Having a family photoshoot is such a great way to document your growing family and investing in a photographer you trust plays a huge part of this.
Whether you are booking a studio shoot, outdoors or In Home session, it helps doing some preparation beforehand.
And this all starts with finding your Photographer, the one that you can trust to work with, like their style of work and able gel with your family to bring out their best.
And I get it, there may be some aprehension before your shoot and many questions around your children being in an OK mood that day or what if they just don't like the camera, or better yet, you don't like the camera. This is all normal questions and thoughts to have. But I promise you I don't run a strict regime, nor do I push for a certain pose that your children will not or don't like. Let's face it, no one likes being told to do something that they are against.
My style is very organic, very natural, I work at a relaxed pace to suit your family. I have my own children so understand the importance of complete flexibility working with young children and babies. Things happen and nappies need changing, babies need feeding, children need to let off some steam and parents need to press the reset button. This is all expected and nothing to worry about.
I work providing gentle guidance, to create the most authentic moments between you and your loved ones. The best images are the in-between moments, the ones with movement that flows into each and every gaze , smile, joy and laughter of a silly joke from dad.... Im not asking anything from you other than to enjoy time with your family.
When was the last time you sat with your loves without a phone in hand, the tv on or having to juggle dinner, homework, chores and the ever lasting list of things to do pinned to your fridge.... Let your photoshoot be one of everlasting memories, visual memories that stand the test of time.
To get the best out of your family Photoshoot, I always recommend preparing before hand. Upon booking, I always send out a questionnaire so I can get to know you all a little better prior, a style guide is also sent across to you, for any help you may need with outfits...What you wear to your photoshoot plays an important part to the final look and feel to your images and access to my client closet for some key pieces you may want to use in your session.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO REALLY GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PHOTOSHOOT
ALLOW TIME
Make sure you allow plenty of time for travel (if a studio or outdoor shoot) This is an important one because not only is it stressful, it causes a lot of tension in your body to build up, which will be noticed in your images. For this reason, I never abruptly start a session until everyone is calm and ready.
FULL BELLY
Having something to eat before your session gives you energy and good endorphins. This is particularly important for children as empty bellies equals unhappy children with no energy. It's always good to have some non messy snacks to hand too. ie dried fruit, crackers, biscutis, bread sticks. anything that doesn't stain clothes is a winner.
TELL YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT ME
It helps them knowing my name and what I look like and why I am arriving at your home..(if In-home session)
I always follow your children's cues and the shoot is pretty much child led.. Make it more about having fun and enjoying time together rather than a structured process, and I'm there as a friend to capture it all on camera for you.
TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
It's always great to trust the creative process of a photographer and able to let go of any expectations, as this will allow for full creativity..
I am always happy to hear your ideas and wishes and work as a collaboration together. I have a soft structure already in place in my head to capture a variation of both close up and long angle shots, but the one thing I ask, is there is a natural light source wherever we choose to photograph..
ALLOWING KIDS TO BE KIDS
Although potentially it may seem counter intuitive to your normal structure, going easy on discipline for a couple of hours to get the best out of your children always helps.
Letting them be children, move, jump, pull funny faces, this is what helps them express themselves and self relieve from situations. Im looking for the in-between moments, so encouraging them to enjoy the moment will bring out the best and true authentic personalities of your kids. Children always feed off their parents body language and moods, so it's equally important to relax into your session, be in the moment and just be with your children.
For more information on Family Photoshoots I offer please click here to start your journey with me.
Alternatively, please email: info@louisebphotography.com or 07917235832 to have a chat about what I can offer.
Your London Family Photographer
Louise
LouiseBPhotography
