Have you ever wondered how some families get those Pinterest-perfect family photos and want to know the secrets on how to get them for yourself? The thought of getting family photos done can make some people cringe. Will my kids cooperate? What should we wear? Is this REALLY worth all the stress? These are some common questions so many moms have when it comes to having professional photos done. While there are lots of great articles on how to prepare for the best session, there aren’t many that talk about the biggest mistakes to avoid at your next family photo session.
After years of working with families and hundreds of family photo sessions, I’m pulling back the curtain and letting you in on the biggest mistakes to avoid that can wreak havoc on your next family photo session.
Typically, photographers focus on giving you all the best tips and tricks to help you prepare for a great session but we rarely comment on some of the things that can derail your dreams of a Pinterest-perfect session.
Biggest Pre-Session Mistakes to Avoid
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Mistake #1: Make sure everyone has a full belly.
One of the last things you want at your session is a crabby kiddo or moody husband. Nothing causes distress more than having someone who is “hangry.” We are all human which means whenever our bodies are craving food — attitudes and patience can decline quickly.
Make sure everyone has a full belly at the time of your photo session so that you can focus on having fun and enjoying your family instead of thinking about food.
Mistake #2: Prioritize a nap before your photo session.
If you have little ones, prioritizing a nap on the day of your session is critical. Younger children rely heavily on naps to recharge throughout the day. Any change in their routine can result in some crabby kiddos which can easily sabotage any hopes for a beautiful session. If you are scheduled for a photo session that overlaps with a nap or keeps you out past your child’s ideal bedtime, prioritize scheduling naps around your session. Little ones are very much dependent on routines and not aware of the time. Try to nudge nap time if needed by keeping your routine the same.
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Biggest Wardrobe Mistakes to Avoid for Family Photos
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Mistake #3: Wear clothes that conceal undergarments properly.
This one is just for you mommas. Pretty dresses are great but many can have straps or necklines that are different. Square necklines or thin straps can shift and expose bra lines easily. If you find yourself adjusting your straps often or needing to pull up your dress to keep everything hidden, consider wearing a bra that is easier to hide. Trust me — it will save you the annoyance during your session AND help you avoid potentially pricey edits.
Many photographers can photoshop or edit these from your photos but many will charge an extra editing fee for complicated or the need for excessive edits. It’s easier for everyone if you prepare in advance and avoid it altogether. Plus it saves you one more thing to keep worrying about during your session!
Mistake #4: Avoid clingy or thin fabric that will show too much.
This is another tip mostly geared toward moms. Make sure you avoid fabrics or clothes that are snug-fitting and/or have thin fabric. Thin fabric can show everything and that’s not usually ideal. Bra lines, pockets, and extra bumps that you prefer to keep hidden can show easily with thin or tight-fitting clothes. Many body con dresses can expose lines if they don’t have the right fabric. Choosing the right fabric and fit or wearing no-show shapewear can help you avoid this. Again, one of the most important things for your session is your comfort so that you can focus on your family and not worry about your clothes!
Mistake #5: Don’t forget to try on all your clothes in ADVANCE!
Don’t wait until the day of your session to try everyone’s clothes on. Kids especially are constantly changing and I see this mistake all the time. If you wait too long to have everyone try on their outfits, and something doesn’t fit how you envisioned it, there is a good chance you won’t be able to get the right size before your session.
I recommend doing a trial run with everyone a week in advance to make sure everything fits, sizes are correct and clothes are comfortable.
Mistake #6: Avoid logos and bright colors pretty please!
Part of the formula for a beautiful photo session relies heavily on what you wear. Your outfits will set the tone for the look and feel of your photos. Whether you are going for cute and casual, boho-chic or more formal, the clothes you wear matter.
One of the biggest mistakes I see, and don’t hate me for saying this if this is you — don’t wear any large logos or bright colors. Logos are self-explanatory but bright colors aren’t as obvious. Bright red, orange or any vibrant color can really detract attention from the moments we are capturing. Don’t get me wrong — colors are great and I’m not anti-color! But the vibrancy and tone of the color does matter. Bright colors not only stand out, but they can easily reflect and cause weird color casts when in close proximity to little ones with fair skin. Plus, think about how you will use the images in your home. You don’t want to hang photos on your wall that will clash with your decor.
