Erin Clayton Photography
Your Ultimate Family Photo Session Prep Guide
Hello!
Welcome! I'm so thrilled to capture beautiful memories for your family. My goal is to make your photo session a fun, relaxed, and seamless experience from start to finish.
This guide is designed to help you prepare effortlessly, so you can simply relax and enjoy your time in front of the camera. Let's make some magic!
Chat soon!
Erin
Key Concepts for an Awesome Session
Relax & Be Yourselves: While professional photos can feel like work, my aim is to make it fun! The goal is to capture your genuine connection and joy through natural interaction, not forced smiles.
Embrace the Moments: Focus on enjoying your family. I'll handle the technical aspects of getting the perfect shot, guiding you with prompts and encouraging natural movement. Embrace the silly, candid moments – they often become your most cherished images!
It's About Connection: Your photos will document the love shared as a family. Don't be afraid to be silly, tickle, chase, and play to capture those genuine expressions.
Prepping for Your Session: Your Checklist
Getting ready for your session doesn't have to be stressful! Use this simple checklist to ensure you're feeling prepared and confident on photo day.
Before Your Session:
Get the Kids Excited!
For Young Children: Talk about meeting a friend (me!) and exploring a park while taking photos to make it fun and less intimidating.
For Older Children: Explain why having these family photos taken is important to you and your family memories.
Choose & Prep Your Outfits:
Opt for muted, solid colours. Think whites, grays, creams, blues, and earthy tones. These keep the focus on your faces and connection. Feel free to add subtle pops of colour!
Avoid distracting patterns, logos, and neon colors. These can pull focus away from your family.
Select comfortable fabrics that don't wrinkle easily. Lay out all outfits 1-2 weeks before the session to ensure colors and patterns work together, allowing time for any necessary changes or ironing. Try everything on beforehand to ensure you feel good and confident!
Plan Hair & Makeup (Optional): Consider professional hair and/or makeup to ensure you look and feel your best on camera. A good artist will enhance your natural beauty. Here are a few local recommendations if you need them:
Prioritize Rest & Fuel:
For Children: Plan nap times and bedtimes, even if it means adjusting for a specific session time. A well-rested child is a happy child!
For Everyone: Ensure everyone is well-fed before the session. Pack mess-free snacks and drinks for little ones if needed.
Plan for the Weather: Dress in layers so clothing can be added or removed as needed, as temperatures can change quickly, especially in Victoria/Vancouver Island.
On Session Day:
Allow Ample Time: Give yourselves plenty of time for naps, baths/showers, getting dressed, and hair and makeup so you can arrive at the session relaxed and un-rushed.
Avoid "Say Cheese!": This often leads to strained smiles. Instead, engage with children through natural interaction and jokes to evoke genuine smiles.
Bring a Post-Session Reward: Have a small bribe (like Smarties, a cherished stuffy, or the promise of ice cream) ready, but keep it hidden until after the session.
After the Session
Within three weeks after your family session, you'll receive a link to your online gallery, where you'll be able to see your digital images and look at professional print products from the comfort of your own home.
You'll also have four days to take advantage of a sale on all print products and digital image upgrades. All product ordering is done through your online gallery.
Popular print sizes shown to scale for reference.
Get In Touch
Contact me with any questions as you think through the details of your session. I’m excited to be a part of it!
