Family Photo Session Planning Tips from a Seasoned Photographer in Roseburg, OR

I have so much fun when photographing families! Through the many years, I’ve learned a few tips that can aid in your session preparation and help you to make the most of your family session investment.

1.     Flexibility: Try to be flexible on your date/time chosen, in case a reschedule or time adjustment is needed due to weather, illness or iffy lighting the day of. I often ask clients to pick a backup date and time with me in advance, during the cold and flu season. Sometimes this is a total lifesaver!

2.     Plan an easy dinner: If you booked am outdoor session in the evening, it’s SO helpful to plan for either a quick and easy dinner or grabbing take out afterwards. I just had our own family photos done and one of my prepped freezer meals made our evening so much less stressful. Bonus tip: bring a favorite, mess free snack and some wipes, just in case!

3.     Moms, get yourself ready first: It can be so easy to lose track of time getting everyone else ready, that you end up throwing make up on in the car and feeling disheveled when you arrive at your location. Ask me how I know this, haha. I’ll never forget fighting with fake lashes and glue in the bumpy car ride. Moms can often be the most critical of themselves in their family photos, so showing up feeling confident can make all the difference in how you view the images after getting them back.

4.     Dress neutrally: I’ll go more in-depth with this topic in another blog post, but consider the style and colors in your home when choosing outfits. What will look great on the walls through the changing seasons? Bonus tip: consider outfits with layers to adapt quickly to our unpredictable Oregon weather.

5.     Dress upon arrival: It’s amazing what can happen in the car on the way to a session. Baby drool, spit up, spills, stains, and seat belt wrinkles are a few. Quickly changing in the car when you arrive can help to avoid those! Bonus tip: empty pockets at the car as well! Those cell phone outlines in pockets are sneaky, otherwise!

6.     Plan to play: I want you to enjoy your session! This is a special, uninterrupted time with your family. Free of screens, distractions and agendas. My goal is to capture connection through playfulness. We get silly and we follow the lead of the kiddos, taking breaks as needed.

 These are just a few of my favorite planning tips. I’d love to hear your feedback on the above, or any questions you might have. If you’d like to reserve your family session, contact me through the contact tab!

 With love,
Alysha