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I’ve always enjoyed planning out our family’s photos over the years and finding pieces that can be mixed and matched while also feeling timeless. Here are a few things I’ve learned from planning our family’s photos over the last ten years.
Six tips for a seamless holiday photo shoot:
- Find a photographer in your area that has a style/aesthetic that you gravitate towards. A great way to find one is by hopping on Instagram (long live still photography!) and searching for hashtags with the name of your town/city and the word photographer (ie #LosAngelesPhotographer or #DallasFamilyPhotography). There will be so many to choose from but you’ll notice your eye will gravitate to a certain look. You can also reach out to influencers/creators who live in your area who have a similar style & perhaps work with their photographer.
- Once you’ve nailed down a photographer and date, create a mood board of family photos that catch your eye. Send it on to your photographer, they will appreciate the open communication and knowing what you’re looking for! You can see my Pinterest board of recent inspiration here! I love a photographer that really captures emotion through photos. When I look at a photo, I want to feel what my kids (or I!) are feeling in that moment. Feeling loved, safe, and joyful are feelings that I hope to express through our photos.
- For location, think of a clean background that helps tell the story of your family. We live near the water and it’s a happy place for our family where the kids can run free so that’s typically where we do ours. Finding a spot that’s not too crowded and where the kids can be themselves makes a world of a difference. I also love places with a bit of interest in them – whether it’s a rocky cliff or grassy sand dunes. It just adds a little extra je ne sais quoi to the photos. Our photo sessions last about an hour and start an hour before sunset.
- Consider texture & color when planning out your family photos. I always mix in a bit of light and dark but try to stay in one color story. I’ll mix denim with tulle, small floral liberty prints, and knits mixed with satin. The variety gives the photos a bit more definition and visual interest. Make sure to pack a couple of extra pieces for the kids because we all know it’s inevitable that something will get spilled on or dirty. It’s nice to have a quick change.
- Make sure everyone’s bellies are full before the shoot (including adults!). Our photos always take place right around dinner time so I make sure to do an early dinner and pack a few extra snacks and a handful of treats for a little bribery when the kids are getting tired.
- While planning family photos can feel stressful, I think a really talented photographer can grab the moments in the unexpected. My favorite photos from over the years aren’t the ones I envisioned at the time. My middle child inevitably ends up running into the ocean and now I look back on those photos with an immense sense of gratitude for his wild spirit. My baby nuzzling into my chest not wanting to look at the camera reminds me of the safe space I’ve given him and my daughter’s silly wide-open grind laugh reminds me of the time she accidentally knocked her two front teeth out when she was five. I think those are the photos that will end up on our mantle when they’re grown and out of the house.
Holiday Photo Cards
I generally always try and plan our family photoshoot for early fall so that gives me plenty of time to order our holiday cards for the season. A few of my favorite places that I order from each year are Etsy (love this shop), Dogwood Hill, and Minted
Amy says
I love the mixing of blue and green and all the photos you posted including the older ones. You will cherish these. Thank you for the nice tips.
admin says
You’re most welcome! Thank you for the kind note.. and yes, I adore these little moments captured for forever.