Photoshoots should be fun! No doubt there’s a lot of planning that goes into it but if there’s more stress and tension than joy and anticipation, something’s wrong.
If by the time you get to snapping the photo you don’t even have the energy to smile, some reevaluation needs to take place.
Use these tips to lighten your load and to make the event a little or a lot less stressful.
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Plan The Outfits Ahead Of Time
Coordinating your outfit with that of your spouse and or children is a cute way to make the photo look even greater.
How better to say that you’re a family than by wearing matching clothing. Take it up a step and have a photoshoot while wearing identical or complementing pajamas!
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Prepare Yourself And The Brood
Do some research to find photographers you like. Whittle that down to one or two. Look at their portfolios. Which style of photography do you prefer? Check price and availability. If possible, meet them beforehand.
Observe whether your children are comfortable around them and if they can engage the little ones effectively.
Getting yourself ready to look picture perfect might not be a difficult task but you never know, things don’t always go as planned.
Don’t push food to the side. Ensure you and everyone else eat a good meal prior. A satisfied stomach boosts mood significantly.
Try to avoid plying the children with too much food though as that can bring on sleepiness, yawns, and crankiness which you do not want. You should also discuss, beforehand, with your family members especially the little ones, what will be taking place.
It’s best not to hold this as a surprise. If they are aware then they can give you feedback that will help you determine their willingness to participate in the shoot and you can get their input on the outfits.
Narrow Down The Location
This will be significantly simpler if you plan to have the photoshoot somewhere in your home.
Maybe near your fireplace or in your well-manicured backyard. In that case, all you need to do is ensure the area is clean and free of clutter.
The children would automatically be more comfortable in a space they’re accustomed to.
If, however, you plan the photoshoot to take place at an external location, you will need to visit the compound to be extra sure it is what you want.
You may prefer a resort or the beach, both having beautiful backdrops. Secure permission, if that applies.
It is also critical to liaise with the photographer for the best times to capture the photo. What kind of vibe are you going for?
A bright morning shot or a cozy one taken in the sunset? Depending on the time of day, you might need to add additional lighting to the chosen area for greater picture clarity.
Communicate your wants clearly to the photographer so he can offer expert direction for the best outcome.
Yes To Bribery
Now, that may sound terrible but don’t rush to judgment. Sometimes despite your best attempts, your smaller children are just not in the mood to comply.
They may start crying, pulling at their hair, knocking things over, and after all the time you’ve taken to get them looking like angels and arranging everything just so, it might all be too much for you and the good intentions you had for the event is ruined.
Candy can save the day. Sugary-sweet treats have magical and calming properties on children.
Give them a little taste and explain to them that the rest is waiting for after the shoot. This incentive can be the miracle you need.
On the other hand, you may tell them that if they behave, a trip to Chuck E Cheese or the ice cream parlor will happen afterward.
Smiles may appear out of nowhere because really, what’s better to a child than fries, burgers, and ice cream?
Put In The Work
If looking extremely fit in the photo is crucial to you, start your preparation months in advance.
Hit the gym and work on some cardio, strength, and weight training. These pictures are going to last forever, so it is very understandable that you’d want to look your best.
Make working out a spousal activity. Exercising with a partner increases the odds of keeping up with the daily or weekly commitment.
Depending on what clothing was selected for the shoot, focus your workouts on abs, the back, legs, and or arms.
Alternate these areas of the body with every session to maximize the overall effect of the training.
You should additionally revise your diet as needed with concentration more so on healthy meal options.
Keeping yourself hydrated and getting sufficient sleep every night will also help you look your absolute best.
As you can tell, a lot goes into planning a family photoshoot. But proper planning also allows for things to run smoothly.
If everyone is aware of the date and time, then there are no excuses for tardiness.
The more of a headstart you get on determining location and outfits, the better. Everyone can have their say and a consensus can be reached.
Should your physical appearance mean a lot to you for the shoot, start working on your frame well in advance.
And remember, in these situations, it is more than okay to bribe your younger children.
Feel no guilt while dangling the proverbial carrot in front of their faces. You will get your lovely photo and they will be happy with their reward.