6 Tips for Authentic Family Photos | Toronto Photographer

So… WHAT is the secret to getting natural, authentic, fun and not-at-all awkward family photos? I know it may seem intimidating, especially when it’s your first time booking a family shoot, BUT it is 100% possible to confidently stride into your family session feeling like your best self, and self-assured that you’ll walk away with great photos. There are, however, some steps you’ll need to take in advance to make that happen!

Keep reading to discover six things you can do to set yourself up for a successful family photoshoot. Or if you’d rather cut to the chase, reach out today so we can start planning your family photoshoot session ASAP!

CHOOSE A PHOTOGRAPHER YOU TRUST WITH YOUR FAMILY PHOTOS

Picking the right professional photographer for your family session is first and foremost! Make sure you check out their work—lots of it—on their website, on their Instagram, on Google, and make sure you LOVE their style. Starting a conversation with the photographers you’re interested in can help you get a better idea of if you’re the right fit.

When I get to this stage with a client, I always emphasize what they can expect when working with me. For example, before booking ANY family shoot, I always send my guide which runs through all that important stuff: my rates, my process, etc—to ensure that we are 100% aligned on what a family photoshoot looks and feels like.

I am a great fit for you if you want these photographs to be a true, genuine reflection of who you are at this moment, what the dynamic is like with your kids, your wildness, the chaos, the laughs, the fun… ALL OF IT! I want our time together to feel like we’re friends, just hanging out, and doing fun things, but I just happen to have a camera on hand. The trust we place in each other lays the foundation for some incredible family photos!

LET’S PLAN AN ACTIVITY

You know what makes for great, fun family photos? BONDING ACTIVITES! Consider the types of things you and your family typically like to do together. Are you all big foodies or bakers? Do you enjoy basking outdoors together? Is there a playground you love in your neighbourhood with some fun ass swings?

Should we walk to your neighbourhood coffee shop and grab some hot chocolates? All of these touches make for some gorgeous photos, and give us opportunities to show your soul in the images. If you’re not sure or you need suggestions, I’m totally here for you.

LET YOUR KIDS BE

Kids are THE FUNNIEST. They have the best little personalities, say the most hilarious things, and contribute to the chaos in the funniest ways possible. During your family photoshoot, we should work with this, not against it!

That means you’re booking a photoshoot with your 2-year-old psycho toddler, let’s not try to tame them down for the photos! It’s OK if they’re running around, it’s OK if they don’t listen to me, and it’s even OK if they cry! I do my absolute best to make your kids feel comfortable and give them time to warm up if they need it.

So please don’t stress about your kids behaving for the entire shoot. That vibe will be picked up by your kids and produce the opposite effect we’re going for. If you want to know what you can do to encourage the mood, bring their favourite snacks or send me their favourite songs beforehand so I can plan a dance party. Other than that, let’s lean into the process and have some FUN!

PREPARE YOUR OUTFITS IN ADVANCE

Wondering what you should wear for your family photos? My biggest pro tip is to simply dress like YOU! You deserve to look back at these photos and think “oh damn, I look good, and I feel like myself”… and this won’t happen if you found some random outfit that you have never worn before or will never wear again!

The second is MAKE SURE YOU’RE COMFORTABLE! I will absolutely make you run, lay down, sit, twirl etc. during our shoot, and I want to make sure you’re comfortable doing all the things! Otherwise, the discomfort will absolutely show in the photos!

Before we work together, we can definitely discuss outfit options one-on-one and figure out what makes the most sense for you based on location, weather, and more. Also, I wrote a blog earlier this year with some tips on what to wear to your engagement shoot. The tips are mostly targeted towards couples, but can absolutely be relevant to a family shoot as well!

CHOOSING A FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION

The location of your family photoshoot is so pivotal to the outcome of your photos! Relaxed, at-home sessions are one vibe, but you also have so many other options to choose from.

Don’t feel like you need to think of something ultra-unique or out-of-the-box—some of my favourite captures happen by simply strolling through the neighbourhood. If you’re feeling lost and are open to ideas, you can reference this blog with my top 10 favourite outdoor locations in Toronto!

MAKE ROOM FOR IMPERFECTION

Say it with me: There is no such thing as a “perfect” family photoshoot! Why? Because you’re not perfect, I’m not perfect, and LIFE SURE AS HELL ISN’T PERFECT! What makes a family photoshoot authentic, wonderful, and just straight-up adorable is when it’s a clear reflection of how you are with each other.

Are your toddlers absolutely wild and don’t like to listen to you? NO WORRIES! Do we have to play Baby Shark one million times on a loop in the background? ALL GOOD! (I mean it’ll be stuck in my head for days and it’ll drive me bonkers but that’s ok). Is your hair completely out of place while you’re tickling each other (per my request?), THAT’S OK!! By releasing expectations, you allow space for the real, imperfect moments that make for the best family photos.

Ready to Do This Family Photoshoot Thing?

Feeling a spark of excitement for your family photos? By planning an activity, preparing your outfits in advance, intentionally choosing the right location, letting your kids be, choosing the right photographer, and making room for imperfection, you can put all the right pieces in place for an unforgettable family photoshoot.

Let’s get the convo started– I can’t wait to hear about your photoshoot vision, AND to meet your beautiful family!

6 Tips for Natural, Authentic Family Photos From a Professional Photographer