Tips and advice for A FUN AND RELAXED family photoshoot
I can't wait to meet you all, for your family photoshoot.
Here are a few ideas, tips and suggestions I have picked up over the years of shooting fun relaxed, families.
love Liza x
all you need to know...
what to wear?
Make sure your outfit choices are comfortable but look good or tidy or smart (whatever your preference is).
Try not to wear complicated patterns or prints, and it's a good idea to avoid big logos, and football shirts are a no-no!
Mums and Dads, it is a great idea to accessorise if you like! Adding fun scarves, headbands, hats, can add a bit of flair to the images.
Try to co-ordinate and complement your colours a little with each other. Some families co-ordinate completely...i.e. all black tops/jeans or all white for summer shoots but it's up to you and what you feel comfortable with. Subtle tones and plain colours work best.
Match your styles as a family. i.e. you are all are dressed either casual or smart or alternative or grungy or whatever you like, but you are all similar!
KEEP BAGS/JACKETS/EXTRA STUFF TO THE MINIMUM
We will be doing a bit of walking so try not to bring too much stuff with you. Just enough for being out for an hour or so. Leave phones and extra keys and wallets at home or in the car. They don't look good in photos.
GRAB A BITE!
It's a good idea to make sure you all don't show up to your photoshoot on an empty stomach. Make sure you have a snack beforehand. Some families make a day of it and plan a meal out after. If this is your plan, just be sure to grab a quick bite before the photoshoot.
If it is a hot day bring some water for the thirsty little ones too!
bring some props
Props aren't essential so don't feel the need to rush out and buy stuff, but if you and the kids like...
kicking tossing a ball around, blowing bubbles, balloons, kites, favourite toy, on anything similar maybe pop them in the car and bring them to the shoot. We may not have time to use them or we just might! When you guys are all connecting doing a favourite activity it makes for even more natural, authentic-looking photographs.
HOW FAR DO YOU TRAVEL?
I shoot anywhere in Sussex. Mainly in Brighton but anywhere up and down the A23, A27 is fine with me. I am also a little partial with nipping into London for an urban cool family shoot!
WHAT IF ONE OF THE KIDS GETS SICK?
No worries if one of you is feeling poorly and you need to reschedule a new date just let me know ASAP. Preferably giving at least 48 hours notice. We'll sort something out.
SORRY TO STATE THE OBVIOUS! KEEP AN EYE ON THE TIME AND DON'T BE LATE OR RUSHED!
Get ready early and decide clothing choices for the family in advance. I know it can be a real mission getting everyone organised and looking good, and I hate to state the obvious - but try not to leave it all up to the last minute! Throwing clothes on screaming kids and rushing around just before you are all out the door and bundled in the car is not conducive with relaxed, natural, fun looking photos!
Remember we are going to be creating memories and we want them to be fun, happy ones.
Also, I may have another family booked either before or after you so I have to be prompt with my times.
WE'RE A BIT NERVOUS ABOUT HAVING OUR PHOTO TAKEN...
I know it seems cliche but don't worry about that. I will help you all relax and you will even completely forget that the camera is there. (Remember you will be on a fun family day out!) I also have some great games up my sleeve to keep the little ones occupied and looking cute! Remember in my previous life I was a teacher so I've got a friendly easy going but positively firm way to ensure the kids do what I say!!!
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY FOR A FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT?
The best time of day is probably in the morning when the kids are fresh and teenagers have woken up! I do love sunrise sessions and for older ones sunset sessions. In these golden hour sessions, the light is absolutely gorgeous. But pick a time that suits you best.
Unposed photos
As you know I love taking natural, fun-loving photographs. I will issue you a little direction. The best shots are going to be the ones where you guys are oblivious to the camera, the ones where you are all interacting with each other. My aim is really to capture you as a family hanging out, being affectionate and creating real moments.
ABOVE ALL - LET'S ENJOY IT - IT IS GOING TO BE FUN!
Be yourselves, be loving, be playful, be funny. Help the kids relax by distracting them and keeping the vibe happy and fun. Feel free to pick the kids up in the air, lark around, smooch up with your partner, scream, laugh. Being yourself means I don’t need to ask you on the day and avoids it feeling staged or posed. It also allows me to capture your family as themselves however loving/chaotic you may be!
Keeping Safe during Covid-19
Safety with your family photoshoot. I will be taking extra care and time during your family photoshoot. As I mainly photograph my families outdoors we can make sure we maintain social distancing. Home shoots are available on application and I am happy to shoot in a large home garden.
I will be following a minimum 2-metre social distancing guideline and am happy to wear a face mask as well!
Thanks so much for our amazing photos, we love them so much. It was a very, very hard decision to decide which ones we want printed! Thanks so much again for our brilliant photos!