I met William and LaTae many years ago when I photographed their Winter Park engagement session and Sanford + Orlando wedding. They were so incredibly sweet with each other then and so sweet with their family during our family photoshoot.
The kids were absolutely amazing to photograph. I was so impressed with how fun and polite they were. Since the weather was nice, they chose to have their photos outdoors. They chose one of my favorite photo spots in Central Florida. It almost feels like it’s not Florida in some of the woodsy areas. I love catching up with William and LaTae and meeting their wonderful family.
Are you traveling to the Orlando area or live in Central Florida? If you’re looking for family photos, here are 10 tips for a family photography session.
Find the Right Photographer:
Finding the right photographer is so important. If you want great family photos, choose a photographer that has experience and patience for that type of photography. Just because someone takes amazing nature or wedding photos does not mean they’re the right fit for all types of photography.
I try to keep photoshoots fun and relaxed. It’s not just about amazing photos. You also want an amazing experience. I want you and your family to feel comfortable and at ease during the shoot. I’ve worked with kids for many years and am always happy to create beautiful family memories.
Bring Props
A prop can make the session more fun and custom. I brought a large Christmas wreath for a few photos. We also took many photos with no props.
Book enough time
I’ve had many parents mention that they want a short photoshoot because their child wouldn’t last very long for photos. But in reality, if your child needs extra encouragement during a photoshoot, you’ll want extra time.
Take a Break
One of the biggest reasons to book enough time for your photoshoot is to have some wiggle room if we need to take a break. It’s amazing what a few minutes of playing, running, or having a snack can do to lift a child’s mood. If your kids are happy, we have a better chance of getting great expressions from them.
Plan Your Outfits:
Coordinating outfits can make your family photos amazing. Opt for a cohesive look rather than matching outfits. The goal is for everyone to look great together, not to look exactly alike. Choose a color palette that compliments you and the chosen location. Consider the season, weather conditions, and the overall mood you want to convey. Avoid busy patterns or logos that can be distracting. Dress comfortably and in clothing that reflects your family’s personality. Encourage individual style while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.
Location and Timing:
The location you choose will have a big impact on your photos. Do you love nature and want lots of trees and greenery? Would you love a garden setting with lots of flowers? Are cool buildings more your style for the background? Or do you love the look of a studio space?
If your photos are outdoors, photos before sunset can be absolutely gorgeous. The light a couple hours before sunset is probably my favorite for outside. Or if it’s the rainy season in Florida, a morning session soon after sunrise is pretty magical, too. I also know a few spots that are beautiful even in the middle of the day. For photos at my studio, the bright light of late morning till early afternoon is my favorite. It’s so flattering.
Timing really makes a difference. Early morning or late afternoon often offer the most flattering natural light. While many locations can cause harsh shadows in the middle of the day.
After you book, I would be happy to share some suggestions of locations I love. Or if you have a location you have your heart set on, let me know. Some of my favorite locations are near the Disney area, beautiful architecture in Winter Park, gardens in Central Florida, and European looking spots in Orlando.
Prepare:
Encourage everyone to get a good night’s sleep, eat well, and hydrate before the session. Bring snacks, water, and any necessary items to keep young children comfortable. Get a good night’s sleep the night before your photoshoot. Have everything ready days before so you can relax before your photoshoot.
Hype the Photoshoot Up:
Get your kids excited about the photoshoot. Communicate with your children about the experience.
Also, offering a fun surprise, event, or gift after the photoshoot can keep kids super encouraged to participate in the photo session. Ideas for a fun prize could be going out to eat or having a family activity at home or outdoors. It really depends on what your child is interested in. If going to the park for 30 minutes after your photo shoot is a motivation for them, I think it’s so worth it.
Engage:
While I’ll pose you for your photos, feel free to make it extra fun by engaging with your family. Engage in activities that promote genuine interactions and laughter such as sharing jokes or quick, silly games. These moments will create authentic expressions and connections within the photographs.
Sitting on dad’s shoulders or taking a quick dance break can make the time more fun. Don’t be afraid to relax and have some fun.
Cherish the Memories:
Consider how you would like to share and display your memories. Don’t let these beautiful photos be forgotten. Would you like a gorgeous photo album? Would you prefer stunning, framed art on your walls? I have so many options on how to keep and share these wonderful memories. The quality is amazing. Your memories deserve more than just a quick print at the drugstore.
Ready for Beautiful Family Photos?
I am so excited to create beautiful memories for you. If you’re interested in a family photoshoot, I would love to hear from you. You can use the contact form here to send me an e-mail. I’ll reply within 24 hours, Monday-Friday.
Let’s create gorgeous photos for you and your family.
My studio is in Lake Mary, Florida near Heathrow, Sanford, Longwood, and Winter Springs. It’s easily accessible to Orlando, Maitland, and other Central Florida areas.