How to Create Memorable and Meaningful In-Home Family Photos

You've made a great choice by picking Becks Photography for your family photographer! You have taken a great first step in capturing your family but we still have some things to consider, and I'm about to give you some great tips on what your next steps are!

WHAT TO EXPECT

A family session with me is laid back and relaxed. Please feel free to turn on music and enjoy this time together. I come prepared with many poses for your session and walk you though them by telling and showing you how to do them. I will help guide you into posing with your children but I encourage you not to push your children and to let them gently lead while you play and love on them. To put you at ease, you should know that your sessions aren't riding on time. If you've book a "full" session I schedule 30 minutes, if you've booked an "extended" session I schedule 60 minutes. These times are generous and I can typically be flexible, especially if you have children. Sometimes kids need a little bit of time to warm up and that's ok, I have time. Be ready to love on each other and play!

THE VIBE

First, you need to decide the vibe you are going for. In-home photos can range from simple and whimsical to playful and fun. To help you decide, consider your family: are you playful, simple, loving, jokesters? Also-consider what it is that you would like to capture! For example, my husband and I are very playful and always joking with each other but for a professional photoshoot, I'd prefer to capture our loving and romantic side. What's your dream goal and vibe?

WHAT ROOMS TO USE

To help you decide what rooms to use you need to consider two things. First and foremost, what room(s) in your home have the most natural light? Though I will bring a flash or two just in case, I love natural light for in-home photos and we will need to use the room(s) with the most natural light. Next, consider what do you love to do together at home and would you like to incorporate that in your photos? For example, do you love: making a fun meal like homemade pizza or dumplings, baking cookies with grandma, woodworking with grandpa, reading together, cuddling up on your favorite chair, playing board games, etc. Now your photos absolutely do not have to be centered around an activity, but it can be fun to capture your authentic selves! If you still don't know what room(s) to use, I'll help you make the decision... what room in your house do you find the most joy in? What room have you decorated perfectly to fit your style, and you're happy with being in photos? Most importantly... What room has great windows?

WHAT TO WEAR

We need to talk about what to wear to your family photos, because it is SO important! Believe it or not, the outfits that you choose for your session have a huge impact on the mood and outcome of your photos. HUGE. Choosing which outfits look best isn't easy but it's so important. If your dream is to create memorable and meaningful family photos, follow these tips.

Creams and beiges are timeless and photograph best
If you like colors, wear pastels or muted tones
Bold, bright, and neon colors do not photograph well, I highly suggest avoiding them.
Compliment but do not match the color of the walls
Avoid patterns but incorporate textures and layers
Dress according the the activity that you choose
Remove apple watches, along with everything in your pockets

When it's time to pick out an outfit, please take the time to read my full style guide(<--click the link). I now offer customized style inspiration to help you choose outfits that flatter you, photograph well, and complement who you are! Let’s elevate your look to create photos that reflect who you are while also creating a stunning visual story. If you are interested in this fill out the form that I sent in your welcome email.

If you have any questions at all, please reach out to me and I'd be more than happy to help you choose the most magical outfit!

GETTING YOUR HOUSE READY

A few hours before I arrive you will need to tidy up your house. Please know that I am not here to judge the state of your home, but, if your 2009 bowling trophy is in the living room, it'll also be in your photos. Your house is unique and expressive of your personality and that's perfect! Just keep in mind that what is out and visible will be documented. Now you don't have to go cleaning every room of the house, tidying up the room or two that you are planning on using will do! Once you have tidied up, please open all of your curtains/blinds and let in that natural light!

MINDSET

I am a lifestyle photographer who loves to capture authentic moments and emotions. Arguably the most important tip I can give you is to be patient, have fun, and have a great attitude. I am here to capture your family, whether you are a silly or cuddly family! I want you to cuddle up together: kiss, smile, hug, whisper your favorite things to each other, tickle each other, play, laugh, and share this special time together. Forget that you're "posing for the camera," and just take this time to enjoy each others company! When you are looking back at your photos that we took together, do you want negative memories of being rushed or stressed or do you want joyful memories of playing, laughing, and cuddling up close with the one you love most?

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

tidy up a few hours or even the day before I arrive to keep your stress levels down
eat before your photoshoot, we all know that patience runs thin when hungry (check out weekly deals from local businesses)
be patient with your children
remember that your role during our photo shoot is to have fun with your family and enjoy their company
have an open mind when it comes to poses and prompts that I use
don't be negative or stressed, I promise to be patient with your precious family
to respect my time, please no cell phones

HOW CAN YOU PREP YOUR CHILDREN?

talk to them about meeting me
prep them to listen well to my instructions
let them lead, keep a mindset of playing with them and making them happy
try to avoid bribery and instead explain to them that photos are a fun experience (because they will be!)

PETS

Do you have a dog or cat that you want to include their dog(s) in photos, the more the merrier! If that is something you'd like to do, please let me know ahead of time so I can properly prepare myself.

QUESTIONNAIRE

Now it's time for you to fill out your questionnaire! This is where I learn about you two! I prep myself for every family session that I have, and each time I prepare differently depending on your answers. It's so important that you are descriptive when answering the questions.

I CANNOT WAIT FOR OUR SESSION TOGETHER!

If you follow this guide, I can assure you that we are going to create truly memorable and meaningful photos!