10 TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR YOUR FAMILY PORTRAITS
A guide to having the best Colorado family photos - by melissa batzer photography
So you’re looking to book a family portrait session with a fabulous photographer (and if you’re between Denver and Colorado Springs I hope that’s me!) and now you're wondering, what’s next? Here is the Melissa Batzer Photography family portrait guide with some tips to plan and prepare you and your family for an amazing family portrait experience.
Book your Colorado Springs Family Photos Advance
If you haven’t already booked I recommend booking your Colorado Springs Family Photos at least a month out to ensure plenty of time for the full MBP experience. You’ll receive open communication, access to my Client Wardrobe, and receive helpful guides for preparing for your family portrait session.
2. Location, Location, Location
Planning the perfect location for your outdoor Colorado Family Portraits can seem daunting. There is so much beauty everywhere. I will always ask what you prefer; urban or rural, mountains or plains? Usually, photographers will have their favorite locations in the area where they are very familiar with the light and can guarantee excellent results. But if you have a location that is special to your family please suggest it to your photographer! Most outdoor photographers like myself prefer scheduling their sessions during golden hour, which is the 90 minutes before sunset or after sunrise.
3. Ask all your questions
Communication is key for every relationship, right? So why would the relationship with your photographer be any different? If you have any questions or need some clarification on anything please ask. There are no silly questions. We are happy to answer them all!
4. Wardrobe planning
I recommend thinking of your family’s outfits when you first book your session. The more time to prepare for that aspect the less stressed you will be. A well-thought-out outfit pallet can make your portrait feel like the artwork it is created to be.
There are many aspects to consider when deciding what to wear for your family photos. But, keep this in mind - coordinating outfits for family portraits doesn't need to be difficult. I highly recommend not matching outfits, this can cause the photo and its subjects to look flat. I have created a Pinterest Board with some great recommendations for beautiful and artful portraits.
You can never go wrong with selecting a few main colors and textured clothing items, as well as considering the season. Focus on accomplishing a cohesive look and dressing in outfits that will allow your photos to take on a timeless feel. These tips will help you create a timeless, classic look.
But, perhaps your photographer has a Client Wardrobe you can utilize. You will discover that in your inquiry phase. If you work with me as your Colorado Springs Photographer you will have access to my ever-growing Client Wardrobe for your family portaits.
5. Planning your time well
On the day of your portrait session make sure you leave yourself extra time to get ready, and even more time if you plan on getting your hair and makeup done. Leaving buffer time and not rushing will be a key factor in having a relaxed portrait session. If you have babies or toddlers make sure they have had a nap during the day before the session. If you have older kids, try and make sure their day isn’t jam-packed with activities. You want everyone to feel their best.
6. Full bellies
No one enjoys being hangry, especially children. They will be grumpy and this one-time session will not be what you had hoped for. Usually, sessions will happen in the evening after dinner but occasionally your photographer may recommend an early morning sunrise session. If that is the case, feed them early or let them eat a high-protein snack like Perfect Bar or hardboiled egg on the way to the session, and then go out for breakfast after the session!
7.Bring snacks
I also recommend bringing non-messy snacks and plenty of water in-case they need some fortitude to finish the session strong! Here are some great non-messy snacks to bring to a photo shoot: Goldfish crackers, plain biscuits, cheese cubes, and dried fruit. Leave the lollipops, chocolate, and anything that takes a long time to eat until after your session.
8. Pack extra clothes & Supplies
Let’s face it, kids + outdoors = a mess sometimes. I feel like I’m sometimes more dirty than my kids from holding them and holding the rocks they hand me. Accidents can happen. So while you’re planning and bringing a backup outfit for your children don’t forget to bring something for you and your husband. Photos are a luxury and you are investing a lot of money and time into them. You do not want to feel disappointed when you receive your products back. If there is time with the light and your photographer allows you can even use these clothes for a second “look” if you’d like an even larger variety of images.
On top of extra clothing options for all family members, it would be beneficial to bring wipes to wipe boogers or crumbs from faces and dirt off hands. Sometimes it can be unexpectedly windy and long hair will blow in front of your face, so please also bring extra ties or clips. Bring your makeup for a touch-up halfway through the session, especially if it’s hot.
9. Relax & let your photographer run the show
Woohooo! You made it… it’s time to make the magic happen! Your photographer will lead you through your session with prompts and guidance. Don’t worry, I’ll never leave you without something to do. Your job is to have fun and enjoy each other. Don’t stress if the kids are getting grumpy or aren’t listening. The more relaxed the parents are, the more relaxed the children will be!
10. Get ready to connect as a family
This is about capturing your family’s unique dynamic. Don’t just look and smile at the camera. Snuggle and dance with each other, tickle and laugh together. Parents, it’s your job to make this portrait experience a happy memory with your children and each other. Yes, the photographer is the boss and can give you prompts to bring out your family’s happiness but only you can make this 45-60 minutes of your family’s day momentous with your joy.
You will have these photos on your wall and albums for years. You will want to look back happily on the memory of your portrait session knowing it was full of warmth and love for your family.
An excerpt from a Psychology Today article gives the perfect example of why your family photos can be a happy memory:
"O moments big as years," a phrase coined by the poet John Keats, suggests that some brief experiences are so vivid and powerful that they remain with us for all of our life. These moments tend to reflect experiences that are emotionally resonant. In them, we can find both meaning and joy, and they can serve us long after they occurred, contributing to our overall happiness and resilience. They are a gift that keeps on giving.
I hope these tips for preparing for your family portraits are helpful and will make your next family portrait session a happy memory for everyone in your family. If you have already booked your Colorado Springs Family Photo session with me and still have questions please get in touch. If you’d like to learn more about a Denver family photo session or a Colorado Springs Family Photo Session please, start here.
Welcome! I’m so honored you are here checking out my blog. I wanted to tell you a little more about me; I am a family lifestyle photographer and a Mama of two. If you would like to learn a little more about me click here. I serve clients as a Colorado Springs Family Photographer and a Denver Family Photographer.
If you love these photos, and you are looking for a milestone, family, maternity, or newborn lifestyle photographer in Colorado Springs and Denver I would love to learn more about you, your family, and the season of life you are in. I’m currently booking all of 2024 and into 2025 for my Bump-Baby clients. Fill out the contact form here and we will be in touch!