IN MY PERSONAL OPINION, YOU SHOULD DO A PHOTO SHOOT AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR!

I think when kids are born, you should do a mini session once a month or every 2 months because babies grow fast and change so much! You also want to capture their firsts, like the first Christmas, first Easter, and first Thanksgiving. Mini Sessions give you a great, lower expensive way to capture different themes throughout the year. As they become toddlers, I think every 4-6 months is good because again, they change so fast. As they get older, and more into grade school schedules get too busy but I think it should still be a priority to do it annually.

Family photos are a great way to capture memories and create mementos that will last a lifetime. Whether you're looking to document a special occasion or just capture your family's growth over the years, a photoshoot can be a fun and rewarding tradition.

I know the older the ‘littles’ get and the more they become ‘biggels’, planning a family photoshoot can be a draining task, especially if you've never done it before. I wrote some tips to help you plan your family's photoshoot even if it is once a year! These tips can help any time you are thinking of getting your photos done!

  • Choose a location:
  • The first step in planning your family's photoshoot is to choose a location. This can be a park, beach, or even your own backyard. Think about the backdrop you want for your photos, and consider the time of day and lighting conditions. When I pick a perfect location, I think of the time of day, open shade, and what is behind the family (greenery, flowers, trees, water)
  • Schedule your photoshoot earlier than later:
  • You'll need to schedule your photoshoot. Speaking for myself, the earlier you book the better. Photographers have busy seasons and if you are just like everyone else trying t fit your family in with everyone else, you might not get the best time or day. Pre-plan a little and get the cream of the crop for days and times! Keep in mind that outdoor photoshoots are weather dependent, so be sure to have a backup plan in case of rain or other inclement weather.
  • Plan your outfits:
  • One of the most important aspects of a family photoshoot is coordinating outfits. Choose colors that complement each other and avoid patterns that clash. Consider the location and time of day when choosing your outfits.
  • Prepare your family:
  • Preparing your family for the photo shoot is crucial to getting great photos. Make sure everyone is well-rested and fed before the shoot, and bring snacks and water for breaks. Talk to your children about what to expect and try to make the experience fun and relaxed. You can even practice at home a little with your phone, getting your littles to “show me your teeth”. Explaining to young kids what a camera is and what will happen is always a good idea. Older kids, are easier but make sure they leave the attidues at home. I am all for bribes!
  • Think about what vibe and poses you like:
  • Get some inspo, but dont copy! Everyone is different and family photography is an art. We can take inspo from other cources but might not be able to duplicate 100%. We like to get an idea of what you are think and what shots you want. Thinking ahead about the poses you want for your photoshoot can help the photographer understand your family a little more.
  • Have fun!
  • The most important part of a family photoshoot is to have fun! Try not to stress too much about getting the perfect shot and enjoy the time with your loved ones

Planning your family's photoshoot can be a fun and rewarding experience. I think having fun, preping your kids, and picking good cohesive outfits, you can create lasting memories that you'll treasure for years to come.