Family Photos and actually enjoy it
Let’s talk about family photos
Raise your hand if you have ever wondered how people are able to take family photos that are actually really cute, and look like they had a good time. In the past four years, there have been some good ones, okay ones, bad ones, and great ones. I love the edgy cool images we got from our first family photoshoot. TMI warning, Bennett had a blowout situation, Right before we did these photos. So, he was ridiculously chill in all the photos. It made us sweat right before the shoot. But, some how our photographer was able to pull it off! Our fall themed photoshoot we did when Bennett was about two and a half. This one was a tougher one. The timing of it was a bit late for Bennett and the light faded pretty quickly. (All of this was on us.) But, I just wanted share that because those two things really affected our shoot. Then we did this beautiful maternity photoshoot last year, right before Georgia was born. I’m cracking up and crying looking at these photos. It’s so wild how little Bennett is in the photos. But, wow! He was in a mood during this shoot. I think he was super tired or something. Do you see the themes here?
Now, let’s chat through this photoshoot with Kate Mundo. I love them! I do cherish these photos, and am so glad we took them. And this shoot was our best one yet! And it was our first one as a family of four! I tried to pull our looks from the clothes that we already owned…but it just wasn’t working. And these photos, weren’t just for our Christmas card. I knew I wanted to printed them and hang them up in our large frames. And they needed to be good. And I wanted to make sure our outfits coordinated well with our home. So, I started from scratch. With my teal and gold dress from my favorite local Kansas City boutique, Lady Bye. That dress was the catalyst of the rest of the outfits. I then found Georgia’s gold pleated dress and black sparkle ballet shoes. Then I found Bennett’s white printed shirt, khaki moto styled pants, and black high tops shoes. Then onto Kevin’s outfit, I did use his jacket, button up shirt, and sweater, but updated his favorite jeans, and shoes and belt. I also made sure (minus Georgia’s dress) that everything would be something all of us would wear again. As it was quite an investment that wasn’t necessary. But, it was worth it and we’ve all worn these pieces a ton of times since. Thank goodness! And I highly recommend buying clothes for family photoshoot that you will all re-wear again and again.
Things to consider when you plan your family photos:
TIMING - Plan the timing of that best fits your children’s schedule. As you’ll want to make sure the babes are the happiest, and not too tired. Or too sleepy. Aka the biggest part of the puzzle. Also, if your kiddos are little, know that you have a maybe a solid 30 minutes to shoot. And then everyone will be expired and ready to roll. Faster the better for sure.
LIGHT - You want the best light. So you’ll want to schedule a shoot earlier in the day or in late afternoon. It’s when light is “the softest” and looks the best.
LOCATION - A place that is easy to find and suits the aesthetic you want. I like going to a park that is close by, as it also cuts down on drive time, which cuts down on the stress.
OUTFITS - Pick things that will coordinate well hung in your home, and are colors that are flattering on everyone. And potentially something that will look good on a Christmas card too.
PHOTOGRAPHER - Find someone or get referrals from friends of photographers the’ve used, that are good with kids. That are fun, flexible, and easy to work with. And that they get your vision and what your goals are for the shoot.
LOW EXPECTATIONS - For the family. Not photography. Just to be clear. But, truly. If you go in knowing that everyone is going to be either cranky, uncomfortable, whiny, whatever. And know that you can make it fun. It will be so much fun!
REWARDS - For you and the kiddos. Be ready with fruit snacks, gold fish, cake pops, milk, granola bars once the photo shoot is done. Or to have on you during the photoshoot - can’t hurt.
RESEARCH POSE IDEAS - This will help you and your photographer be in on same page of what you like and want as your end goal. I did this for our last shoot and it helped pin down our location. And you’ll want to think about the lay out you want, vertical, horizontal, wide hot, close up crop. There really are so many options, it helps to create the best shots for you.
LAUGH - It makes it all so much more fun! It keeps the energy light and enjoyable.
COMMUNICATION - Be sure you know what you want, what your spouse wants, kiddos wants from the photos. Yes, even the littles. Once you get that silly face out of the way. You’re golden. And know when your photographer will have your images to you. It takes a lot of time to edit and correct the photos, so give grace and ask upfront how long they think the process will take. I’d expect 1 week if they’re crazy fast. But, a two week turnaround is pretty standard.
My Outfit
Dress: Lady Bye | Earrings: Emylee Says
Kevin’s Outfit
Georgia’s Outfit
Bennett’s Outfit
I want you to have family photos that you actually love because you enjoyed the process. And if you did enjoy this post, please Pin and save it for future use. If you ever need help creating outfits for family photos, I would absolutely love to help you. It is so much fun to create outfits you all feel you best in.
xo,
