1. Outfits - I'm not a huge fan of being too match-matchy in pictures. It seems like going too similar with the matching khakis and white shirts just end up looking overly fake and cheesy. Instead, I try to pick a color or two that all of us are wearing in some way. Keep in mind that if you plan to print your photos to display somewhere in your home, you may want to avoid anything looking too seasonal so that the photo looks appropriate year-round.
2. Location - For these pictures, my sweet Momma met us at Robinswood Park in Bellevue. I love this spot because it has a great range of backgrounds to try. Everything from water, woods, buildings and wide open spaces - it's all available here. Not only will a location with multiple options add variety to your photos, it helps your family feel less stale as the session goes on.
3. Let them play - Go into your photos knowing that the process will take twice as long as you would expect. When you're not in a hurry, letting kids get their wiggles out and find their comfort zone will only make them more natural in photos. An added bonus: the candid shots of them running and doing silly poses end up being some of my favorites.
4. Switch things up - Change who is in the pictures, your positioning, your scenery, even do an outfit change if you so choose. Doing different combinations of people gives others a bit of a break to feel refreshed and ready for more. And it showcases the special individual relationships within your family.
5. Stay comfortable - Make sure you stay hydrated and as comfortable as possible as you're taking pictures. Kids should be well fed and not tired (avoid naptime.) It can help to bring some non-messy snacks along to keep blood sugar levels up and - ok you caught me - to ask for kids to show their "fruit snack smiles" as seen above. Just try not to bring along things like dark juices, peanut butter, etc. that will most definitely end up making a big mess that will cause more harm than good.
When all else fails, just tell your photographer to shoot away and keep your fingers crossed that you capture at least one acceptable shot. Embrace the flaws and know that it (supposedly) only gets easier as time goes on. What other tips have you learned for taking great family photos?
Your family is beautiful! When our friend took extended family pictures, she brought along an assistant who blew bubbles and bribed the kids with marshmallows. It worked great!
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