The Best Ways
to Prepare for a Professional Family Photography Session
A Guest Article by Claudia Cruz from Adobe Express

Family photos capture cherished memories that will last a lifetime and the photo shoot itself can be a wonderful experience. While it can be fun and exciting, it can also be a bit stressful. Managing little ones and trying to ensure that everyone is happy and comfortable can be tricky, but you can make the process easier with a bit of prep. In this blog post, courtesy of Adobe Express, we’ll take a look at some things that can help you prepare for your session so that you and your family can look your best in the photos.

Pack Smart

Take an extra set of clothes for you and your kids just in case any accidental messes or wet grass incidents happen. Non-spill thermoses are a must to keep hydrated throughout your family session. It’s also a good idea to bring snacks to keep energy levels high or as a tantrum diversion. Crackers, pouches, and dry cereal are all great options. A hungry or thirsty child can be a cranky child, so having these necessities on hand will help the session go more smoothly.

Schedule Your Session at the Right Time

If you have young children, it’s essential to schedule the photo shoot around their naptime. Morning sessions are the perfect option for babies and toddlers who have just had a good night’s sleep. Ensure that your kids are well-rested and fresh before the session to limit meltdowns during the shoot. Reach out to your photographer to make sure they’re aware of any needs your little ones may have.

Talk to Young Children about the Process

It’s crucial to prepare your kids for what’s going to happen at the session so they’re aware of the process and don’t feel overwhelmed. Explain to them that they will be taking photos with a photographer with a nice camera who will be directing them to pose in different ways—and that it will be fun. Children who know what to expect are usually more comfortable, cooperative, and confident during the session. Show them what a real smile and fake smile look like by practicing selfies together. Bonus: entice them with a reward for showing off their best smiles.

Explore Outdoor Environments Beforehand

If your family photo shoot is outdoors, it’s a good idea to explore the location beforehand. Walk around the area and identify potential spots for the shoot, look for obstacles that may cause injuries such as loose gravel, sharp rocks, or uneven ground, and ensure the general environment is safe and comfortable. It’s also a good idea to bring along bug spray, sunblock, and anything else you may need while spending time outdoors. Appropriate footwear that you can all comfortably walk around in can make all the difference too.

Consider What You’ll Create

How will you turn those photos into keepsakes so that you and your family can enjoy them for years to come? Adobe Express is a great app that you can use to edit and make creative projects with your photos. Experiment with different features such as adding text, filters, and frames to create canvas prints, photo books, or greeting cards. Try these tools:

• Make holiday cards, thank you cards and more using your family photos. This is easy to do with Adobe’s free tools. Just choose the template you like and select a photo that goes well with the layout.
• Select your favorite photo of dad and the kids to create a stunning Father’s Day card. This is a perfect way to get creative and show someone special how loved they are. You can customize the card with your choice of fonts and designs.
• You don’t need design skills to create a gorgeous desktop wallpaper. You can have personalized desktop of your beautiful family completed in minutes. Choose your colors and customize the wallpaper with different fonts or icons – and done!
• Create an engaging custom Facebook video that shares your family’s photo session with friends and followers. Adobe makes it super simple with their user-friendly tools. You can even add on-screen text to the video for personalization.

Preparing for your family photo shoot doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools and preparation, it can be a fun and memorable experience. Remember to dress comfortably and bring along a positive attitude. Use these helpful tips to ensure that your little ones are ready so you leave the session with photos that capture all the love and joy your family shares. Lastly, don’t forget to take advantage of creative apps like Adobe Express to transform your photos into keepsakes that will last a lifetime.

Ready to capture your family in a photo session? Contact Leila Sutton Photography to learn more about the process.

A warm thank you to Claudia Cruz from Adobe Express for these curated tips! These are such actionable suggestions. I also enjoy using your tools for my own flyers and invitations. There are so many creative uses!

Shine on set,
Leila