The holidays always bring a mixture of excitement and stress for just about every family. Planning a holiday family portrait is a great way to capture the memories of this year and the time you spent together as a family, but without proper preparation it can also add to your stress.
Here are 5 tips to get prepared for your holiday family portrait this year:
1 | Plan Out Your Photo Shoot
This step is a lot of fun, so it will go quickly! By planning out the type of photo shoot you’d like to do, you can naturally cross off or add to your to-do list. Do you want to incorporate props? Shoot the photo outside in the snow? Are you going to location you’ve never been before? Talk with your photographer if you’re in need of extra ideas, as we’re full of suggestions!
2 | Book A Date ASAP
The holiday season fills up quickly, so be sure to contact your photographer ASAP. If you’re hoping to coordinate dates with your extended family or around the many holiday parties happening this time of year, it’s crucial that you book earlier than you think you need to. This way you’ll get the date that works for you, avoiding unnecessary stress!
3 | Involve Your Kids
Start talking to your children about the photo shoot now. Explain why you are having photos taken, why it’s important to you that they are in them, and what to expect on the day of. Ask them what they want to wear and what kind of photo would be most fun for them, then let them ask questions. By involving your kids, you’re including them in the process, so they’ll be excited for the photo shoot.
4 | Coordinate Clothing
Think about the feel of this family portrait and how you’ll be using it. Will this go on holiday cards that you send to 500 of your closest friends and family or will you frame a print to hang above your mantel? Will this be a serious, silly, or natural photo? Now that you know whether you’ll be inside or outside as well as what the vibe of the photo you want, you can start to plan what everyone will wear.
5 | Planning The Day
For the day of the photoshoot, I always recommend that families plan to have time both before and after our session. This ensures you’ll have plenty of time to prepare in advance, and that you’ll not feel rushed during our time together. Dress for the weather, eat before you come, and remember that kids will be kids. When you arrive at the photoshoot, it’s time to relax with your family and enjoy your time together in front of the camera.
Need to book your Denver-based family portrait? Contact me today and let’s discuss your family’s vision!