Mistake #7: Make sure everyone’s clothes are comfortable.
If you really want to capture photos that showcase your family in the best, most authentic, and most natural way, make sure you choose outfits that are comfortable. Clothing that is too tight, too itchy, too big — or anything that will be uncomfortable — will restrict your kids from being themselves. Some kids have a higher sensitivity to clothing and how it fits so avoid this annoyance and make sure you choose clothing that will allow everyone to look and feel like themselves.
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Biggest Mistakes to Avoid At Your Photo Session
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Mistake #8: Avoid bringing chocolate as an incentive.
Even if you are generally against bribing your kids — family photo sessions can feel like the wild west of rules. Incentives are a great way to get your kiddos on board and excited about doing photos. However, if you choose to reward your little ones throughout the session, make sure you avoid chocolate. Kids are exactly the cleanest when it comes to eating and chocolate can make a mess!
Instead, choose smaller snacks that can be consumed quickly and won’t leave any residue or stains. Puffs, fruit snacks, or mini marshmallows are great options that are quick, easy, and mess-free.
Mistake #9: Don’t try to control the session. Trust your photographer!
You hired a family photographer for one reason or another. On the day of your session, your only job is to show up and enjoy your family. Don’t stress or try to guide the session. Your photographer will help direct your family and suggest the best angles and views for each location during the shoot.
Don’t get me wrong, a great photographer will make sure they are getting what you want with your photos but you don’t need to stress over how it will all look!
One of the common things many lifestyle photographers will strive for is capturing organic moments between your family. This means you do not have to look at the camera the whole time!
Mistake #10: Please DO NOT yell at your kiddos during the session.
Kids are wild, unpredictable, and emotional little humans. As a parent of two “high-spirited” kids, this one resonates big time with me. This tip is from every family photographer out there that works with young families — please resist the urge to yell at your kids during the session! If you correct, or yell at your child, this can easily derail the entire session. It can change the mood for everyone and sometimes it can be difficult to recover or at times impossible to recover from.
For the short time of your session, regardless of whether it’s a full session or a mini-session, find creative ways to encourage your child to participate. Positive reinforcement works well so make sure to compliment how well they are doing. A great photographer will have a whole bag of tricks to get little ones interested, involved, and even excited about their photo session. Many times a great photographer will take the lead to connect with your kids and bring out some great genuine moments. Feel free to let them take the lead. Just like with school, some kids will listen to their teachers or other adults more freely than they do with their own parents!
Mistake #11: Leave bad attitudes at home.
Let’s face it – family photos can feel super stressful wondering if everyone will cooperate. Photos are an investment and you want to make sure you get the best possible photos. Make sure you embrace your session with a positive attitude. Regardless of what is going on in your world, how much stress you might be under or what happened on the car ride to your session — leave any and all negativity behind.
Moods are contagious and if someone in the family is in a bad mood, it can resonate with everyone. While we know kids are unpredictable, we adults have the ability to curb attitudes when needed. Make sure mom, dad, and older siblings show up with a great attitude.
Mistake #12: Don’t look at the camera the whole time!
Most lifestyle family photographers want to capture candid interactions between you and your family. Many will give you prompts throughout your session to encourage you to engage with your family while they shoot away. In most cases, they will tell you to not look at the camera, but rather look at each other. Make sure you listen. There is nothing more awkward than a cute moment in the making and a dad staring straight into the camera like nothing else is happening. Sorry to all of you dads — but this happens enough to make it on this list!
There is a time and a place when your photographer will go for the everyone looking photos but in most cases this is only a fraction of the time for your session. Just make sure you listen to when your photographer gives you things to do!
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Make sure you choose the right photographer to fit your vision, your style, and your family.
If you want to have the best possible experience for your next family photo session, make sure you research and hire the best photographer for what you want. Photographers are all unique. Every photographer has their own style and what makes them unique. Make sure you hire a photographer that aligns with the vision you want.
If you want to incorporate a lot of props and have a vision of a very staged photo, hire a photographer that specializes in studio sessions. Looking for more candid photos? Choose a lifestyle photographer that prioritizes getting all the in-between shots instead of a perfectly posed photo.
If you want to learn more about what to look for and how to choose the perfect family photographer for your next photo session, check out this article here: How to Choose the Perfect Family Photographer
