How to prepare the family for a photoshoot

Family photographer tips on how to make your photoshoot go as smooth as possible

✔ Take care of the mom

On the day of the shoot, usually it is the mom who spends the whole morning preparing the family for the photo shoot. Dressing everyone, feeding, changing diapers, changing clothes soiled with food, and barely managing to put on makeup and get herself ready. Often there is no time for the last part, because mom thinks that the main thing is to prepare the children, and it´s a pity she couldn’t manage to prepare herself properly again. So this is very important to help her manage it all, otherwise later on the photos the mom might not like how she looks.

Therefore, before heading to the session, give the mom a couple of hours for herself, and even better — let her to go to a makeup artist, where she can relax and de-stress before the photoshoot.

✔ Tell the children about the photoshoot in advance

It’s very important for the parents to convey to the children that they are going to have a very fun activity. Show them family photographs of their relatives or friends, and tell them how important it is for all of you, later, when the children grow up, to look at the family photos from the past and remember the fun times and those happy unique moments you had as a family. You can also explain to them that during the photoshoot they can play and have fun while the photographer captures those happy moments. This way, the children will look forward to the session and will be more cooperative.

✔ Promise a treat afterward

For children of all ages, a good “lifehack” is to promise them something fun or tasty after the family photoshoot: a visit to the ice cream shop, attractions, movies, or their favorite place in general. This motivation with the things they love will relax and tune the child to the right mood. It also gives them something to look forward to and helps them associate the photoshoot with positive experiences, making future photoshoots easier.

✔ Plan for extra time

Book at least an hour or two for the photoshoot. You will get your break when needed, and you won’t be nervous that your time is running out. I have a great deal of experience doing photoshoot with the children of all ages, and as a parent myself, I plan for the time that could be necessary for the parents to handle possible child situations. And that´s why I include some extra time in my family photoshoots in Barcelona. Having this buffer time ensures that everyone remains calm and the session does not feel rushed.

✔ Stay calm

Try to relax before the shoot, and if possible, meet or call the photographer in advance. Then, during the photoshoot you will already have established contact and it will take place in a relaxed atmosphere. Staying calm helps your children feel calm too, which is essential for capturing those genuine, happy moments. Remember, the photographer is there to capture your family’s unique dynamic, so enjoy the experience and make the most of it.