How To Prepare For A Successful Holiday Photoshoot
Finding the right photographer
This is obvious, but you need to find someone to take the holiday photoshoot! If you are looking to do an outdoor session, find someone who knows your area well. This helps when choosing a location for the session. What style of photography are you looking for? Natural and candid or more formal and posed? All professional photographers will have a website with their portfolio online so it’s important you find one whose style and aesthetic you like. Is the photographer within your budget? Do they charge you for the photography session PLUS images? If you want digital files so you can create holiday cards and make prints for holiday gifts be sure your photographer includes high-resolution digital files these within their pricing, or can even source the products you are after.
Don’t delay – book today
Fall sessions book up quickly for some photographers. Get in touch as soon as you are able if you are looking for photos that will be delivered in time for the holidays. So many of my clients have previously booked as early as July or August to ensure they have a spot on my busy fall calendar.
Talking is good
Have a conversation with your photographer about what you want to get out of your photo session and what you plan to do with the images afterwards. I always ask every client what they want to get from the session. This helps to create a successful photoshoot.
Timing is everything
Pick a time for your session when everyone is well fed and well rested, particularly if there are small children (or pets) involved. For outdoor portraits, I always suggest about 1-2 hours before sunset to take advantage of the beautiful soft, golden light, but if this falls in the middle of your child’s nap, you’ll need to discuss an alternative with the photographer, such as scheduling an early morning session. This time is usually my most popular with families. Just try to avoid the middle of the day, when the sunlight is high and harsh.
The added question of ‘What Should I Wear?’
I covered this in my previous blog. This is hands-down the most popular question I get asked by clients before a session is. Rather than re-write what was said in my previous blog post, please look here.
Be cool
I find the best way to get children to cooperate during a photoshoot is to just not try too hard. Forced poses and demands of ‘cheese’ never work that well. In my experience, I follow the youngest child’s lead. If they want to paddle in the sea, we’ll follow them and work a pose around wherever they stop. Most parents know you can’t force a two year old to do anything they don’t want to do!
Laugh, laugh and laugh some more
Things don’t always go to plan, even with lots of organization and pre-planning. Children are unpredictable. If my client’s children are having a tough time warming up to the situation, I put my camera down and take a break to play a game or run around. This works in most situations.
Prepare dad beforehand!
It might seem like a good idea to announce that you’re having family photos taken the morning of, but this is the worst way to prepare your family, particularly dad! I’d say around 60% of my photoshoots usually involve a less-than-enthusiastic dad or male partner, often because they are shy or uncomfortable around the camera. Although I make all my clients feel relaxed and at ease during the session, it’s worth mentioning to your family as soon as it is booked, and in the days leading up to your photoshoot. That way everyone will know when to expect it and you can talk to the children about what I’ll be doing during the session. Believe me, this really helps! Plus, show them the Essential’s Guide I send to all my clients which highlights what they can expect pre-and post-session. Everyone will be glad they participated once you get hold of the end result!
To find out more and to book your Family Holiday Photoshoot Special with Andrea Harborne Photography, click here
