{"id":11822,"date":"2016-10-19T10:29:15","date_gmt":"2016-10-19T14:29:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/?p=11822"},"modified":"2016-10-19T13:56:48","modified_gmt":"2016-10-19T17:56:48","slug":"tips-for-preparing-for-family-pictures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/2016\/10\/19\/tips-for-preparing-for-family-pictures\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Preparing for Family Pictures"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/2016\/10\/17\/ask-a-family-photographer-qa\/andrea-harborne\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11805\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11805\" src=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/andrea-harborne-1024x203.png\" alt=\"andrea-harborne\" width=\"806\" height=\"160\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/andrea-harborne-1024x203.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/andrea-harborne-300x60.png 300w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/andrea-harborne-600x119.png 600w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/andrea-harborne-390x77.png 390w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/andrea-harborne.png 1476w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 806px) 100vw, 806px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Our family photos are some of my most treasured possessions. Having a visual record of how our children and family has grown is amazing. Over the years, we&#8217;ve done many family photo sessions with various different photographers and I think we&#8217;ve become pretty good at making it through family pictures\u00a0without too much drama.<\/p>\n<p>And while a good photographer and just plain luck with the kids being in the right mood helps tremendously, I&#8217;ve found the most important thing to ensuring successful family pictures\u00a0is preparation!<\/p>\n<h2>Timeline\u00a0for Preparing for a Family Pictures:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/2016\/10\/19\/tips-for-preparing-for-family-pictures\/family-pictures\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11830\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11830\" src=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/family-pictures.png\" alt=\"Tips for preparing and getting the best family pictures\" width=\"748\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/family-pictures.png 748w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/family-pictures-300x193.png 300w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/family-pictures-600x385.png 600w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/family-pictures-390x250.png 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 748px) 100vw, 748px\" \/><\/a><\/h2>\n<h3>A few weeks to months ahead:<\/h3>\n<p>Research photographers if you don&#8217;t already have one in mind<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ask for suggestions from friends<\/li>\n<li>Look at the photographer&#8217;s websites\/Facebook pages and make sure their style and aesthetic matches what you hope to get out of your family pictures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Think about locations<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What kind of family pictures are you hoping for? Do you want a studio session or outdoors?<\/li>\n<li>If outdoors, research places that have what you want and are good for family photos (beach, wooded area, park, flower garden, etc.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Pick a date and book with the photographer<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Contact your chosen photographer with your preferred date but have a few other dates in mind that could work also. The earlier you book you family photo sessions, the more likely you are to get your fist choice\u00a0date.<\/li>\n<li>Discuss your preferred locations and ask for his\/her opinion and suggestions for similar places that could achieve your desired look.<\/li>\n<li>Pick a time that best suits your kids, even if you have to compromise good lighting. Having well-rested, cooperative kids that aren&#8217;t hungry or grumpy will make up for any imperfections in lighting.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/2016\/10\/19\/tips-for-preparing-for-family-pictures\/melissa-family-64-wm\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11841\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11841\" src=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-64-wm-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"melissa-family-64-wm\" width=\"806\" height=\"538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-64-wm-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-64-wm-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-64-wm-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-64-wm-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-64-wm-390x260.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 806px) 100vw, 806px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Two to three weeks before:<\/h3>\n<p>Think about what you want out of the pictures<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>All family group photos? individuals? pairs\/small groups? some with just mommy and daddy? just kids? mommy and baby? daddy and boys? etc.<\/li>\n<li>Do you want posed pictures with everyone smiling or action\/lifestyle shots? or a mix of both?<\/li>\n<li>Decide what elements you want in your family photos. Will you use any props, special poses or locations?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Discuss your expectations with your photographer<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Have a short discussion with your chosen photographer about exactly what you&#8217;re hoping to capture with your family pictures<\/li>\n<li>Discuss props and who will bring what. For example, with a newborn photo shoot, does the photographer have baskets s\/he often uses and is familiar with posing babies in or do you need to provide something?<a href=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/2016\/10\/19\/tips-for-preparing-for-family-pictures\/melissa-family-163-wm\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11842\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11842\" src=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-163-wm-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"melissa-family-163-wm\" width=\"806\" height=\"538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-163-wm-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-163-wm-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-163-wm-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-163-wm-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-163-wm-390x260.