How to prepare for your outdoor photography session
Preparing for your photo session involves a few key steps to ensure a great outcome.
I have a lot of fun getting to know and photographing my clients. My main goal is to transfer that positive experience to you, ensuring that you and your kids leave loving your session.
Families typically book a photographer once a year, often around special occasions like spring, holidays, or to celebrate a new addition to the family. Through your pre-shoot questionnaire, I aim to learn about your family, each member’s names, and what your children enjoy doing. Understanding how your children behave in front of the camera is also crucial.
Some children love being photographed, while others may be more reserved.
Having this information beforehand helps me tailor the session to meet your family’s expectations and goals.
Once I gather these details, I can effectively capture the connections and tell your family’s story through images.
Outfit Inspiration
There are many aspects to keep in mind when deciding what to wear for your family photos. Coordinating outfits for family photos doesn’t need to be difficult. Focus on accomplishing a cohesive look and dressing in outfits that will allow your photos to take on a timeless feel. Of course, the most important part of your family portrait is to document the love that your family shares. We’re here to help you with the rest. These family photo outfit ideas will allow you get a one-of-a-kind portrait that has a close-knit family feel.
Muted Colours
Skip the tiny prints and patterns, as they don't show up well in photos. Larger stripes, polka dots, and other graphic patterns work great. For family shoots, try to limit patterned outfits to one per every two people. Decide on a colour scheme and stick to it. Consider your family’s favourite colours and coordinate them within the chosen scheme. Instead of dressing everyone in the same colour, select a couple of complementary colours. Avoid logos on clothing to maintain a classic look.
Layering
Layer and add accessories with a hat, headbands, necklace or vests. Layers especially helps when the weather turns out to be cooler than planned.
Hair and Make-up
Keep it natural. For women, hair should be styled naturally. In other words, if you don’t usually wear your hair in a formal up-do, skip it. The same principle applies to makeup: choose natural makeup that makes you feel beautiful, then add a light layer of powder to reduce shine, just before the session. Haircuts for boys and men should take place about a week or so before the session.
Fit your Style to your Location
Another helpful item to consider when trying to decide what to wear in your family photos is the location of your photoshoot. Are you going to be on the beach where there are plenty of neutral tones or under a tree surrounded by bright fall foliage? Select a colour palette for your outfits that will complement the setting. Pick out items of clothing in colours that will complement your background and not compete with it. Warm colours against greenery look great!
Accessorise
Use accessories. Cool hats, flowers in the hair, jewelry, jackets, etc. All these items will bring out your family’s unique personalities.
Location
We generally like to stick to locations that provide a natural shooting environment, such as a local field or beach. However, if you have a location with sentimental value in mind, please let me know and we can have a chat to see if it will be suitable.
Timing
We begin shooting during the golden hour period that occurs one to one and a half hours before sunset. Arrive all ready to start your session to make the most of the beautiful light.
“My family and I had the most amazing experience doing our family photo shoot with Rachel. She made us all feel so relaxed like she was apart of the family. My girls left saying they had the best day ever. The photos we received have absolute blown us away… they are Devine! We will treasure them for a life time. Thank you again Rachel. Until next time.”
Get in touch
I created this post to help make your family session experience something you will look back fondly on for years and years to come. At the end of the day, the location you choose and the outfits you select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make together.
Your future memories are the most important thing to me, and I want your session to be a time for you to just be yourselves and enjoy the time together!
With love,
Rach