Prepping Your Family for a Photo Session: Tips for the Park, the Beach, and Your Home

As a photographer, I often find that the key to a successful photo session lies not just in skillfully utilizing the camera settings, but also in how well I help the family prepare. Whether you’re heading to a park, the beach, or staying cozy at home, here are some handy tips to make the most of your family photo session.

The Park

1. Choose the Right Time:

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers the best lighting for outdoor photography. The soft, warm glow makes everyone look radiant and adds a magical touch to your pictures. Daytime sessions can also be arranged at a location that provides open shade or architecture.

2. Dress for the Occasion:

Comfort is key! Encourage your family to wear outfits that reflect their personalities while coordinating in a complementary color palette. Avoid logos and busy or bold patterns that can distract from faces. Earthy tones or soft pastels work beautifully in a natural park setting. Planning a family photo session can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the right wardrobe. Scroll down to see more on what to and what not to wear.

3. Props:

Consider props unique to you and your family like a special picnic blanket, a ball or kite, or even a bouquet of your favorite flowers. A simple chair, stool, or blanket can help keep a busy toddler in place and offer some seated pose options. Props can add an interactive element to your photos and create fun opportunities for creative and candid shots that highlight your family. Ask me about what props I have available.

4. Prepare for Nature:

Check the weather and plan accordingly. Bring along sunscreen, insect repellent, hair ties /clips, and a sweater if necessary. A small bag with water and low-mess snacks, like goldfish can also keep spirits high, especially with little ones.

5. Prompts & Activities:

To create a fun atmosphere, you will be prompted to play games or participate in activities that everyone can do together. Whether it’s picking up leaves, playing whisper down the lane, or simply holding hands and exploring the surroundings, active moments capture genuine joy and connection.

The Beach

1. Timing is Everything:

Similar to the park, aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh sunlight and extreme heat. The golden hour on the beach can result in stunning backlit images with a gorgeous sunset.

2. Pick Child-Friendly Outfits:

Prioritize comfort, especially for kids. Light, breezy, breathable fabrics are great for warm weather. Don’t forget to consider going barefoot and getting wet if you plan on splashing in the waves! Neutral textures, blues, solid colors, or delicate prints work well against the sandy backdrop. Long, flowy skirts and dresses photograph well on all body types. Avoid tight, restricting clothing.

3. Bring Beach Essentials:

Pack towels, sunscreen, bug spray, plastic bag for wet items, and a comfy change of clothes. A parasol, shades, or a sun hat can provide relief from sun if shooting during the day and serve as an interesting prop for photos. 

4. Incorporate Fun Activities:

We will collect seashells, chase the waves, write in the sand, and play games. These activities will create opportunities for your family to interact naturally, and candid moments for me to capture that reflect the joy and spontaneity of you and yours.

Your Home

1. Choose the Right Time of Day:

Natural light is your best friend for indoor sessions. Schedule your shoot when sunlight is abundant, usually in the late morning or early afternoon when light flows through windows.

2. Declutter and Clean:

To keep the focus on your family, tidy up the areas where you'll take photos. A clean, minimalist background will prevent distractions, allowing your family's natural bond to shine through.

3. Wear Coordinated Outfits:

Just like outdoor sessions, coordinating outfits can enhance the visual appeal of your photos. Opt for colors that complement your home decor to create a cohesive look, but keep it casual to reflect your family’s personality.

4. Use Unique Layouts:

Plan where you want the photos taken. Living rooms, cozy corners, or even bedrooms can all provide a fun backdrop. Have a few favorite family activities in mind, whether that's reading together, baking, or simply cuddling on the couch.

5. Keep It Relaxed:

Capture the real you by allowing moments to evolve naturally. Encourage laughter, hugs, and playfulness. Don’t be afraid to let kids be kids; often, the most beautiful images come from spontaneous moments.

More about..

What to & what not to wear:

Anchoring the outfit choices around mom is a great strategy!

Here’s a guide to help you with that:

1. Find Mom's Best Color: As you mentioned, using a resource like StyleDNA can help mom identify her most flattering colors. Once she selects a color palette that works well for her, you can build the family's outfits around those hues.

2. Coordinate, Don't Match: Instead of everyone wearing the exact same color, aim for coordinating colors. If mom chooses a prominent color, other family members can wear complementary or analogous colors. This creates a cohesive look without being overly uniform.

3. Consider Patterns and Textures: To add visual interest, mix in some patterns or textures. For example, if mom is wearing a solid dress, the kids could wear patterned outfits that incorporate colors from mom’s outfit. Avoid thin stripes.

4. Layer and Accessorize: Layers can add depth to the outfits. Consider cardigans, jackets, or scarves which can also be color-coordinated. Accessories like hats, jewelry, or shoes can also bring in the color palette.

5. Think About the Location: Keep in mind the background of your photo session. If you’re shooting outdoors among greenery, softer or earthy tones might work well, while urban settings could allow for bolder colors.

6. Comfort is Key: While style is important, comfort is crucial, especially for kids. Make sure everyone feels good in what they’re wearing, as it will show in the photos.

7. Final Touches: Ensure that outfits are clean, wrinkle-free, and fit well. Plan hair and makeup for mom, aligning with the overall look to enhance the photo session.

By centering your wardrobe choices around mom and incorporating these tips, you will create a beautiful and harmonious look for your family photos.

Final Thoughts

No matter the location, remember that the goal of your family photo session is to capture the love and connections within your family. With a bit of preparation and a laid-back attitude, you can make the experience enjoyable and create lasting memories that you will cherish for years to come.