It’s time to book your annual family session. You love this tradition that you worked hard to put in place, but can’t help feeling anxious about what poses you’ll take up? Will you look silly in your photos this year and hate how you look? In this article, I will give you my professional tips on how to be unapologetically yourself and rock your family photoshoot.
1. Love who you are
I know this can sound corny, but that is the most important skill you should own in life. Why other people will love you if you can’t love yourself? No one cares about your ‘extra weight’ apart from you, the patriarchy has done so much harm to us, let’s resist! We are so much more than our bodies, we are beautiful creatures: we love, care, listen, work hard, we are funny and beautiful inside and out! Love yourself, girl! No one is perfect, so own your quirks and imperfections. People love and appreciate authenticity.
2. Let go of the control and let the professional do the work
When we let go of control, we open up so many opportunities. It allows us to be more open to new experiences, take risks, and learn new things. During the session, forget about telling your kids what to do, I will take the reins. I will explain to everyone what we will do and make everyone engage and help during the session. It won’t be boring trust me.
But what will YOU do? I hear you. You will take a deep breath, relax and look at your beautiful children having fun and being unapologetically themselves. Just like you now!
3. Don’t tell your kids to smile
This follows my previous point: LET GO! Don’t tell your husband or your kids what to do. No one likes to be told to smile, so why it would be different for them? I prefer no smile and a deep serious look rather than a fake grin. Instead, be silly, play the games with them, and create those real smiles!
4. Focus on the present moment
Enjoy spending this precious time with your family. You will see, family photography can be fun. During the session, I want you to relax, step back, breathe and observe your family’s quirks, and what makes them so special. Is that the way your toddler waddles when he walks? Or is this your oldest’s smile that reminds you of your husband? Remember the day you met your partner and look at what you have achieved together. Be proud. You are magic.
5. Choose a location where you are comfortable
Location is important to make sure you like your photos, but that you are also comfortable and relaxed during your session. For example, if you feel uncomfortable posing in front of crowds, maybe central London won’t be great for you. Instead, a laid-back field in the countryside or your back garden might be more suitable. We will discuss this prior to the session and pick the perfect location together that fits both of us.
6. Wear comfortable clothes
I love dramatic and romantic dresses, but make sure you are comfortable and warm, otherwise, the session might be uneasy. You don’t want to look frozen in the photos either. I have various guides on my blog on what to wear that I invite you to read. You can check what to wear for winter or what to wear for autumn. I am working on a new guide for spring and summer, so keep tuning in!
7. How to get the most out of your family session
I love when Mum and Dad engage in the games, but also when you cuddle up with your little ones, smell your babies, and close your eyes. During the session, I like capturing details of your world, so lean in and connect with them. I am also always open to suggestions, so let me know if you have a pose in your mind that you would like to try.
