all the time! And I definitely don’t mind! Just remember the general rule of thumb for choosing coordinating clothing, pick a neutral then pick 2-3 complimentary colors, and you’ll be set!
   

4. Choose comfortable clothing
   If your kid complains their clothing is uncomfortable, they will not want to wear it for photos or they will be grimacing/complaining the entire session. I would never want to put my family’s through this. I’ve seen it happen with my own kids! Choose clothing and shoes that are comfortable.
   

5. Make sure everyone is well rested and fed.
   Being happy goes a long way in a photo shoot. Make sure everyone is fed and well rested before hand.
   

I want my family photo shoots to be as non-stressful as possible. They should be fun! We can run around, hug, jump, play ring around the rosy, and definitely smile and laugh!

I look forward to seeing all of my families this coming Fall photo season!

Be on the lookout for my Fall Mini-Session sign ups in my newsletter within the next month!

Emily

emily@emilyingallsphotography.com