You're ready to get family photos!
You know what kind of style you like, whether it's bright and airy, filmy, formal, storytelling, etc.
You've got the first building block towards the next step!
Step 2: Location & Length
We've all seen those beautiful photos of a windswept family in front of a beautiful beach or walking through a field (or is it just my algorithm?!)
But is that what you want?
First off - what feels like you?
Is it a cozy in-home session where you snuggle in bed or play with toys on the floor?
Is it a more minimalist studio session that focuses more on portraits?
Or is it an outdoor session at a beautiful location?
A few things you may not have thought of
After years of experience and speaking with families, here are the things that come up the most.
In-home sessions:
-the size of your home and light doesn't matter that much. I've shot in a million homes and if there's not enough light I have my own lights
-You have to be OK with a little bit more imperfection and zaniness with in-home sessions. There tends to be more fooling around and candid photos.
Studio Sessions:
-these are a good in between, as they aren't weather dependent and you don't have to worry about any decluttering of your home
-a good bet for extended family sessions where dates are limited
Outdoor Sessions:
-You must be OK with wind in your hair, and your kids possibly tripping and getting grass or mud on their clothes. We have pretty extreme weather here so you may also be very hot or alternatively have rosy cheeks
-Sessions are weather dependent so if you are a VERY busy family it may be harder to rebook (having said that I've always made it work)
Length
A lot of people book shorter sessions because ‘that’s all their kids can last.' But with longer sessions, I am never asking your kid to be ‘on’ the entire time.
Longer sessions allow for a slower, less frenetic pace and for shyer kids gives them time to warm up.
Sometimes parents bring toys so kids can take a little break while I take photos of the parents or siblings.
That's It!
Now you should know the style you like and hopefully found a photographer, chosen the location and the length.
Now Book It!
I recommend that as soon as you know your schedule you book your session. Families often wait until the last minute and don't realize how busy family photographers can be - especially in the fall and especially on weekends. GET IT ON THE BOOKS!
Hot Tip: If you want to get those mailed Christmas cards out this year I recommend you book latest early October. Remember you have to do the shoot, editing is around 1-2 weeks, you have to then select the photos, order the cards, have the cards sent to you, write the cards, and send them out again. Phew… it's a process
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