HOW TO PREPARE FOR A FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT WHEN YOUR FAMILY LOW-KEY HATES THE CAMERA.
Have you been meaning to book a photo shoot in for your family since the dawn of time, but the thought of organising it sucks every last ounce of motivation to actually go ahead and do it? There’s always a spouse/a three year old/a teenager who thinks this photo shoot is going to be the “legit nadir”.
And I get it…I didn’t wisely choose this side of the camera for no reason.
Being in front of a camera isn’t where us “non-influencers” (unfluencers? nonfluencers?)
generally feel at home…
”Home” to us might be Ugg boots…organic chamomile…
gingham duvets…soft hoodies with cute little holes chewed through them…or
accidental triple-chin selfies after a tragic toddler + hot tea + iPhone juggle gone wrong.
The weird thing though, is that my clients utter these 12 words to me after family sessions ALL. THE. TIME…
”That was nowhere NEAR as bad as I thought it would be.”
MANY have even said:
“We actually enjoyed that…!”
Amusingly, these are hands-down, the most lovely compliments a portrait photographer could receive.
So, the big question is: How does one overcome the very common and normal fear of the family photo shoot?
I have a three-pronged approach I like to use when a thing that I really want to do is being held back by my frightened little primitive brain that’s gently whispering: “You definitely haven’t got this…”.
1. LOCK IT IN
2. ORGANISE IT
3. VISUALISE IT
LOCK IT IN
This isn’t base jumping or swimming with sharks. You definitely won’t die. Mind re-frame: It’s just an opportunity to cuddle up with your loved ones for an hour with memories to last the rest of your lives. You will treasure these more as the years go by - I promise. JUST. DO. IT.
ORGANISE
WHERE TO SHOOT - HOME, OUT & ABOUT OR BOTH? Let me help you…
Home Sessions
Home sessions are lovely because it’s where so many of your family’s memories are played out. Many people feel their home decor isn’t “enough” for a photo shoot, but I strongly urge you to let go of those external pressures. If your home means a lot to you and your family, it’s a great option. It’s also handy in bad weather!
Out & About
If your family loves getting out and about, whether it be hiking, or surfing, eating ice-cream at the wharf or camping (yes I will come to your campground and shoot those dirty feet and bed hair!) - a location shoot is really fun, and sometimes it helps us to relax when we have something “to do”. We will need to make contingencies for weather and light, but that’s no big deal!
A Combo
If you live on a property, by the ocean or next-door to the ice-cream shop -we can always do both in-home and out & about!
WHEN TO SHOOT: The most flattering light is 2 hours from sunrise and 2 hours before sunset. Keep in mind, sunrise and sunset vary hugely between winter and summer in Tasmania. Just have a think about your family and what time of the day/year will yield the cheeriest results.
WHAT TO WEAR: Find all the inspiration you need for The Most Frequently Asked Question Prior to a Family Photo Shoot, right here.
WHAT TO BRING: Your excited family ;-), some low-mess bribes for the little ones if that makes you feel more at ease (zero judgment here), something warm in case the weather changes, and the mindset that all you have to bring emotionally is a willingness to connect, hug and just be with the people that mean the most to you…and I’ll take care of the rest!
VISUALISE
I sometimes find that the easiest way to get past those pre-shoot jitters is to simply visualise what the shoot might actually look like. So…this is what it will look like! Let me take you on a guided imaginary visual tour:
You will arrive at the shoot. > Your photographer will be relaxed and excited to meet you. > She’ll grab her camera out and take you for a little walk around to scout the nicest spots. > She will chat and laugh gaily with you. > She will see “the spot” and ask you to take a seat. > You will sit and cuddle your family members as you would normally do on any other day. > She will occasionally say “Hey mama, look my way! Girl, you look like an influencer!” > She’ll then play with your kids as they jump in the breakers, and you take a much-needed breather. > You’ll repeat this process for about an hour and then she will be gone. And you will say, “She was right. I didn’t die”. And then you will say, “That was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be”. And maybe even…“We actually enjoyed that”.