How to get your family comfortable in front of the camera.
How to get your family comfortable in front of the camera.
What holds you back from getting your families in front of the camera? If you’re anything like the families I work with, one of their concerns is how to get their families comfortable in front of the camera. They tell me they fear they will look awkward and that their kids won’t behave. If you have never had your photos taken or maybe didn’t have the greatest experience I can understand why this would be a concern. As a photographer, I even worry about it when my family gets photos done.
The good news is, when you find a great photographer that can guide your family, the pressure if off, you can just enjoy the experience, and your family will feel comfortable in front of the camera. You will feel well prepared, know your photographer well, their style, and that gives you all the freedom to relax and enjoy your families photo experience. I’ll explain in detail below.
“This was the funnest pictures we ever had!” from the kids pictured here. It means so much to hear that they enjoyed it while mom and dad are relaxed as well. Scroll down to see more from this families fun Columbia River Gorge beach maternity photography session.
How to Prepare
I love the families that I work with and getting to know each other prior to the day of their families photos, it’s one of my favorite parts because every family is unique and that is what I want to capture the day of your shoot!
Once a date is chosen for your photos, I send the family a simple questionnaire that helps me get to know them even more. We also discuss what to wear, what locations would be great for them, and I have multiple blogs for them to check out that helps the family feel comfortable in front of the camera! Click here for more blogs that answer some frequently asked questions.
How to Get Your Family Comfortable in Front of the Camera
After the family and I have discussed what to wear, the location, and answered all of their questions about the session, we are set. It really is simple and fun. My best advice is to always just be yourself, enjoy the time with your family like you would if you were all headed out to the park or for a walk on the beach.
You will never hear me say to anyone to say cheese or have forced smiles, it is not the style of photography I offer. I am focusing on how you interact with one another and I guide/direct you all the entire time I am photographing your family. All the photos of families you see in my portfolio felt the same way you did but with gentle guidance and direction it made their family photo experience fun and really relaxed, they look like they are having fun because they are!
Expectations about Lifestyle Family Sessions
Lifestyle family photography is very informal, relaxed, and fun. I like to come to each session with a mental list of shots in my I want to get but the family will ultimately take the photoshoot in their own direction and that is what I want to happen. It’s an organic approach to family photos, nothing stiff or posed.
When we first begin the session, I start with simple directions to help everyone loosen up to get your family comfortable in front of the camera. From there, families play and move around as I direct them to do simple things such as have kids run under a blanket or sit on the blanket and tell your mom or dad what you love most about them. These simple directions create moments that are genuine and incredibly precious.
Having your family comfortable in front of the camera is not as hard as you may think, it can be a fun and great experience for your entire family. Check out more photos from this families Columbia River maternity beach session that we had where the kids had a lot of fun especially once we wrapped things up at the end and let the kids splash in the Columbia River!
Interested in more about how to have a ra fun family photography experience? Download my FREE GUIDE below!
