5 Hacks for a Stress-Free Family Photo Session | Indianapolis Family Photographers

by Indianapolis Family Photographer, Katelyn Ng Photography

5 Hacks to help make your Indianapolis family photo session stress-free!

You finally booked your family photos and you are SO excited! The date is on the calendar and you are already thinking through outfits with your photographer. As many Indianapolis family photographers will tell you, planning is key to a successful portrait experience.

Today I’m sharing 5 hacks to make your family session as stress-free as possible. Regardless of the season you choose for your family photos, these tips can take your family session experience to the next level, and you can be fully present in the moment with your family.

1. Communicate openly with your photographer prior to your family photo session.

The more information you give your photographer to work with, the more they are able to tailor their session flow to work uniquely with your family. I love getting to know your family a little prior to your session with me, so I often ask what things are your child’s current favorites. What song do they like? Do they have any special needs or dislikes?

Telling your photographer a little about your children’s personality prior to the session helps them adapt your session to your family’s needs. Is your child a little more timid or shy upon meeting new people? Are they full of energy and ready to play? Are they currently favoring only mommy? These little tidbits are so helpful because it can direct which order the photographer guides and prompts you and your child the session.

2. Plan to play with your child 95% of the time.

First, I have to let you know that every parent is anxious about their child’s behavior during their family session. You are definitely not alone!

I’m a mama of four. And as an Indianapolis family photographer who specializes in working with little ones and young families, I know first hand kids’ attention spans are short. It is NOT realistic to expect little children, toddlers and babies to focus and smile pleasantly for every single photo and pose. Goodness. That would be a LOT to ask of them and probably wouldn’t be much fun for anyone.

I know kids are most like themselves when they feel safe to play, explore and have fun. Movement is a big part of capturing emotion filled photographs and so we incorporate a lot of play.

That is why we typically try to grab a more classic smiling family portrait at the beginning of your session, and then we spend a lot of time with prompts that involve big and little movements and play.

Continuously telling your child to smile at the camera or stressing about how they are doing will only hinder the images you will receive from your photographer. Being FULLY in the moment is key here!

3. Wear clothing that keeps everyone cute, but comfortable.

I’m one of the first people to tell you that clothing has a major impact on photography. Believe it or not, photography is a lot like painting. Color, light, and texture all work together to create an overall feel in your photos. You truly cannot go wrong with neutrals and muted tones that work with the environment. Visual distractions take take away from the emotions found in your photographs.

Additionally, clothing that is VERY formal or stiff, will cause you to not be able to relax and be able to play with your child.

Select something for each family member that is nicely styled. However, ask yourself, “could I play ‘ring-around-the-rosie’ in this? Can I kneel down in this so that I can look my children the eyes?” If this answer is no, then re-think what you have selected for yourself or for your child.

Wondering where to look for options locally? You can find really great options at Hey Little Diddle in Indianapolis. As a mom, plan to wear shoes in which you can easily walk, chase kids, and have fun in while still coordinating with your outfit choice.

4. Pack a snack and water and take it with you
(don’t leave it in the car!)

Everyone does better with a full tummy! Instead of delaying dinner for after your family photos, serve a light dinner that is low mess, and easy to clean off of faces. Then, make sure to take mess-free snacks with you to your session! Goldfish crackers and fruit snacks are great for toddlers as well as older children and puffs can be the ticket to a sweet baby smile.

And you know what? This is one MAJOR benefit to choosing to book a full session instead of a short mini session. Instead of the pressure to perform, everyone can relax and be themselves and take breaks when needed. Everyone is in a funk? Time for a break and a snack! Everyone will be ready to be up and playful after a quick bite to eat. Make sure to take that water and snack bag with you instead of leaving it in your car for after the session.

5. Smile directly at your child (instead of the camera).

This seems like a no-brainer tip, but it is so easy to let stress take over as you wonder if your child is smiling enough. And without realizing it, your brow can furrow in concern. Unless directed to look at the camera, assume you can look toward your child with a smile. This makes for sweet candid images that are really tender and sweet.

As silly as it might seem in the moment, as a parent, try to go along with every game and prompt with the energy of a children’s show host. Stay relaxed, up-beat and let yourself have fun with your child. Deep breaths and big smiles not only help yourself be in the moment but help your child see you enjoying this family time together. Regardless of style, Indianapolis family photographers agree that your demeanor toward your child has tremendous power and can really help create magical photos.

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