What To Expect At Your Family Portrait Session - Stephanie Hargrove Photography

What To Expect On Your Family Portrait Session

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FAMILY IS THE HEART OF A HOME

Family is not an important thing. It's everything.

While the days may seem long and hectic, the years will feel short. As your children will grow quickly, it's important to capture your family as you evolve. While doing a photo session with multiple kids can seem daunting, Stephanie has lots of experience to help you with everything from wardrobe selection to child wrangling. All you have to do is show up! Keep reading below for some pointers to help make your photo session a success!

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Tips For A Great Family Session

Every family photo session is different, some kids LOVE the camera and some are not having it. I've compiled a list of tips and tricks that have helped turn family photo sessions into a joyful experience and deliver fantastic photos.

Candid photos work best with young children
The best way to capture a child's true smile is to experience them in their element. Chasing them around with the camera while they are playing has proven to be very successful.
Kids call the shots. We adapt to their moods
I typically start with posed photos and move toward candid when kids have started to have enough. However, you cant predict their moods and we might start with candid until they get comfortable with me.
Release any expectations, kids will be kids
A lot of moms go into photo sessions with many expectations and then their kids start throwing temper tantrums. Relax, some of the best photos are the ones of kids screaming!
Don't underestimate the power of bribery
No matter your perception on bribery, don't write it off! There is power in going to get ice cream after if the kids behave for the photo session!

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Do's & Dont's For Your Family Session

Here's some do's and don'ts that will help ensure your satisfaction with your family photo session. If you have any further questions, Stephanie will be happy to discuss during your free consultation.

RELAX.

The most stressful part of a family shoot should be getting everyone dressed, not the actual shoot. You don't want to look stressed in your photos!
TRY TO GET YOUR KIDS TO SMILE

I actually laugh at this one because I cant tell you how many times parents are looking down in photos trying to get their kids to smile, while the kids are looking and smiling at the camera.
UNDERSTAND THAT KIDS CALL THE SHOTS

I go with the flow of the kids. I try to nail down posed family shots first, but understand kids only last so long. I then resort to candid shots where kids get to run around and play. This is where their truest smiles come out.
YELL OR TRY TO DISCIPLINE KIDS DURING A SHOOT

The best way to keep kids attention longer is to create a fun and exciting environment full of play. Once a kid is yelled at, its hard to emotionally get them back to a joyful place.
START WITH YOUR FAVORITE OUTFIT

Kids attention span can be very short and we might not get through multiple outfit changes. Make sure you prioritize your favorite outfits first, just incase!
BRING YOUR HYPER DOGS OR ANIMALS TO THE SHOOT

I am a huge animal lover and would LOVE to capture your furry family member as well. Just make sure they have gone on a long walk beforehand to get their energy out. Untrained and hyper animals will only lead to a more stressful session for you.
BRINGING SENTIMENTAL PROPS ARE RECOMMENDED!

If there are any items that mean a lot to you, your spouse or children, bring them! Its a great way to document memories to hold onto sacred items for longer.
BRING "HYPE" GUESTS TO YOUR SHOOT

Please don't bring additional family members or friends to your photo session to try and cheer on your children. They can be very distracting to young minds and makes it more difficult to get your kids to look into the camera.

Interested in an Family Portrait Photographer?

Are you currently in your search for the perfect family photographer that will grow with your family? Check out my family portrait gallery below to see more!

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Have Any Questions?

I'm happy to answer any questions you may have on your journey to finding a photographer. I'd love to get to know you and hear about your vision for your next photo session. Schedule your free consultation with Stephanie today!

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