Preparing for Your Session - Ottawa Family Photography
Despite the less structured, candid nature of lifestyle family photography, there are still certain steps we can take to make it as easy a process as possible. Read on.
DON’T LET IT BE A SURPRISE
Not everyone is super comfortable in front of the camera. And while I aim to make the experience as painless as possible, it still doesn’t change the fact that some people can have anxiety about it. Start a dialogue with your loved ones at least several days in advance, at minimum, so that they have time to mentally prepare. Show them my website or social media page so that they can see my face and portfolio beforehand. Talk about expectations, timeline and include them in the process (ex: “Tomorrow morning, we’re going to get some special photos taken as a family. We’ll be driving to a trail with lots of tall trees and we can explore the woods together, etc”). This is especially true for young kids.
ONLY PULL OUT THE BRIBES IF REALLY NEEDED
I generally discourage bribes. Bribing prior to a session puts a negative connotation to your photo session before it’s even begun. Try talking it up instead by saying things like “we’re going to explore a new location and someone will help us remember it by taking some special photos”. This describes it as a fun experience, not something to dread.
However, I get it. Sometimes a little encouragement is needed. If they must be used, I recommend not mentioning or showing the bribe until absolutely necessary. We are going to try and distract and redirect with play, exploring, and cuddles. If you do bring a bribe to session, know that it will be in your photos. I cannot Photoshop out soothers in mouths or Barbie’s in hands. Trying to take it away mid-session usually results in big emotions. I will photograph whatever emotions are in front of me - embrace the chaos, right? If using food bribes, please avoid the sticky and runny types (fruit gummies or animal crackers are usually decent choices).
EAT AND SLEEP
Ya know what’s less fun? Photos when you’re “hangry”. Also photos when you’re tired. No matter the age. Fill those bellies beforehand and ensure a decent night’s sleep or a good nap before. I know that this can pose a challenge if you have your heart set on a sunset session in early summer when sunset is 9 pm. Naps will be your friend. For littles, be prepared for some holding and rocking, which I love to incorporate anyway. Otherwise, a Fall sunset session or an in-home or studio session might be a better bet.
PICK YOUR OUTFITS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
For your sanity, please don’t leave this until the night before, let alone the morning of. This is one reason it can be helpful to book your session in as far advance as possible - less rush to prepare.
I recommend starting with Mom’s outfit and then building the rest around that. Research colour palettes. Pinterest is a great resource for this. To make it even easier, I also have a client closet that you may be able to use (if interested, please consult with me beforehand so you have time to try on and pick the outfits up in advance). Whatever you choose, aim for comfort, coordination, and for best results, leave the neon, graphic tees, and crazy patterns at home.
DON’T OVERBOOK YOUR DAY
Time is precious and most of us feel like we don’t have enough of it. On the day of your session though, make it the main event and try not to over-schedule. I recommend leaving the rest of the day pretty open for two reasons. 1) weather can be unpredictable and change from one hour to the next. We may need to flex our start time. 2) stress and rushing from one thing to the next shows up in your photos. Trust me.
EMBRACE IT
Kids rule family photo sessions. No matter how wild or quiet. As long as everyone is safe, let go, be present, have fun.
