I specialize in Beavercreek Family Photography, and I love working with families in the Dayton area to capture personal, sentimental, magical moments for families to remember forever.
In the world of social media and “perfect” photos, it can be intimidating to take pictures of your own! But even in today’s picture perfect world, your family’s photos can stand out!
Perfection isn’t important, but personality is! When you and each member of your family have the opportunity to let your individual personalities shine, then magic happens!
Let me break down for you four ideas to make your family photo session stand out from the rest!
Choose a special location! I’m not saying it needs to be a one-of-a-kind location. Think about a location that is special to your family. Maybe it is a place that you have gone on family walks or bike rides, or maybe you love being around flowers or beautiful fall foliage, so you want to do your photos in a place with beautiful gardens! If you have something in mind, please share it with me! I love it when families bring this to me and ask if I have any ideas, because these personal places make some of the best family sessions!! As a photographer who specializes in Beavercreek Family Photography, I have lots of ideas for beautiful locations we. can use to make it work.
Lifestyle Photography is all about getting those fun, silly and sweet moments within your own lifestyle on paper. You can have your most precious (even every day!) moments captured in print form! The way to get these sweet moments is to connect with your children and be silly and sweet with them. Don’t worry about them acting up or feeling out of sorts because this is your family photos. I can tell you I have seen it all! I was a pre-school teacher before I became a family and newborn photographer, so none of this phases me at all. Honestly, I love it!!
Your family is your family, through thick and thin. Just be yourselves and interact how you normally do. I will certainly get a ton of beautiful photos of everyone together and individually, even if it doesn’t go “perfectly.”
Choosing the right outfit is important! Your clothes will affect the overall look of your photos and can even affect your mood! Wear something neutral and light (pastels are good, too!). Coordinating clothes are always a good look! Avoid bright or dark colors and avoid strong patterns as these can be distracting.
Comfort is important, too, especially for kids! When you feel good, you look good. So, avoid scratchy or tight fabrics or anything else that’s uncomfortable. Choose clothes that your kids are comfortable in so they’re not cranky or distracted.
Wear something flattering that you feel good in! The way you feel will show in your photos, and confidence is such a beautiful thing! Most importantly, though, is to wear things that are true to you and your kids! If your little girl loves to wear big bows, then put them on! If you love wearing breezy maxi dresses and wearing big earrings, then wear them! Your photos should look and feel like you and your family, so staying true to your style while working with the guidelines I suggest will make your photos magical.
I have a detailed family session style guide that I send out to families as soon as their session is booked, and I am always here to help you choose what will work best for your photos! I also have a blog post dedicated to coordinating outfits for your whole family during your photo session!
When you have young children that like to move and be active, keeping them moving during a session helps to get great photos! When we do this, we are not just going to have them run “wild,” but we will have active posing prompts that keep them moving in an organized way, or we can play a “game” so they don’t feel like they just have to sit and smile. Don’t be nervous if your child is a very active child; some of my favorite photos are of busy, busy children!
I have several posing prompts that get your kids moving. One of my favorites is the “run and hug” where you and your children stand about 15 feet away from each other, and when I say, “go!” your kids run up to you and give you a big hug. This one always ends in hugs and so much laughter.
Another favorite of mine is throwing your little up into the air and catching them laughing. It’s always so cute!
The most important thing is to let your photo sessions be personal! Individual, sentimental touches are what will make your photo session special!
Choosing a location that has a personal connection, choosing clothes that are true to your personalities (while maintaining a light, breezy and cohesive look), and working with your kids if they feel like running around will create fun, energetic and special photos for your family to enjoy for many years to come.
If you would like to book a custom photo session for your own family, reach out to me here. I would love to work with you!
Talk soon, Janelle
March 24, 2024
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