As we watch our babies grow bigger and bigger right before our eyes, I think we all want the outcome of a family photo session…
However, I get it, I’m a mom, too, and organizing a family photo session can be a bit daunting, especially when you want everything to be perfect.
From choosing the right outfits to keeping the kids happy, a little preparation can go a long way.
Here are 5 tips for a successful Nashville family photo session:
1. Coordinate Outfits with Care
Choosing outfits for a family photo session can be a tricky task, but it’s an essential step in creating a cohesive and visually appealing set of photos. Here are some tips I use when I’m helping my clients coordinate their own outfits.. or outfits from my studio wardrobe. With hundreds of dresses alone (along with clothing for children and men) you don’t have to do any of these things and we can do them together at the studio.
- Color Palette: Choose a color palette that complements your family and the setting. Neutrals, pastels, and soft colors often work well and most people don’t realize how much the overall colors in your images change the outcome of what your image looks like in the end, NOT the editing.
- Avoid Matching: Instead of matching outfits, aim for coordinating ones. This means selecting clothes that complement each other without being identical. Mix patterns like florals and stripes with solids and vary textures for added visual interest.
- Consider the Location: Think about where the photo shoot will take place. If it’s in lush & green season in the field you might consider different options than when the field is warm golden and brown tones and have more leeway with darker tones. For in my studio; lighter tones are best, all shades of white look amazing, and light/pastel colors are perfect as well.
- Comfort is Key: Ensure everyone feels comfortable in what they’re wearing. Comfort translates to confidence, and that will shine through in your photos. No matter how much you like a dress’s color, style, or pattern – if you don’t like the way it fits YOU or doesn’t make you feel confident – it’s not the dress to wear in your photos.
2. Choose the Perfect Location For You
The location of your photo session sets the tone and backdrop for your images. Here’s how to pick the perfect spot:
- Reflect Your Family’s Personality: Whether it’s a cozy home session, outdoors in the field, or the serenity and convenience of my downtown Franklin studio, choose a location that resonates with your family’s style and needs. You should never have to figure out your locations on your own, so be sure to ask your photographer what their chosen locations are if we aren’t working together.
- Consider Your Home’s Design: Consider what colors are in your home & what would look best with the decor and design of your home. Would a bright green field look best in your home? A more muted golden field color pallete? The bright windows and muted walls of the studio and a neutral environment?
- Weather and Lighting: The time of day and weather can significantly impact the outcome of your photos. Golden hour, about an hour before sunset, is ideal for natural, warm lighting outside and typically mornings to early afternoons are great for studio or in home sessions. Because I like clients to feel like, in any location, we are just hanging out together I don’t prefer to use lighting equipment, stands, in a dark room. This means working with natural light sometimes we have to be flexible with weather – and it’s so worth the experience and results.
3. Prepare Your Children
Children can be unpredictable, and getting them ready for a photo session requires some thoughtful preparation, but please always remember that I’m a mom – and I know children are going to be children. Rolling with almost everything is the way to go.
- Discuss the Session: Talk to your children about the photo session in advance, so they know what to expect. Explain that it’s going to be a fun time where they can play and be themselves, give you lots of hugs and kisses, you can hold and snuggle them, etc.
- Bring Comfort Items: Allow them to bring along a favorite toy or comfort item. This can help them relax and provide a personal touch to the photos if it’s something you’re okay with being in photos.
- Schedule Wisely: Try to schedule the session around your children’s routine. Well-rested and fed children are more likely to be cooperative and happy. If you really want an outdoor session, but have little ones with really early bed times, or who don’t do well of schedule, consider a late Fall – early Spring time outdoor session when our sun set is much earlier in the day. For studio sessions, I’m always happy to try to work around nap times.
- Make it Fun: Incorporate games or activities that make the session enjoyable. Playful moments often result in the most genuine and heartwarming photos. I promise that if parents are relaxed and having fun, making jokes, not taking anything too seriously your children 100% feed off of that. Stressed/angry parents (and believe me, I’ve been there with my kids during photos – ask me about my daughter and ants at the beach… ) truly make your kids behave worse and it ALL shows in your final images.
4. Trust and Communicate With Your Photographer
Communication with your photographer is crucial to ensure that everyone is on the same page, as is choosing a photograph you fully trust and can let them do what they do best.
- Share Your Vision: Discuss your ideas, preferences, and any specific shots you want to create together. This helps us understand your expectations and tailor the session accordingly. It’s super helpful if there are specific things you’d like – that you can show us from our own work so you know you’re choosing a photographer that can replicate what you’re wanting to receive.
- Be Open to Suggestions: Professional photographers have experience and creative insights. Be open to their suggestions for poses, locations, or angles. Knowing things like best angles and lighting is our job, so you don’t have to stress about it.
5. Relax and Enjoy the Moment
Finally, remember that the best photos often come from genuine interactions and emotions.
- Embrace Imperfection: Don’t stress over every detail. Sometimes, the most cherished photos are the candid, imperfect ones that capture real emotions and connections (especially with little ones)!
- Be Yourself: Encourage your family to be themselves and have fun. Laugh, play, and interact naturally, as these moments create authentic and memorable photos.
Hi! I’m so thankful you are checking out my work here at my website and blog. A little more about my studio… I have a full, size inclusive, studio wardrobe, with of over 200 dresses and robes for moms (size 0 – 26) from my favorite places like some of the clothing above along with hundreds of choices for babies, children, and shirts for men. Hair and makeup is also available before your session to make your session as simple and stress free as possible. All you need to do is arrive and snuggle your children.
5 Tips for a Successful Nashville Family Photo Session? Jenny Cruger is the go to photographer for families looking for images they love.
If you love these photos, and you are looking for your own Nashville family photo session, I would love to begin planning your session. With over 14 years of specializing in my favorite ages of tiny humans, maternity, newborn, and young families and I would love to photograph your newborn session. To see more of my family portfolio please click over here and get in touch if this is something you would love for your newborn.
Wondering what full sessions look like? I would be happy to show you what an entire gallery looks like while this blog space receives new posts, including older sessions mixed among new session sneak peeks. I feel strongly that potential clients are able to see many full galleries of real sessions so you know exactly what to expect from your portraits as well! If you are interested in a custom portrait session with Jenny Cruger Photography and would like more information, please click here to learn more about me and this experience.
I’m currently reserving maternity, newborn, and family sessions into the rest of 2024 and into 2025. If you would like to reserve your Nashville area maternity or family photos, in my downtown Franklin studio or field, on my calendar I would love for you to contact me here.
