Here are some of my best tips for ensure your family photoshoot goes smoothly.

In 15 years I’ve never had to re-do a family photoshoot because I couldn’t get any photographs. I once had to re-do a newborn shoot because it was a really hot day and the baby couldn’t settle so we did it the following week at no extra charge. Part of the reason for this 100% success rate with family photography is down to these tips…

1. The children are the bosses

It's much easier to get the adults to do what the children want than vice versa. If the children don't want to do something it’s no problem. I’ll never force anything. I have lots of tricks up my sleeve so if one thing doesn't work I'll try a different tactic.

2. Don’t think of it as a photoshoot

Think of the family photo experience more like a family playdate. If you and the children are having fun then you’ll naturally get great photographs without even trying.

3. Be careful how you explain it to the children

When telling children you’re going to a photoshoot make sure you frame it positively. Don’t tell them they need to behave as it will make it sound like something serious and add pressure. Frame it something like: ‘we’re off to explore the woods with our friend’. Show them some of the behind-the-scenes videos I have on my website and social media.

4 Don’t worry how the children are behaving

It’s the photographer’s job to win them over. Whether your child starts the photoshoot shy, bonkers or grumpy don’t worry. Stay patient and I’ll keep trying different tactics until I find the ones that work. I try everything from slap-stick… to telling stories… to hunting for scary fairies… to rolling in mud… to asking them about their favourite things… to doing an activity… to teasing mum and dad and much more besides. Something always works.

5. Bring snacks so the children don't get 'hangry!'

A banana came to the rescue one of the only times I’ve ever considered rearranging a photoshoot. I’d spent 35 minutes with a mum and her two year old but the two year old was in a terrible mood and I was running out of tricks. I then asked if she had any snacks because maybe her child was hungry. One banana later and the little girl turned into a playful angel. To this day I still have her in my portfolio!

6 Getting teenagers excited about family photos

To help get teenaged children onboard I sometimes create photographs that they want. I’ll ask them who their favourite music artists and sports stars are. I’ll then create a photograph with them that would be like their own personal album cover, or sports magazine cover. That way they realise how great they look and get a cool photograph that they appreciate. They’re then happier to do all the family photos because we’ve broken down a few walls.

7 Clothing tips for family photos

I have a blog post with some tips on what to wear for family photoshoots. Some colours and types of clothes photograph better than others, so try and follow your photographer’s advice. That said, if a child is adamant they want to wear something specific then it’s better to have a happy child than perfect clothing choices.

8 Pointless pointing ;-)

Don’t point at the camera to try and show a child or baby where to look. If they do look then you’re still pointing at the camera. If I want them to look I’ll always be able to get their attention.

9. Extended families and overwhelmed children

With extended family photoshoots its easy for children to be overwhelmed by all the people - especially if everyone is telling them what to do. When I break the extended family down into its separate families I tend to take them away from the rest of the group so the children don’t have everyone staring at them and barking orders at them. It then becomes like a mini family photoshoot.

10. Times and locations for the best light

You have two choices for getting the best light for your family photos.

The first couple of hours after sunrise or the last couple of hours before sunset are when the sun is golden and looks beautiful (we call it the golden hour). The great thing about the colder months is that the sun is actually golden most of the day.
In the warmer months the golden hour is too early in the morning and can be too late at night for some children. In that case we can go somewhere shaded, like a wood. If it’s cloudy then the harsher midday sun won’t be as much of an issue so we could get away with going somewhere open like a summer meadow. I actually know a summer meadow with some shady spots too!

Whether I photograph your next family photoshoot or not, I hope you’ve found these tips helpful.