Maybe you’ve had family pictures done before and they were stressful, stiff, or just not what you were hoping for. I am here to reassure you over and over again (here in this blog post as well as in person) that family pictures do NOT have to be that way! I hope this blog post eases those nerves you have coming into a session and the process of getting your pictures taken.

What Will Happen Before our Session:

1) I will send you a questionnaire to fill out with questions that answer specifics related to everyone's ages, names, interests, couples in the group and what they enjoy doing together, what you want to remember about the stages your kids are currently in to help me focus on capturing that.

This helps me come prepared to our session knowing everyone’s names to help you feel comfortable from the start having a little prior knowledge of who everyone is and what to expect.

2) I will send you recommendations on outfits! This isn’t because I don’t trust you, this is to help you come dressed in a way that will photograph best in your pictures! I have a separate blog post with all of my recommendations for you to show up in clothes that are timeless and classic. Click here to see the outfit recommendations blog post. https://baileymakaimokuphoto.com/blog/what-to-wear-for-family-pictures

3) I will ask about food allergies because I will bring small, no mess treats to keep everyone motivated! A little motivation for the kids always helps. So please let me know if there is an issues with what I am going to bring.

4) I will send you location options, and with some examples of what the area looks like if we haven’t decided on a location yet.

What will Happen During our Session:

This is where I know nerves can start for everyone and parents are crossing their fingers and toes that kids are on their best behavior. I am completely invested in making your family as comfortable as possible.

During our session I promise to give you a lot of direction. You won’t feel confused as to what you should be doing at any time. However, there could be a moment unfolding that I haven’t prompted, and I will follow till I see you need more direction. Just enjoy being in the moment with your kids. What kids do candidly and how they act naturally photographs so well. And better yet, parents loving on their kids photographs SO well.

Don’t act on the instinct to break up a moment for your child even if what they are doing seems irrelevant or distracting to pictures. Running wild and free, picking flowers, throwing snow in the air are perfect things your kids can be doing! Don’t stress about your kids being interested in what the location offers. I absolutely support that! When I do need extra help with getting kids comfortable with me or settling them down for a moment, I will let you know when to step in.

Truthfully, the more present with your kids you are during our session the quicker the time will go and you’ll leave feeling like you just got some fun time outside with them. I don’t want you to feel pressure for how your kids will act. I have worked with SO many families and have yet to find a kid that we can’t get good pictures with. All kids need a break and have their moments and we can absolutely give your kids those as they need them. Also pictures of kids snuggling with a parent while taking a break can be just as sweet as any other moment.

I want to make our time together, especially with kids involved, comfortable, fun and stress-free on all involved. I hope this helps ease your nerves and build trust between us to feel confident entering a session together! Can’t wait to work together!