Creating Amazing Family Pictures: A Q&A with a Family Photographer

Family pictures seem to be one those things looming at the top of every mom’s to-do list. We want to capture what our family looks like every year but it’s hard to schedule and plan out all the elements. Leading most of us to put it off for longer than we’d like. I had the pleasure of interviewing local photographer Claire Vivian and she answered all of my pressing questions on how to organize you next family photo shoot without the stress. Read on to get the inside information.

When is the best time of year for families to get their photos done? Are there any times of year you think should be avoided? 

First I will say that the busiest time of year for photographers is fall. The weather is cooler, if you live in an area where the leaves change you can get beautiful fall colors. Most people want to use these photos for their Christmas cards. However, most photographers book very far in advance for fall sessions so you need to plan accordingly. I am a really big fan of late summer sessions; the trees are green and lush, and the lighting can be fantastic!

The more important factor for your photographer is time of day that you shoot at. Most photographers will urge you to book your session at “golden hour” which is the hour before sunset. They aren’t trying to be less flexible; they are doing this because the lighting is amazing at that time of day. If you’re worried about your kids being tired or cranky, consider a sunrise session; which has equally gorgeous light! Photographers can work around other times of day but might need to choose the location to keep the light in their favor.

What colors should families wear? Should they stay away from any? Any tips for coordinating the family’s outfits without everyone having to buy new clothes?

The key here is coordination. It may seem like a great idea to have everyone in the same color shirt and jeans but then you’re just going to blend into each other. Instead let everyone’s individual personalities shine and use a coordinating color palette. It’s a good idea to pick 3 colors to work with as your main colors, then consider grays, whites, blacks, or browns as freebies.

You can certainly plan your outfits based on what you already have in the closet and there is no need to run out and buy all new clothes! Start with one inspiration outfit and then work everyone around that. Mom, if you have a great dress you love, perfect! Now pick your kiddos outfits based on that. If you find one central piece, it helps to plan everything around that.

The best trick is to lay all the outfits out on the ground and take a step back and look at them all together. Make sure that your attention isn’t going to just one person. For example if you have everyone in light neutral colors but one child in hot pink then that is going to distract the eye in your final photos. Though neutral colors are always great it doesn’t mean you need to stray away from brighter colors; just make sure that at least two people are wearing brights. Avoid putting anyone in all white or all black and be careful with tiny stripes (they can distort in prints and on screens). Don’t be afraid to ask your photographer for help. Send them a picture of your outfits ahead of time and ask their advice!

Is it okay to get the family dog in a shot or two?

First and most important is ask your photographer if they are okay with having a pet in the photos. I have had several people bring family dogs. My biggest piece of advice is to have someone else there to watch the dog when it’s not in the shot. Choosing a location where there will not be a lot of other pets is also a good idea. Definitely bring some treats for the photographer to hold to get the dogs attention!

What can families do ahead of time to make things go more smoothly?

Feed kids ahead of time but bring extra snacks that are not messy. Puffs, goldfish crackers, and fruit snacks are great options. Also for those with toddlers and babies bring a favorite toy or stuffed animal that can get their attention. Please do not bust out an iPad unless it’s an absolute emergency. The minute your kid sees that iPad they will lose all interest in looking at the camera. A great option to get kids smiling and happy is to play/sing one of their favorite songs.

Anything special a family should consider if they are trying to book an extended family shoot with say over 6 people?

Discuss dates with your family first. I have had a lot of families contact me and ask me when I am free only then to talk to their family and realize that the date won’t work for everyone. Then ask your photographer on guidance for locations that work for larger groups. Also, even if this is a shoot with multiple family units, I would still coordinate the color scheme using the tips above.

What’s protocol/etiquette if a family has to cancel last minute do to an illness?

Before you book your photographer review their contract and see if they have a cancellation clause. Most photographers will have a clause regarding rescheduling and it helps to be aware of their protocol ahead of time. The more notice you can give the better. If you have a shoot on Saturday and someone is sick mid-week give your photographer a heads-up and ask them what they would like to do. Don’t try to wait it out and cancel the morning of, or worse when your photographer is already on the way to the location.

Any other tips/tricks you think can really help a family get a great session?

1. My favorite locations are open fields and forest preserves. You get a natural backdrop with no distractions. The less popular the location, the better!
2. Be flexible! You might have a really specific photo idea in your head or a pose you saw on Pinterest and you just have to have it for yourself. But things happen, your toddler might decide they don’t want to go on daddy’s shoulders that day and that’s okay. Who knows, your pose might be the next trend on Pinterest!
3. Relax. Moms tend to panic mid-session if their toddler starts acting up. If you have a cranky kid give them some tickles, play some games and let this be an opportunity for your photographer to get some great candid shots. I know photography is an investment and so you want to make sure you get that “perfect shot” but during the session let your photographer do the hard work and sit back and relax.

Claire Vivian is a natural light, portrait+lifestyle photographer based in the Chicago area. Check out all of her incredible work at http://www.clairevivian.com/