So, you’ve booked that highly anticipated family photo session. Congratulations! You’re about to capture those cherished moments with your loved ones that will hang on your walls for years to come. But here’s the catch: You want to look like you’ve got it all together, even if behind the scenes, life resembles a circus act. Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! Here are some tried-and-true tips for looking effortlessly put together for your family photo session, even when life is pure chaos.
Outfit Coordination: Channel Your Inner Fashionista
Picture this: You, your partner, and the kids all perfectly coordinated in matching outfits. Yes, we’re talking color-coordinated but not matchy-matchy. Think complementary colors, not clones. Just don’t forget to pick an outfit that can withstand the inevitable grass stains, food spills, and toddler hugs. Pro tip: Layering adds depth and sophistication while hiding those rogue Cheerio crumbs. (And if choosing outfits adds stress at all, let’s connect. I can help!)
Timing is Everything: Schedule Around Naps and Meals
Avoid scheduling your session during your toddler’s naptime or your teenager’s feeding frenzy. A well-rested and well-fed crew is a happier and more cooperative one. Trust us; we’ve seen the difference it makes.
Pro-Tip: Make sure the crew is fed before the session – and feel free to bring snacks but only for afterwards. Trying to sneakily feed a toddler goldfish crackers during the session to solve the hangry will just create photos with chewing faces, which is worse than the grump.
Embrace Imperfection: Life is Beautifully Messy
Kids are unpredictable, and sometimes their chaotic energy results in the best candid shots. Embrace the messiness of life; it’s what makes your family unique. A skinned knee or a smudged cheek adds character and tells a story. But if possible, pack a little photo-emergency kit with wipes, kleenex and bandaids just in case things get a little too messy.
Prompt Based Posing: Genuine smiles and connection
From uncooperative toddlers to teenagers who’d rather stare at their phones, I have seen it all. Posing can feel awkward, especially for kids. (Heck, I know plenty of adults who have no idea what to do with their hands in photos.) Instead of insisting on perfection, we will focus on having fun together. Genuine smiles and laughter make for the best photos. My photography style is less about the posing and more about the connection, so don’t be surprised if I ask everyone to look at the person who snores the loudest.
Relax and Breathe: It’s All About the Memories
Remember, these photos are about preserving memories, not achieving perfection. Embrace the unique quirks and personalities of your family, and your photos will reflect the real you—messy, imperfect, and utterly beautiful.
In the end, your family photo session is a snapshot of a moment in time. It’s the chaos, the laughter, and the love that make your family uniquely yours. So, go ahead, let your hair down (literally if it’s getting in your face), and have fun. Because looking put together is about feeling put together, and there’s nothing more put together than a family full of love.
Now, strike a pose and let those smiles shine! 📸✨
At Kanata Baby Studio we only offer Family sessions at certain times of the year. Right now we are booking for Autumn Golden Hour Mini Sessions. If you want to be added to the waitlist for Spring Apple Blossom Family Minis – Fill out the contact form and let me know!