How to Get Ready for a Family Photo Session with Photos Unlimited
A family photo session at Photos Unlimited is a wonderful way to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, documenting everyday moments, or updating your family portraits, studio sessions with us offer a controlled environment with professional lighting and backdrops to make your photos shine. To ensure everything goes smoothly and you get the best possible results, proper preparation is key. Here are some tips to help you get ready for your family photo session at Photos Unlimited.
1. Plan Your Outfits Carefully
What you wear will play a major role in how the photos turn out. The studio environment typically features neutral backdrops, which means your outfits will really stand out. Here’s how to pick the right clothes:
Coordinate, Don’t Match: Choose outfits that complement each other without everyone wearing exactly the same thing. A cohesive color palette works best. You can mix and match textures like denim with cotton or lace with knit, and stick to colors that suit everyone’s skin tone, such as soft neutrals, earth tones, or pastels.
Avoid Bold Patterns & Logos: Studio photos generally look best with solid colors or subtle patterns. Bold stripes, polka dots, or large logos can be distracting and take the focus off your faces.
Dress for Comfort: You’ll want everyone to feel comfortable, especially if there are little ones involved. Avoid clothing that’s too tight or restrictive, and make sure shoes are comfortable and appropriate for the session (especially if the studio has props or areas to move around).
Consider the Season: If your session is in winter, cozy sweaters, scarves, and layers might be appropriate. For warmer months, lighter fabrics like cotton and linen will work best. Also, remember to bring jackets if it’s cold, as you might need to adjust the look for different setups.
2. Prepare Your Hair and Makeup
One of the great things about a studio photo session is that you’re working in a controlled environment with professional lighting. That means a little extra attention to hair and makeup can go a long way in ensuring you look your best.
Hair: Make sure everyone’s hair is styled the way they like it. If you’re going for a polished look, consider having your hair professionally done before the shoot, or at least make sure it’s clean and styled in a way that will hold up well during the session. For casual looks, natural, soft waves or sleek styles usually work well.
Makeup: If you wear makeup, consider applying a bit more than usual to account for the bright studio lights. Start with foundation to create an even complexion, add a little blush to add warmth to your face, and use a light coat of mascara to make your eyes pop. Remember, the goal is to enhance your natural features—not to overdo it.
Touch-Up Kit: Bring along a small bag with makeup essentials like powder, lipstick, and a hairbrush for any necessary touch-ups during the session. This is especially useful for keeping kids and adults looking fresh throughout the shoot.
3. Keep the Kids in Mind
If you have children joining in the shoot, preparation is even more important to ensure a smooth session. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Routine: Plan the shoot time around your children’s schedules. Try to avoid scheduling the session during nap times or when they’re usually hungry or tired. Well-fed, well-rested kids are more likely to be happy and cooperative in front of the camera.
Snacks and Comfort Items: Bring along snacks, toys, or comfort items to keep your little ones entertained and comfortable during breaks. Having their favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or toy can help them feel at ease in a new environment.
4. Arrive Early to the Studio
Arriving at the studio 15-20 minutes before your scheduled session is a good idea. This gives you time to:
Get Settled: Use the extra time to get everyone ready, whether that’s adjusting hair, checking clothes, or making sure the kids are settled before the shoot starts.
Meet the Photographer: Use this time to meet your photographer, discuss any special requests you might have, and go over the shot list if necessary. A quick consultation at the beginning helps everyone feel more comfortable.
Familiarize with the Space: Take a look around the studio to get a feel for the environment. Some studios have different backdrops or props that can be used, and this is a great time to chat with your photographer about how you’d like to incorporate them into the session.
5. Relax and Have Fun
Once you’re in the studio and ready to go, try to relax and enjoy the process. Family photo sessions are about capturing genuine moments and emotions, so don’t stress about perfection. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Be Natural: While your photographer will guide you in terms of posing, it’s important to relax and be yourselves. Natural smiles, laughter, and interactions often make for the best photos.
Laugh and Play: If you have young children, allow them to play a bit and get comfortable with the photographer. Photographers are skilled at capturing candid moments, so let the kids be themselves and have fun in front of the camera.
Trust the Photographer: The photographer will guide you through the shoot, helping with poses, timing, and lighting. Trust their expertise and follow their directions for the best results.
6. Bring Special Touches (Props and Personal Items)
While props aren’t essential for every photo session, they can add personality and interest to your family portraits. Some ideas include:
Personal Items: If you have something that is meaningful to your family, such as a family heirloom or a special book or toy, feel free to bring it along to add a personal touch to your photos.
Blankets, Balloons, or Signs: For a more whimsical feel, you can bring props like colorful balloons, a cozy blanket for family snuggles, or a sign with your family name or the year to make the photos feel unique.
Themed Items: If the session is for a special occasion (like a birthday or holiday), props related to the theme can enhance the atmosphere and make for a fun photo session.
7. Prepare for the Post-Session Process
Once the session is over, there are a few things you should know about the next steps:
Editing & Delivery Time: After the shoot, your photographer will likely need some time to edit the photos. Editing may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the photographer's process and your editing package you purchased. Be patient, and look forward to receiving your beautiful family portraits!
Prints and Albums: Many photographers offer print packages or albums, so be sure to ask about these options. Creating an album or printing your favorite images is a great way to preserve your memories.
Final Thoughts
A family photo session at a studio is a fantastic way to capture beautiful, professional images that you’ll treasure for years to come. By carefully selecting outfits, preparing your kids, arriving early, and trusting your photographer, you can ensure the session goes smoothly and that everyone has a great time. Most importantly, remember that the goal is to capture the love and connection between you and your family, so embrace the experience and enjoy the moment.
With a little preparation, your family photo session will be an enjoyable, memorable experience—and the stunning photos will be something you cherish forever!