Preparing for Your Okanagan Photography Session | Family & Children Prep Guide

Is your family photography session coming up? Here are some tips to plan ahead and make sure everything goes smoothly, so that we can have a relaxed and enjoyable session! Please read through this when you first receive it, and again a couple days prior to the shoot.

Remember, the goal with a family session is to be as relaxed as possible (even when taking more formal group photos) and following the children’s’ lead as much as possible. Having said that, some preparation is ideal - walk away with your favourite family photos by prepping with the following.

WHAT TO WEAR

• Coordinate outfits and colours. Think natural, light materials without too many patterns, and light, natural, or pastel colours

• Avoid logos and busy patterns - focus on one or two family members when it comes to simple patterns, and have everyone else wear plain, coordinating pieces

• Plaid is a Fall favourite. Dress one family member this way and keep everyone else in plain colours

• Flowy loose pants or dresses and skirts are more flattering than leggings. Jeans (if this is your style) can do well in photos for a more casual feel, and this is a personal choice - but a nice set of dress pants can look really nice!

• Look out for underwear or bra straps showing through your outfit. Even shapewear can show - another reason to choose looser items

• Dress in layers to plan for the weather - bring mittens and coats for the kids in the Fall in case it is cold!

• Is it Summer and your kids want to play in the water? You can bring a bathing suit for them to change into for the second half of the session - but pack a towel!

THE NIGHT BEFORE

• Set out everyone’s outfits. Complete any ironing/steaming/tag removal as necessary. Check for stains and tears

• Pack a second outfit for babies and children just in case, including extra socks or shoes!

• Plan to wear comfortable shoes, but if you can match them to the style of your outfit, this helps look cohesive (ie black boots may not go as well with a beige outfit or when everyone else is wearing white shoes)

• Ensure nails and hands are trimmed/manicured to your preference - men and kids, too! (While hands may get dirty during the session, starting with a clean base helps)

• Pack water bottles and non-messy snacks - gummy snacks for kids are good little treats if they need a distraction or bribe (whatever it takes!)

• Pack a favourite toy or stuffy (or two) in case a child gets upset or shy

• Hype up the kids and explain what we will be doing - let them know that some photos we will 'say cheese' for, but others they can just be natural and play and have fun! Your photographer will tell you when to look at the camera!

THE DAY OF

• Make sure kids are well-fed. Full tummies make happy kids! (Adults, too!)

• Check your wrists - remove any unwanted hair bands, bracelets, or watches an hour before so that any marks fade before the session (ask yourself if you really want your Smart watch in the photos - this is a personal choice)

• Bring extra hair gel or wax in case of humidity/wind. Pack extra pins/clips that you like the look of and a hair brush/comb, and a compact mirror

• Wear your normal makeup that you feel your best in. Apply face powder to avoid shiny skin in the heat/sun and bring makeup in case you want a touch-up

• Plan enough time to arrive 10-15 minutes early. It takes time to find a parking spot, unpack kids, and find your photographer!

  
  

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

• Take wallets, keys and phones out of pockets and put them in your purse/small bag. Your photographer has a little wagon that you can store small items in

• Remove sunglasses or glasses with Transitions lenses - you photographer is unable to completely edit obscured eyes. If your regular glasses have a coloured tint you may want to remove these as well

• Wearing hats? Keep in mind hats can obscure eyes for candid photos (where you may not be looking directly at the camera) and possibly cause shadows on faces - I suggest removing hats unless it is extra sunny or a tailored part of your outfit (if so, tilt the brim back a little to uncover eyes)

• And lastly, text or call your photographer on arrival - and get ready to have a fun family photo session!

While this may seem like a lot to think about, a little prep can go a long way in making sure your photo session is exactly as you imagine it!