My Secret Sauce to Family Sessions

I’ve learned a lot over the last few years about photography and the business of it all. Sometimes in a group of photographers I find myself the only one running towards family sessions, and not away! Honestly I cant blame them. We all have our own style, niche and things that we are passionate about. I started out photographing families and still love it to this day.

There are a lot of things that go into family sessions. First, schedules! Sara has dance, Bryan has soccer, dad works 50 hours a week and mom needs time to get them ALL ready. When booking a family session moms are thinking about new outfits, haircuts, make up for herself, what colors to wear. And that’s before the session starts. The day of shes making sure naps happen when they should, avoiding stained clothes and how about when Sara scratches her brother Bryan and mom just spent hundreds of dollars to photograph his face! Should I mention getting everyone in the car, fed and the bribery that goes with this?! What about dad who is missing golf or a football game? We are bribing the hell out of everyone. EVERYONE!

I know that all of this is going on when I’m headed to meet a family. I’ve taken each of them into consideration when picking a location. Can the children hike, do they want to hike? How hot will it be? What about rain? When I arrive mom normally says “I hope they are good for you”.

Kids will be kids. That’s my motto at least. I try to reassure everyone not to worry about the kids, just smile and I will handle the rest. I like to do “break aways” where we get mom and dad alone and let the kids have a break to play. If I see a kid getting a little antsy we break away to do something else for a few minutes. I make time for this when I book family sessions so that parents don’t feel stressed for time or smiles!

I advise parents to bring snacks, water and to plan to reward their child after a session. Yes, I said it! Bribery is nothing to be ashamed of and I highly recommend it. And I recommend you sharing the bribe with me when I show up to take your photos! A bribe doesn’t have to be all candy and sugars. It can be an extra book at bedtime, 1 extra show, 20 extra minutes outside before bath time. ANYTHING your child values & wants more of will work. When we are reaching the restless parts of the session I can chime in with mom and dad “Hey, I hear you get to play outside extra long tonight -how awesome! How about another smile for that”?!

You’d be surprised how well it can work when I’m able to team up with the parents.

So if you are debating on booking with a session with your squad or not, know that you should. Photographers are prepared for things to go wrong. Family sessions can be chaotic, but they don’t have to be. Set yourself up for success by booking with someone who is taking all things into consideration with you and your family!