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 806px) 100vw, 806px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>The week before:<\/h3>\n<p>Plan what you&#8217;re going to wear<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If you aren&#8217;t sure what to wear, ask your photographer for suggestions for his\/her style and your chosen location<\/li>\n<li>Try to stick to a common color theme to keep pictures cohesive and focus on faces rather than clothing. It doesn&#8217;t mean everyone had to wear the exact same color top and bottoms, but pick a few colors and put everyone in those colors.<\/li>\n<li>Make sure everything fits and is clean and free from stains and freshly pressed.<\/li>\n<li>Don&#8217;t forget about shoes and accessories! Do the kids have shoes that fit and go with the look of the outfits you&#8217;ve chosen? Will anyone wear jewelry?<\/li>\n<li>Think about how you want to style everyone&#8217;s hair and if you need anything special to achieve your desired &#8216;dos.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Talk about taking family pictures with the kids<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Have a few casual conversations with your kids about the family photo shoot: where you&#8217;re going, when you&#8217;re doing the family pictures, who the photographer will be, if you&#8217;ll be doing anything special before\/after the family photos<\/li>\n<li>Discuss behavior expectations and what the process will be like.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/2016\/10\/19\/tips-for-preparing-for-family-pictures\/melissa-family-52-wm\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11840\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11840\" src=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-52-wm-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"melissa-family-52-wm\" width=\"806\" height=\"538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-52-wm-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-52-wm-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-52-wm-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-52-wm-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-52-wm-390x260.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 806px) 100vw, 806px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>The day before:<\/h3>\n<p>Confirm the time and place with your photographer<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Discuss where exactly you&#8217;ll meet if going to a public place like a public beach or large park<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Put your outfits and props together<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pull everything out and put together in one place. Make sure it all matches\u00a0the way you expected it to.<\/li>\n<li>Gather all the props you plan to bring and put them in one place together<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Prepare the kids<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Remind the kids about the family pictures you&#8217;re doing and review expectations again<\/li>\n<li>Give the kids a shower\/bath (unless you need their hair clean and wet to style in the morning)<\/li>\n<li>Put the kids to bed a little earlier so they&#8217;re fresh for the family photos<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Pack a family pictures survival kit including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Extra clothes for each kid<\/li>\n<li>Non-messy snacks\u00a0for everyone<\/li>\n<li>A few favorite toys\/books<a href=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/2016\/10\/19\/tips-for-preparing-for-family-pictures\/melissa-family-21-wm\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11839\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11839\" src=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-21-wm-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"melissa-family-21-wm\" width=\"806\" height=\"538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-21-wm-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-21-wm-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-21-wm-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-21-wm-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Melissa-Family-21-wm-390x260.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 806px) 100vw, 806px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>The day of pictures:<\/h3>\n<p>Eat well before the family photo session<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Have a good breakfast or lunch before going to take the pictures. If the family photo shoot is going to run into a normal meal time, give the kids a good snack before going.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Leave plenty of time to prepare (it&#8217;s always better to be ready too early than be rushing around running late!)<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Think about things outside of your regular routine that might take longer than expected such as styling hair, putting on makeup, lots of little buttons on dress-up baby\/toddler clothes.<\/li>\n<li>Plan for extra travel time in case of traffic or leaving the house late. A few minutes delay getting to your location could mean missing the best light or more people milling about which could make it hard to get a good background for your family pictures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>During the family photo shoot, be patient and flexible<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Try to do the most posed group pictures to start before the kids get bored and\/or ornery.<\/li>\n<li>Mix up posed and action pictures as well as large group, small group and individual pictures to give everyone a break now and then<\/li>\n<li>If the kids start to lose interest, try to draw their attention to other things: smell the flowers, feel the sand, sing a song together, look for bugs or birds.<\/li>\n<li>Don&#8217;t push it. You&#8217;ll get more out of your family pictures if you keep it simple and relaxed. Remember that you&#8217;re there to capture that moment in time, whatever that moment may end up being!