Follow these 5 Tips for a Large Family Photo Session
Multiple generations CAN get gorgeous family photos that will make you and them happy.
- Make sure everyone is well fed and rested.
- Dress for comfort.
- Choose a package that has something for everyone.
- Choose an experienced family photographer who has an assistant.
- Give up CONTROL.
Your large family photo session can be easy and fun.
1. Make sure everyone is well fed and rested.
This may seem obvious, but I can’t overstate how important this is. Low blood sugar (especially in the kiddos!) can bring your photo session to a screeching halt very quickly. Bring snacks! Make them sweet, but not too sweet. And no colored candy, please! Blue lips and tongues are tough to retouch, I know from experience.
Bonus Tip: Let the babies nap in the afternoon and have your session right before sunset.
Make sure you’re comfortable for some active photos.
2. Dress for comfort.
You’ll be moving around to several location during your photo session, so make sure you all can move comfortably. This is not the time for 6 inch heels and a suit and tie. Natural, authentic family photos come from people who feel like themselves, not a dressed up version of themselves. Not sure what to wear?
Check out my tips on what to wear for the whole family.
You can get something for everyone if you choose the right package.
3. Choose a collection or package that has something for everyone.
It’s easy to get everyone excited about the photo session if there’s something in it for them. By sharing the digital negatives from the session, the separate families can get their own prints or albums made. They’ll have great photos to hang on their walls or use for holiday cards, without even thinking about it.
Giving up control of your family is the best way to get awesome photos.
4. Choose an experienced family photographer who has an assistant.
The more hands and eyes, the better! For dealing with a large extended family, an assistant is the key to success for a family photographer. From lugging equipment to wiping noses, the one photographer can’t do it all. I’m lucky to have an experienced crew to back me up on photo shoots — headed by my dear husband.
5. Give up control to your photographer.
Give up control to the professional photographer. It’s easier than it sounds.
This is a TOUGH ONE. You want them to listen, you want them to be cute, you want them to STOP SMILING LIKE THAT. But how can you control them, and relax and have fun? An experienced family photographer will step up to the plate on this one. It’s the grown ups’ time to play, laugh and enjoy their family. It’s the photographer’s job to take the control, and with their assistant, and to guide the large family through the session. That’s really what you want and how you get great family photos.
