Tips for preparing for your session:
10 Tips to Make Your Family Session with Maria Easy and Fun
Planning for a family photo session can feel overwhelming, but with a little preparation, it can be an enjoyable and memorable experience. Here are ten tips to help ensure your family session goes smoothly and captures the special moments you’re looking for.
1. Morning and Evening Session tips
For morning sessions, it’s best to start as early as possible to take advantage of the beautiful, soft light. One of the great things about morning sessions is their efficiency and the fact that you’ll have the rest of the day ahead, perhaps enjoying a nice breakfast afterward. Families with young children often prefer morning sessions since the kids are usually well-rested and cheerful. While starting right at sunrise isn’t necessary, I recommend aiming for around 7 am or as close as your family can manage.
For evening sessions, especially in the summer when the days are longer, we typically start later, around 7 pm. This timing allows us to capture the gorgeous soft light at sunset. We’ll ease into the session and gradually make our way toward the ocean as the light becomes more magical.
2. Coordinate Your Outfits
Select clothing that coordinates well without being overly matching. Earth tones, pastels, and creamy neutrals work beautifully in photos. Make sure everyone’s outfits complement the setting and each other. Avoid bold patterns and bright colors that can distract from your faces and expressions.
3. Embrace Comfort
The most important thing when choosing outfits is comfort. If everyone feels good in what they’re wearing, it will show in the photos. Pick clothes that allow you to move freely and enjoy the session without worrying about wardrobe malfunctions or discomfort.
4. Plan Ahead
Make a list of the items you’ll need for your session. Pack any necessary snacks, water, and a change of clothes, especially if you have young children. Bringing along a favorite toy or blanket can help keep little ones happy and entertained.
5. Set Realistic Expectations
It’s important to remember that not every photo will be perfect, and that’s okay! The best images often come from candid, spontaneous moments. Focus on enjoying the time with your family rather than striving for a picture-perfect pose.
6. Prepare Your Children
Talk to your children about the session ahead of time. Let them know what to expect and how much fun it can be. Keeping the mood light and fun will help everyone feel more relaxed and natural in front of the camera.
7. Bring Positive Energy
Your mood and attitude can greatly influence the tone of the session. Come with a positive mindset and be ready to laugh and play. Your photographer will capture these genuine emotions, resulting in beautiful, heartfelt images.
8. Interact with Each Other
The best family photos are those that show genuine connections. Play with your kids, whisper a joke to your partner, or give each other a hug. These moments of interaction create dynamic and engaging photos that truly reflect your family’s unique bond.
9. Trust Your Photographer
Your photographer has experience in capturing beautiful family moments and will guide you through the session. Trust their expertise and be open to their suggestions. This trust will help create a relaxed atmosphere, allowing your photographer to capture the essence of your family.
10. Enjoy the Experience
Above all, remember to have fun and enjoy the experience. This session is a chance to create lasting memories with your family. Relax, be yourself, and let the love and joy you share shine through in your photos.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your family photo session is a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Remember, the most important thing is to capture the genuine love and connection within your family. If you have any questions or need additional guidance, feel free to reach out to me. I’m here to help make your session a success!
Wardrobe tips:
SETTING: WHAT MAKES YOU COMFORTABLE?
The most important factor when planning your family’s wardrobe is comfort. Your outfits should allow you to move freely without any concerns. My sessions are playful and relaxed, so it’s essential that your wardrobe supports this atmosphere.
Now, this doesn’t mean you need to wear sweats to your family session, but make sure you can lift your arms, walk, and hug your family without compromising your clothing. Here are some tips to consider:
Is the shirt too short? Make sure it doesn’t ride up if you lift a child.
Is the material uncomfortable or itchy?
Is mom’s dress the right length?
COLOR + TEXTURE
Color plays a significant role in the mood of your photos. I recommend earth tones, pastels, and creamy neutrals for your session wardrobe. Avoid bright neons, blacks, stark white or any distracting colors.
Textures can also enhance your photos. I love seeing different textures like linens, sweaters, and pleats in photos. Adding one or two elements of texture can make a fantastic difference. Just be careful not to overdo it. Finally, avoid too many patterns. One or two patterns within a family’s wardrobe are great, but it’s easy to go overboard. Choose a main pattern, and plan the other outfits around it.
DRESS MOM FIRST
Mom is usually the hardest family member to dress for family photos. I suggest you start by picking or buying mom’s outfit first. Make sure she loves what she has, and then base everyone else’s outfits around her choice.
Before planning your family session wardrobe, consider the setting where you will be taking your pictures:
Temperature: Dress appropriately for the weather. Find pieces that will be warm enough if it’s cold or cool enough if it’s warm.
Conditions: If it’s a windy location, avoid wearing something that might fly up in the wind.
Scenery Color: Choose colors that complement the scenery. For example, if we are shooting in a green location, blues, pinks, and creams are excellent choices.
COORDINATING COLORS
Choose a handful of coordinating colors for your family session. Gone are the days of everyone wearing matching black polo shirts and jeans. Add dimension by choosing an overall palette and then selecting pieces for each person that fit within the color scheme. You can search Pinterest for ideas like "Mauve Color Scheme" or "Cream Color Scheme" to find coordinating colors that aren’t too matchy, yet don’t contrast too much.
Have fun with the colors and find something that matches your home and your personality!
MOVEMENT AND STYLE
Try to dress everyone in the same style of clothing. If you’re aiming for a dressier look, have everyone dress up a bit. If you want a more casual vibe, keep it relaxed for everyone. While each person can vary slightly, maintaining a cohesive look will enhance the overall appearance of your photos.
I love wardrobe with movement! Flowy dresses and loose clothing can look stunning. Try not to wear anything too tight, but that still flatters you and makes you feel comfortable.
THINGS TO AVOID
Avoid wearing baseball caps, large logos or patterns, athletic accessories, sunglasses, bulky fitness watches, etc. If you have any questions about what to wear, I’m here to help! Shoot me an email, and I’ll assist you in finding the perfect options.
GENERAL GUIDELINES: WHERE TO SHOP
For Mom: J Crew, Anthropologie, Madewell, Nordstrom, Coral Cove, Pink Turtle, South Moon Under (all Rehoboth)
For Dad: J Crew, H&M, Nordstrom, Shorebreak (Lewes)
For Kids: Crew Cuts, Rylee and Cru, H&M kids, Janie and Jack, Fairy Godmother (Lewes), LilyPad (Rehoboth), Magnolia Rifle (Fenwick)
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING
Remember, these are your photos. While planning outfits can be fun and exciting, don’t stress too much. You are the star of your photos, and as long as you are comfortable and feel amazing in what you wear, we will get incredible results.
Let’s Connect!
Ready to create something unforgettable? As a Delaware-based wedding photographer specializing in solo coverage, I’m here to beautifully capture your special day.
Maria DeForrest Photography
Serving Delaware Beaches, the Eastern Shore, and beyond
www.MariaDeForrest.com
maria@deforrestphotography.com
Instagram: @MariaDeForrest