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/532269249695203844\/\">Pin it!<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/532269249695203844\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11833\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-11833\" src=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Easy-family-photo-shoot-537x1024.png\" alt=\"Tips for preparing and getting the best family pictures [ad]\" width=\"299\" height=\"570\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Easy-family-photo-shoot-537x1024.png 537w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Easy-family-photo-shoot-300x572.png 300w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Easy-family-photo-shoot-600x1144.png 600w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Easy-family-photo-shoot-131x250.png 131w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Easy-family-photo-shoot-157x300.png 157w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Easy-family-photo-shoot-390x743.png 390w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Easy-family-photo-shoot.png 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 299px) 100vw, 299px\" \/><\/a><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Also check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/2016\/10\/17\/ask-a-family-photographer-qa\/\">Q&amp;A with\u00a0a family photographer<\/a> and don&#8217;t miss this\u00a0great giveaway from Andrea for three lucky readers!<\/em><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>GRAND PRIZE:<\/strong>\u00a0One FREE photography session of the clients choosing, up to 1.5 hours, 60+ edited images (family, maternity, children, or couples session &#8211; excludes weddings and newborns).<\/h5>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>SECOND PRIZE:<\/strong>\u00a050% off a photography session of the clients choosing, up to 1 hour, 40+ edited images (family, maternity, children, or couples session \u2013 excludes weddings and newborns).<\/h5>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>THIRD PRIZE:<\/strong>\u00a015% off a photography session of the clients choosing, up to 30 minutes, 20+ edited images (family, maternity, children, or couples session \u2013 excludes weddings and newborns).<\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Please see full terms and conditions below.<\/em><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/h5>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/2016\/10\/17\/ask-a-family-photographer-qa\/win-a-photoshoot_beyond-mommying-640x451\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11809\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11809\" src=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/WIN-a-photoshoot_Beyond-Mommying-640x451.jpg\" alt=\"win-a-photoshoot_beyond-mommying-640x451\" width=\"640\" height=\"451\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/WIN-a-photoshoot_Beyond-Mommying-640x451.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/WIN-a-photoshoot_Beyond-Mommying-640x451-300x211.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/WIN-a-photoshoot_Beyond-Mommying-640x451-600x423.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/WIN-a-photoshoot_Beyond-Mommying-640x451-355x250.jpg 355w, https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/WIN-a-photoshoot_Beyond-Mommying-640x451-390x275.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h6><\/h6>\n<p><a id=\"rcwidget_7qon6nu5\" class=\"rcptr\" href=\"http:\/\/www.rafflecopter.com\/rafl\/display\/077c333423\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-raflid=\"077c333423\" data-theme=\"classic\" data-template=\"\">a Rafflecopter giveaway<\/a><\/p>\n<h6><em>1. Contest ends November 1, 2016. Winners will be chosen and notified within 48 hours and will have 24 hours to respond in order to claim their prize.<\/em><\/h6>\n<h6><em>2. First prize\u00a0must be redeemed by December 5, 2016. 2nd and 3rd prizes must be scheduled by December 5, 2016 for a date prior to March 31, 2017.<\/em><\/h6>\n<h6><em>3. Family of Melissa Roy and Andrea Harborne are not eligible to enter.<\/em><\/h6>\n<h6><em>4. Prize has no monetary value and cannot be exchanged, sold, gifted, or used in any way other than the above. These sessions are for the winners only.<\/em><\/h6>\n<h6><em>5. Contest is open to everyone, but the photoshoots will take place within 20 miles of zip code 33312 (Florida).<\/em><\/h6>\n<h6><em>6. By entering this giveaway, you are consenting to receive periodic e-mail updates and information from Beyond Mommying and Andrea Harborne including information on future giveaways and promotions (your e-mail will never be shared and you can unsubscribe at any time, see\u00a0Beyond Mommying&#8217;s\u00a0full <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/privacy-policy\/\">privacy policy<\/a>).<\/em><\/h6>\n<h6><em>7. This giveaway is in no way sponsored or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or any other entity, prize fulfillment is the sole responsibility of Andrea Harborne.<\/em><\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our family photos are some of my most treasured possessions. Having a visual record of how our children and family has grown is amazing. Over the years, we&#8217;ve done many family photo sessions with various different photographers and I think we&#8217;ve become pretty good at making it through family pictures\u00a0without too much drama. And while [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11830,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,543],"tags":[558,207,559],"class_list":["post-11822","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family-life","category-sponsored-and-branded-content","tag-family-pictures","tag-giveaway","tag-photos"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11822","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11822"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11822\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11843,"href":"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11822\/revisions\/11843"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11830"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11822"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11822"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11822"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}