Your session is booked and you've picked out beautifully coordinated outfits. Your family photo session is coming up quickly and you might be wondering, "What can I do to make sure my family has a great time taking photos?" Here are some tips to help you prepare:

Your Little Ones:

Remember that it’s okay for your kids to be shy or overly energized when we start our session. I will give them time to warm up or explore as they get comfortable with my camera and me. I will likely still take photos of them, even if they are running around or playing with their siblings as this represents their true personalities. Here are some tips to help your kids prepare for the session:

• Plan for the session to be your big activity for the day. Try not to make other big plans for the same day (like going to the zoo, a birthday party, or playing at the park for several hours). This will help you get the kids excited for playing at our session and will help keep them from being exhausted or cranky from a long day of activities.

• Talk to your kids about the session to prepare them. You can tell them that your friend, Lindsay, is going to take some pictures of them. You could even show them the photo of me on my about page so that I look familiar when they see my face on the day of the session.

• I have no problem with rambunctious children and find that we get more natural expressions and interactions if they feel like they can be themselves. Let me be concerned about how they are behaving while you relax and play with your family. 

• I want your kids to be comfortable during the session. Please make sure they are dressed for the weather so that they don’t get too cold or hot. Also, I will be the first to admit that I get hangry (super irritable when I’m hungry), so make sure your family is well fed and well rested before your session.  If your kids need a break during the session, we can take a break to play or eat a snack. If you’d like to bring snacks for them, something non-messy and dry will help keep their faces clean. Keep in mind that I will probably continue taking photos while they are playing or snacking.

Connecting with the Camera

• I love photos with genuine smiles and connections between members of your family. I am going to ask you often to not look at the camera, but to look at each other as this is the best way to see the connection between all of you. Though we will likely take a couple of photos with everyone looking at the camera, it’s okay (and encouraged) for you and the kids to not look at directly at me, but to engage with each other. 

• For photos of the whole family, I will help direct the parents into position and will then incorporate your kids. Feel free to hold your kids however you feel comfortable and then we can make some adjustments if we need to.

Props

• I do not bring props to use during your session, though I usually have a blanket or burlap for poses that involve sitting on the ground. If you have a prop you’d like to include, let me know.

• Contact me if you have any questions about your upcoming session. I'm always happy to answer questions, help with wardrobe planning, or help figure out the best location for your photoshoot. 

Updated January 19, 2024

© Eickhoff Photography