The date is booked, the outfits are picked, and the bribes have been made! It’s time for your family photo session. If you’re feeling the nerves and wondering what to expect, let me lay it out for you.
I prefer to keep photo sessions as relaxed as possible. I like to start out with posed photos – everyone looking at the camera smiling. Usually at the beginning of a session, everyone tries to be on their best behavior. It is a good time to capture everyone perfectly posed.
Once we have the family shots taken care of, we will break down into smaller groups This is where things start to relax. We’ll chat, we’ll joke, I’ll tell you dumb stories, all in an effort to get you to forget about being perfectly posed. My favorite shots are those taken in the in between moments when you’re true smile and genuine emotion is coming through.
Next, I’ll take each person aside on their own for individual shots. Sometimes I need mom and dad’s help to get children to laugh and smile. Sometimes it is best for mom and dad to wander away and let me work my magic. Which strategy we use depends on each individual child. Some kids like me, some kids don’t…if you can believe that! Either way, we’ll work at it until we get the shots we need. Some families like to bring snacks or treats to coax their kids along. It’s entirely up to you if you want to bring them. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t, but having them with you doesn’t hurt. Every once in awhile certain kiddos just aren’t feeling it and parents start to get frustrated. Moms in particular start to worry that they aren’t going to get any photos. You don’t need to worry! Even sessions with the most difficult of kids have yielded great photos. 
Before you go, I’ll pull the whole group together again for a few more relaxed, unposed, playful shots. Photo sessions take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Your job is to relax and have fun. My job is to watch for those magical special moments and to get the shots you need.
Take a deep breath and give yourself a pep talk. We’ve got this!
– Candi
