How to Prepare for Your Family Portrait Session

Choosing the Right Family Photographer

There are several factors to consider when trying to choose the right photographer for your family portrait session. The first factor to consider when searching for a photographer is their location. Start your search by searching for photographers in your area. If you are looking for a family photographer in Huntsville then you are already in the right place. The next thing to look at is the photographer’s shooting style and personality. You can get a feel for the photographer’s personality from their website. Their shooting style should be clear by looking at their portfolio. Some photographers edit dark and moody, some edit light and airy, etc. You will want to find a photographer whose shooting style matches what you have in mind. The last thing to look at, but certainly not the least important, is the photographer’s pricing. Consider what your budget is and whether or not that photographer fits into your budget.

What to Wear: Clothing tips for a timeless look

Picking out outfits for your family portrait session can feel overwhelming. My biggest tip when picking outfits is to pick outfits that coordinate, but they don’t have to be identical. If you are going for the all white shirt and jeans family photo look then by all means the outfits can be identical, but if you are just wanting your outfits to look cohesive here are a few tips. Pick 2-3 colors that compliment each other to establish your color scheme. Then mix and match with who wears each color and don’t be afraid to add in some patterns. For example, have dad wear a white shirt and khakis, have mom wear a floral pink dress, and have your daughter in a tan dress. All 3 family members are staying within the pink, tan and white color scheme, but they all have different outfits. Also, consider how all the outfits will look together and how they will look grouped in different pairings. For instance, is there still contrast in photos with just the mom and daughter and photos with just the mom and dad.

How to Prepare Young Children for a Family Portrait Session

If you have younger children you might feel a little overwhelmed by family photos. Some ways you can help to prepare young children for family photos is by bringing along some toys they enjoy playing with, water, and snacks. When packing snacks to bring for your family session try to bring snacks that are not messy to avoid staining outfits. Some good options to consider are apples, cheese sticks, or crackers. Another important thing to consider with young children is that their outfit is comfortable and suitable for the weather. If it is cold outside be sure to bring along a jacket.

I hope you found these tips on preparing for a family portrait session to be helpful. To stay up to date on sessions I’m offering around Huntsville, AL be sure to follow along on Instagram. If you are interested in booking a family lifestyle portrait session in Huntsville click here.