Photographs are the best way of documenting any family’s life journey across time. It’s the one thing that families always look back upon with fondness.

Countless family members proudly display their family photos on the walls of their homes, on their desks at work, carry them in their wallets, and share them on an array of social media channels. But how can you get your own set of family photos looking their best?

Here is my go-to checklist for a beautiful family photo session:

1. Hire a professional family photographer with experience – Look through the photographer’s portfolio. Do they have experience with photographing kids if you have children in your family? Do they pose people in awkward positions that you don’t like? Do you like their photography style? When you meet with the photographer, do you have an ease of rapport with them? These are the fundamental basics that you should be addressing when you seek to hire a professional photographer for family portrait.

In the event that your photographer doesn’t provide photo editing, here’s place that can do it for you. Sometimes, you might want lighting or highlights added to your images. For other photos, you might want help smoothing out skin textures or blemishes, stray hair removal, or even background colour enhancements, etc. All these things can be done by professional photo editors. Their fee can be as little as $0.25 USD per photo depending on what you want to have done. If you want more information, please head over to the shop by clicking here.

2. Natural Lighting – I’m a big fan of natural lighting. Discuss with your professional photographer ahead of time where you plan on having the photoshoot held. The photographer may need to bring in light(s) and/or reflector(s). The professional photographer may need to have an assistant present if the above items cannot be left stationary on their own. From this picture, I hope that you can tell that the light source was coming from the front right side of the picture. Have a look at where the shadows are in the pictures.    

After you receive the images and feel the images are dark, you can always use a professional photography service to have them enhanced. Their fee can be as little as $0.25 USD per photo depending on what you want to have done. If you want more information, please head over to the shop by clicking here.

3. Sufficient Space – The more people in each image, translates into more physical space or square footage requirements. Let your photographer know ahead of time how many family members are expected to attend so he/she can advise how much space is required. If you look at the picture below, the couch is about 8′ wide. The photographer was standing probably about 10-12 feet away from us to get the full shot.

4. Get plenty of rest the night before the photography session – Open eyes are a key to beautiful faces in pictures. Make sure the kids get to bed early the night before.  Grouchy kids are never fun to deal with, never mind trying to get them to smile for a picture. You will also want to look your best. Getting enough sleep can also improve the appearance of bags under your eyes.

5. Choose a photo time that works for the kids’ schedules – Try and avoid an early in the morning or late at night session. Try and avoid meal times and not during nap times.  If you have multiple kids’ schedules that you are trying to juggle, just do the best you can. Let the photographer know upon arrival if you think that there are going to be any issues so they can try and adjust to make things easier during the photo session. For our Mother’s Day, Mommy and Me shoot – we did it in the early afternoon.

6. Lack of cooperation – If kids are not cooperative, start with you and your partner’s photos first. Then integrate the child that is most willing one by one. Children sometimes need to warm up in front of the camera. Bring some incentive treats or favourite books or quiet toys as rewards.

7. Make a list – If you are doing a multi-generational family photo session, list out all the different combinations you want like grandchildren with grandparents, mom and dad alone, full extended family, immediate family only, etc. Not only will this help your photographer plan his/her time accordingly, but it will also help ensure that you get the photos that you want as well.

8. Make a reasonable appointment of time – Yes family photos are an investment, so it’s best to book an extra half hour to one full hour of photography time to ensure that you’re not rushed to get all the shots in. This is particularly true of uncooperative kids, or you run late to the session, etc. Having the extra time gives you some flexibility.

9. Print them – Don’t just hang on to the negatives or the digital files. Print the images and show them off. After all, you took the time to get them done. How are you going to enjoy your best family photos if they aren’t on display.

If you are looking different printing methods, here’s a perfect source. Please click here.

10. Coordinate attire – Plan to colour coordinate your family clothing ensembles. For formal family pictures, you might want family members in dresses and suits. For something less formal pictures, then sweaters and jeans.  For more information on outfit styling tips, please click here.

Many heartful thanks to Stephen Sager Photography for taking and editing these wonderful family portrait images.

Please comment below on which of these were the most helpful tips at your family portrait session.

If you want to find other products that can improve your photographs, please click here.

Slightly Petite, Wendy

Team Credits:

Photography – Stephen Sager Photography

Cake and Sweets – Shirley Sweet Creations

Florals – Oh lala Event Decor

Balloon Artistry – Twisted Inflations

Giant Paper Flowers – Magic Flowers Ontario

Hair and Make-Up – Mayon Nguyen assisted by Beauty by Wing

Adult Furniture Rental – Detailz Couture

Children’s Furniture Rental – Petite Occasions

Carpet Rental – Reznick Event Carpets

Boys Attire – Tuxedo Royale

Drink Stylist and garnishes – Salty Paloma

Acrylic Signage – CMVE Designs

Laser Cut Signage and Plinths – Miss Paper Cut

Linens and Napkins – Event Rental Group

White Floral Wall and Beverage Cart – Forever in Bloom

Green Boxwood Backdrop – Handmade Dreams

Venue – Eagles Nest Golf Course