Family Mini Sessions - The Do's & Don'ts, Cleveland Family Photographer
So you booked a family mini or extended family session? Now what?
I want you to close your eyes and envision your session happening in this very moment. Everyone is dressed coordinated perfectly. Your children are happy and smiling and laughing. They listen to every word you say…
And then you wake up.
Did that really just happen? It could have- and CAN! Stay with me here…
Now, I’m a mom- so realistically I can’t say it won’t be a little chaotic getting everyone in their outfits or out the door, etc… but - I DO know that we put that stress on ourselves. So let it all go, and enjoy these tips and tricks/do’s and don’ts I have for you to feel confident heading into your mini session and… during!
Let’s cut to the chase…
The DO'‘s aka the TRICKS:
Expect your kids to misbehave. They are kids. They will act like it. Ignore their behavior because I got you covered! Nine times out of tenchildren listen to people they don’t know more than they will to you (speaking from my own experience as a mom). It’s a super short amount of time, so I got you.
Go into the shoot with little to no expectations. Like I said above, kids will be kids. This is a time to capture who they are in the moment.
PUMP UP YOUR FAMILY! When you are excited about something, the energy radiates. This is meant to be an experience. If someone is being a stinker about it, ignore it. Sometimes children take time to warm up. I have a child that does. I got you.
Shop if you want, but the easiest is to start by coordinating your outfits with items you already have in your closet. Choose colors that are complimentary/lights & darks. Examples of color combinations are burnt orange & navy blue, maroon & hunter green or sage, mustard & plum- then throw in the neutrals (creams, browns, or blacks) to go with it, or coordinate with an all neutral palette. Patterns and textures are always a good idea.
Arrive on time!! Mini sessions are back to back. In order to give everyone their deserved undivided attention, you need to be on time! :)
Relax and enjoy the experience. Laugh and have fun with your children! Enjoy just being you and having those moments captured.
Ekkk… and now for the dreaded don’ts!!
DO NOT… (there aren’t many!!)
… bribe! Surprise your children with a treat afterwards, but don’t tell them you have one until after they do their best.
… aim for perfection. We are aiming for capturing these moments you are spending together. Follow my lead and I’ve got you!
… stress! It will be amazing. It will be wonderful! You will not believe what I (or any other photographer) can capture in that short amount of time while you think your kids are acting like jerks. I promise you- they aren’t!
… dress everyone in the same exact thing! Mix and match the colors, patterns, and textures. Try to avoid screen printing or logos, and neon or super bright colors on top to avoid color casting on the skin. My only exception is if you’re going with some sort of theme!
Now with all that said, I have to add- YOU KNOW YOUR CHILD/CHILDREN BEST!! You know what makes them giggle, excited, and even cry. If I need assistance with smiles or anything else, I will let you know! And very rarely, but sometimes, there are extreme cases where I do need the parents to step in and help with behavior. But trust me when I say I am speaking from experience and my whole heart, I ensure that anyone who books a session with me and uses this guide will have the most success out of our time together. We all know no one is perfect, and I never expect my families to be that way. I am here to capture your family dynamic, personality, beauty, and hey- even the occasional tear! I got you!
So after all of these tips… what is the end result? Gorgeous images for you to remember this moment in time. You don’t have to sweat for that, just enjoy the ride. :)
