I’ve had the pleasure of photographing this family every year since they found out they were expecting Baby Sister, and we are always able to capture the best images because they just have fun and I’m along for the ride. My main focus at Second Ave Photography is to keep your Loudoun County family photo session relaxed so your photos are authentic and joyful.
At home, it’s usually a different story. We’ve all been there. We gather everyone together for an annual family photo in their coordinated outfits. We take several hundred shots trying to get the perfect frame-worthy moment of all of the grandkids to give Grandma for a gift. We get excited. We make silly noises. We bribe. We threaten. We beg. We yell. Anything for just ONE good picture. It is absolutely exhausting. We wade through all of the images from all of our phones and cameras only to find out there’s not a single picture where each of the grandchildren are looking at the camera at the same time out of 527 shots. We pick the best one to print and frame and Grandma is delighted.
As a photographer, I know that family shoots can be stressful. Let’s face it, most kids (or maybe spouses) aren’t always as excited about this as we might be. Sometimes it may take a little creative convincing. That stress and pressure to get everything perfect can impact your photos. Every family is perfectly imperfect and capturing relaxed joy and the love you have for one another is the best part of my job. While we’re together I will keep everyone engaged and moving around.
Here are some tips to keep your Loudoun Family Session relaxed and fun.
Prepare in Advance
Make sure everything you’d like everyone to wear is ready to go a few days before your scheduled session. Have everyone try on their outfits to make sure they fit the way you’d like. Choose clothes that your children are comfortable wearing. I always suggest inviting them to be part of the process, by letting them choose between 2 outfits or picking out their own accessories. Have all of the needed accessories paired with the outfits so you aren’t on a hair bow search and rescue mission an hour before your appointment. If the session will be at your home, prepare the spaces indoors or outside days ahead so you don’t have to scramble that morning.
Schedule for your Family’s Needs
No one knows your family better than you do. Work with me to choose a location and time of day that works for your family. Do you have a child that’s still napping? Do you have anyone who gets overstimulated easily? Young children in particular have their golden window when they are most content. Think of your family’s unique needs and let’s make a plan together!
Cultivate Positivity
Make sure everyone has gotten enough sleep and has eaten – even Mom! When mom is stressed, everyone is a little off. We are all a little testy when we are tired or hungry, adults and children alike. If everyone is rested and fed, that’s half of the battle. Leave plenty of time to get ready, drive to the location, take a bathroom break, and refresh. Right before your session play a fun game in the car that everyone likes, share some of your favorite family memories together, or name your favorite things about each other. Thinking about positive, fun moments you have shared helps put everyone in the perfect mindset for photos. During your session, remember to relax, have fun, and focus on how much you love each other and it will show on your faces – every time!
