Nothing really brings up as much fear, anxiety, and envy for me as family pictures. The idea of paying a decent amount of money to have a photographer get some nice family pictures wasn’t one that my family participated in. Combine the lack of professionalism in our family photos growing up with my uncanny ability to look awkward and uncomfortable in most pictures, it’s easy to see why it’s been 10 years since our last professional pictures were taken.
Let’s get to the root of the hatred for family photos and how to overcome.
Fear: Will we look good? Will they look natural? Will it be a waste of time and money?
Anxiety: What should we wear? Where should we take them? Should we match, coordinate? What if I break out the day before?
Envy: In recent years, professionally done photographs have become much more commonplace; meaning every engagement, holiday party, gender reveal, maternity, newborn, etc. is documented with much fanfare and people looking at the camera in posed, foreign set-ups. Meanwhile, it took my husband and me 20 minutes to get a picture of the two of us in which I was looking at the camera in a non-psychotic way.
Ways I overcame:
1. Pick a photographer you like, someone you feel comfortable with, someone that can give you the pictures you want. Meaning, if your family has used the same person for the past 20 years but those pictures don’t light up your world – pick someone else!
2. Wear your favorite things. My favorite look for our family is casual wedding guest attire. Your choice might be all matching sports apparel. Go with what you love and what represents your family.
3. Lifestyle Photos – This is my new hard and fast rule! Originally, we had planned the rather traditional photos down by the river and while there is nothing wrong with those pictures, we don’t go for walks down by the river and then turn and stare into a camera lens. I started thinking about what photos I love the most, what captures a family. I realized that what makes a family photo great is that it captures the family in the time, space and season in their lives. I spent time thinking about what we do as a family that is also professional work worthy. Watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and walks around our neighborhood were out, but this beautiful park we frequent and lovely old-fashioned ice cream shop definitely fit the bill! This way of taking photos is beneficial in two ways:
- If you, like me, tend to look awkward in pictures, forcing a smile and trying to remember where to look, you no longer need to worry. Taking pictures as you just interact with your family means that you’re focused on your family, which is what you want the camera to actually capture.
- This time in our life is stuffed with park visits and toddler-led activities, and I want that reflected in our pictures. I view these photos as a snapshot of our family at this time.
4. Have an alcoholic beverage! I can’t stop trying to figure out where to look as soon as a camera is pointed at me, so alcohol is a lovely way to relax a Type A personality. Just one though – you want to look relaxed, not sloppy!
Need some more ideas for lifestyle photoshoots of your own?
- Killer backyard? Firepit party at dusk
- Love your home? Making breakfast together in matching PJs.
- Adventurous? Carnival Rides.
- Wanderlust? On vacation.
- Competitive? Family Game night.
wonderful olive / 19353 posts
Park sounds like a great location! DS loves the swing!
olive / 59 posts
These are amazing!
Did you get your hair blown out–it looks so good! We had family photos done and that was my biggest regret that I didn’t do that. (Alternatively, if you did it yourself, please blog about how. It looks so good!)
Also, I would love to see credit given to the photographer who took these–might be helpful for another family looking for photographers who live in your area.
nectarine / 2047 posts
So timely! We are getting family pics done tomorrow and we are also going for a lifestyle shoot at the park! These pics are great inspiration
guest
I could not agree more! About a month ago we tried to do our first professional photos as a family of four (the kids are 2.5 and 6 months old) and they did not turn out at all. I didn’t realize until afterwards that what I’d rather have is natural candid photos vs the stilted formal posed shots that are so commonplace these days. Next time, maybe this fall or winter, I’d like to try a lifestyle shoot with hopefully more success.
blogger / coffee bean / 43 posts
@WyattnewbabysMama:
Yes! I meant to link to her and then completely spaced, we live near Boise, Idaho, but she travels! Kylie Morgan: http://www.kyliemorganphotography.com
And about the hair: hot rollers, everyday! I don’t have the patience or time to use a curling iron or wand, but 8 minutes with hot curlers in while I do my make up is perfect!
wonderful pea / 17279 posts
These look great. Where is your blanket from?
DS is getting to a more fun age and I’d love to capture some of these moments with a lifestyle shoot.
blogger / coffee bean / 43 posts
@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: Thank you! The blanket is from Target, last summer, I believe it’s from the Nate Berkus line.
coconut / 8079 posts
Great post! I love these tips. We need to try something like this next time we do family pics.
olive / 59 posts
Adorable pictures! I’m fortunate enough to have a photographer in the family so we’ve often had impromptu photo sessions, and sometimes those end up being my favorites!