How To Prepare For Family Photos While Keeping It Real | Utah Family Documentary Photography
TAI LEE PHOTOGRAPHY | NORTHERN UTAH digital and film PHOTOGRAPHER
How To Prepare For Family Photos While Keeping It Real | A Family Guide
Is this actually possible? Good question, and even I had some stressful moments when I had my friend take our family photos. My hair wasn’t looking as good as I hoped, I felt like my kids (and spouse) weren’t listening, and I didn’t feel like I prepared well with out outfits. But I did know that I could trust my friend to do a killer job, and that going with the flow is what has brought the best outcome in our photos in the past. Let yourselves be your imperfect, authentic versions of who you are, and let yourselves enjoy just being together. Feel free to explore and play, and I will help guide along the way. But you don’t always have to sit there and wait for instructions. If you aren’t sure what to do, don’t worry, I’ll help guide you so that we can create magical photos that capture the authentic connection you have, that highlight the details you want to remember forever, while taking an artistic approach using thoughtful composition and perspectives.
The secret isn't in perfect outfits or precisely combed hair—it lies in embracing your family's unique rhythm and allowing those connections to shine through.
1 | Shift Mindset From Picture Perfect to Perfectly Us
I think this one is the most important. I remember when my kids were little, I was always trying to get this perfectly posed shot of them all together. I seemed to be able to do it for all my photo clients, but could never get it of my own kids, and it just led to frustration and meltdowns. I realized that I was potentially ruining the experience of having photos taken, and didn’t want my kids to associate that with having to act “perfect”. And you know what? That’s what significantly led me into a documentary approach as a photographer. The photo of everyone looking like angels, looking at the camera smiling was just not what I was interested in anymore. I wanted the photos I took of my kids to feel like them, and like us. There’s a place for a photo that everyone is looking at the camera, but the photos that have character, the ones that make you feel something, and that remind you of how life felt at the time are the ones where your kiddo is pouting off to the side, your toddler’s ponytail is falling out, or where they brought their favorite stuffed animal like it was just the two of them out on their own adventure.
Photo sessions in general do tend to highlight an idealized version of you and your family, and where you are, but that shouldn’t overshadow celebrating who you really are, or become an obstacle that doesn’t allow who you are from being let out to be more fully seen.
2 | Turn It Into An Experience
A lot of people can view the photo session as something to get checked off the list. An obligation that you need to get done or taken care of. Some people can come to a session with the mental countdown of when it is going to be over. It’s ok if you look at it this way, but what if you looked at it differently? We don’t go out to dinner to get it over with. We are there to be with our people. To enjoy an experience. Family photos are a time to be with the most important people in your life, so why not view it as an experience instead an obligation.
Talk it up to your kids. As partners and parents. Talk about what you might want to do. Where you may want to go. How to make it fun. Want to stay home in your comfort zone, go out and explore a cool place in nature, take a mini road trip, set up a tent in the mountains, spend time in your backyard, or watching the sunset at the lake? Consider your location thoughtfully and choose it together. What excites everybody? It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it can be talked about as something enjoyable you get to do together—being with your favorite people in your favorite kids of places.
3 | Consider An At Home Photo Session
Home is a place of natural ease. Having your photo session at home helps to dissolve some of the discomforts that can come with knowing you are about to be in front of the camera. You are surrounded by the things that you love, in a space that you have curated to be your own. Kids love to show off their space, their favorite toys, and their rooms, which helps them to already feel more engaged with the session. Sessions at home also transition really well into the yard, or for a walk down the street to your favorite park.
A session at home is also a way to document some of your favorite things about your life at the time you are in. Bath time and bedtime stories, breakfast in diapers and bare feet, snuggles on the couch with your pets—there are so many moments that become some of the visual narratives of your life.
4 | Don’t Stress About Your Outfits
I’m telling you—you may have found the coolest shirt for your child to wear, but if they are not comfortable in it, or they hate it, it’s likely to be an obstacle the entire time. When selecting clothing, choose comfortable options that reflect your authentic style rather than matching outfits that feel foreign. Textural variety and complementary colors create visual interest, but matching outfits, and monochromatic colors can look cool too. There are no rules, just guidelines. The goal isn't necessarily uniformity but harmony—much like your family itself, so follow what feels intuitive and right for you and your family.
5 | Snacks + Water
Not much needs said here, I don’t think. :)
Just beware the blue sucker/jolly rancher/cotton candy/candy cane/[insert any other blue candy here]. Purple runs a close second.
Find a few snacks that are a go-to that won’t stain clothes as a backup/support for little ones that start to get a little grumpy when they are hungry.
Ready to document your family in a way that feels true and authentic to you? Reach out and let’s chat! Let’s highlight the work you are doing with beautiful, artistic photos of you and your favorite people in your favorite places.
