Five Easy Steps for Prepping for a Photo Session

Professional photos stressing you out just a little?

Don't stress - Having professional portraits taken isn't as intimidating as it sounds or feels and I want to make this as painless and stress-free as possible. Really. I am your hype girl for your session, I want you to have a great time and actually want to do it again and maybe even your kids will want to too.

You don't need a 10 point planner and organizer for the session either. I put together five super simple steps to help prep before the session and have less stress.

Rest and eat

This may seem like an obvious but really even if it's a snack get some food in their bellies and hydrate the littles. This will help alleviate any outbursts for food or drinks. If you have tiny ones where you may need to pack a bag or stroller, consider bringing a drink as well.

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Prep your outfits

This is really important because if you wait until the last minute to prep your outfits you are going to create so much more stress for yourself - who wants that? No one. So lay out your outfits ahead of time, get a visual of what they look like together and make sure they "blend" well together. I have a lot of outfit prep blogs if you look through the archives. But I always suggest starting with your outfit first and then build from there. Make sure you are comfortable. You can always message/email me a picture!

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Hype your kids up

I know this may not help or work on all of your children, but one thing I love to tell parents it to hype your kids up! I know sometimes we need to give them just a little nudge in the form of a bribe but I love to start off on the right foot. So share with them how much fun they are going to have, well, because they are. I don't want you to stress about how they will behave or whatever because they are people too and it's just going to be whatever it is. Tell them we are going to run around, because we are. Tell them we are going to play games, because we are. Tell me them it will be fast and fun, because it will be.

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Come a little early

This is great especially if you have littles. If they are in a seat come early to get them out etc but also it's sometimes nice to let them stroll and explore before hand. Sometimes they need to get out of the car, blow off some steam and explore a little and that will help at the session - really. They will have fun and start letting their guard down and feel more comfortable with me.

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Be happy

This is a game changer for a photo session, right? Whatever it is you need to do to be happy before you get to your session - you need to do. I don't want you to show up with a bad attitude and really you don't want to be there now and I can tell and you will remember that in the photos. So let it go - just like that movie Frozen, and be happy!

Frequently Asked Questions: Family Sessions

What if my kids don't behave?

But they will. Let's not even put it out there that they "won't behave." This is going to be a fun experience. Really. Think about it, I am a stranger. A stranger with a camera - awkward. And we expect children just to put their guard down for a stranger with a camera? They are little humans and it's awkward for them too.

I have always, always said - kids run the show. I like to let them "warm up" and see what is happening. The easier is on them, the easier it is for you. Just let it be. We play games and go on small adventures.

This is why you are hiring me. I am going to make you feel relaxed and comfortable with me and in front of the camera - trust me.

What if I am late?

Try not to be late. Your session starts at your scheduled time so if you are late, you are eating into your session time. Try and prep and for the session ahead of time to help alleviate stress the day of and help in case of any last minute hiccups.

I get it, things happen, if you are going to be late, give me a heads up so I can adjust as well.

What if I don't know what to do with my hands?

That's my job! I love posing people, I am a portrait photographer.

Are you going to post them on social media?

I'd like to. Every session you sign a contract and pay a non-refundable retainer in addition to a model release form. This allow me to post your photos on social media and my website. This is not a requirement. I actually have clients who don't want sneak peeks or their photos on social media and I respect their wishes.

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How do you prep you children or significant others before a session? Leave it in the comments!

Tags: Salmon, Idaho, East Idaho Photographer, East Idaho Family, Southeast Idaho, Salmon Idaho Photographer, Southeast Idaho Family