I’m in the middle of a string of on-location family photo shoots, with families that range in size from four to twenty-one people strong, so I’ve got family portraits on the brain. From figuring out new poses to brainstorming ways to keep the kiddos entertained, I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking and rethinking what goes into creating a successful family portrait session. As we head into the holiday season, lots of families are still thinking about getting pictures taken for Christmas cards or having a portrait taken when the whole family is together for Christmas — but there are several elements to family photography that can make or break your session, so it’s important to plan carefully before bundling everyone into the car!
To keep it simple, here’s a rundown of ten things I think are essential for a successful family portrait session.

1.) Find the right photographer.
The first step to successful family portraits is finding a photographer you’re comfortable with. There simply aren’t enough hours in the week for most photographers to meet with prospective family portrait clients in person before a booking, but there are plenty of other ways to get a good feel for whether a certain photographer will be the right fit for your family. Spend some time on the photographer’s website to determine whether you like his/her style. Have a chat with the photographer on the phone or by e-mail, and don’t be shy to ask questions: “Are you patient with kids? Do you have any experience working with children outside of your photography?” “How are you at crowd control with large groups?” “Do you take candid pictures in addition to posed shots?” Just a few minutes on the phone should clue you in to whether the photographer will be someone who gets along with your family. Photographers who want to work with families need to have answer to those questions ready!

2.) Make it fun.
Kids and adults alike don’t want to be in front of a camera if it’s a boring — or worse yet, frustrating, confusing, or demoralizing — experience. Choose to center your portraits around an activity, such as kite flying or raking up a huge pile of crackling leaves so that everyone has something to do in between posed portraits, or pick a location where there’s a playground or wide open place for the children to play and burn off some energy, or where there are plenty of fun things to look at, such as at a zoo or a carnival.

3.) Think positive.
Children and animals are notoriously difficult to get posed perfectly in group portraits, but don’t sweat it if the kids or family dogs aren’t looking at the camera every time the photographer clicks the shutter. Even if I’m not getting the exact photographs I’d envisioned, I stay upbeat, because I know moods are contagious, and if I set the right tone, I know everyone else will be inclined to follow my lead. Rather than becoming exasperated or chiding a small child for not paying attention to the camera, focus on just enjoying spending some time together — if you’re all looking happy, the photographer will be able to get plenty of beautiful candid shots to accompany the more formal portraits.

4.) Take a break when you need it.
During photo sessions, I frequently lower my camera from my face to just interact with the family I’m photographing, and especially the children. I like to take a break to play with them for a few minutes — to build their trust, and simultaneously, to make the children more willing to subsequently accommodate me when I ask them to look into the camera or stand a certain way. But if you’re taking posed shot after posed shot and the children (or adults!) are getting tired, don’t hesitate to ask for a break. No one can hold a smile indefinitely!

5.) Dress comfortably.
Having your family members uncomfortable is the surest way to get everyone cranky. Select outfits that coordinate (but they don’t have to be matchy-matchy), but dress for comfort: Breathable, non-constricting fabrics and weather-appropriate styles.
6.) Come prepared.
While your photographer will probably have a list of specific shots he/she wants to get, you should make your photographer aware of any shots you particularly want — preferably ahead of time, so the photographer can address any potential challenges and work these shots into the day’s plan. But that’s not the only way you should prepare. Make sure you have snacks and drinks for children, and a change of clothes (that still coordinate with what the other family members are wearing) in case of an accident, and a hairbrush and several hair ties.

7.) Plan something for after the photo shoot.
Some children (and parents) would be happy to run around with a photographer all day. Other children (and parents) wouldn’t. Regardless of which way you think your family will lean, have something fun planned for after the photo session. That way people who want the shoot to hurry up and end will have something to look forward to, and those who don’t want to leave (and believe me, there are children who really would be happy to stay in front of a camera all day) won’t think all their fun is over when you finish up with the session.

8.) Keep reminding everyone how great they look and how much fun you’re all having!
A lot of this falls on the photographer (during shoots, I keep up an incessant string of praise, especially for children, to make sure no one I’m photographing ever worries that they’re doing something “wrong”) but positive reinforcement from parents is even more important. Remind children that they look very handsome or beautiful, and that their pictures are going to look wonderful once you have them framed in your home. Praise them when they follow directions. And don’t forget to comment throughout the shoot that you think it’s so fun that you’re all getting photographs taken as a family! Children, especially older preschool-aged children and elementary school children, love hearing that they’re doing a good job and contributing to a cause, so if they know you’re pleased with them and they’re making you happy, they’re much more likely to continue that behavior.

9.) Don’t be afraid to pull a misbehaving child aside for a reprimand.
This is something I’ve seen done well at my shoots, when necessary. There are times when kids deliberately disobey, and even if you’re concerned you might put your child in a sour mood, it’s important to handle misbehavior in the same way you would if there weren’t a photographer present. But don’t worry — I don’t, and most photographers won’t be snapping shots of you giving your child a talking-to!

10.) Go out with a bang!
While I allot two hours for most family portrait sessions, there are time when you’ll have all the pictures you need long before your session has reached its limit. Once the photographer knows he/she has enough great family pictures, if it becomes clear that the fun is over for the children, especially tired, fussy little ones, it’s time to let the session draw to a close, even if you have an hour left. It’s so important to end on a high note! Get the kids playing a game of tag, or I-spy, and let the photographer get several pictures of the family interacting happily as you walk away from your portrait session, where you made some good memories and great pictures.

Bonus: 11.) Pre-plan what you’d like to do with your family portraits.
Talk to your photographer ahead of time about what products are available so you can already have a plan of how you would like to use the photographs from your family session — perhaps as a wall collage, a large canvas gallery wrap, or a sleek press printed album you’ll enjoy thumbing through again and again, or sending to grandparents. If you already know how you would like to use your images, your photographer will be able to plan the session in order to get the best possible pictures for your intended use.

I hope some of this helps even one person planning a family portrait session this fall. If you’ve got questions or additional tips, let me know.

~ Laura