What to Expect During a Family Photo Session | Buffalo Family Photographer
If you've never had professional family photos taken, or it's been a while, you might be wondering what actually happens during a family photo session.
Do we spend an hour standing in one spot smiling at the camera? What if we spend a lot of money and our kids don’t cooperate? I have no idea how to pose. We are awkward in front of the camera. We are not photogenic.
First: don't worry.
As a Buffalo family photographer and a mom of three boys, I know that kids are unpredictable. I don't expect perfect behavior, and you don't need to arrive knowing what to do. Also, almost every person I photograph arrives and tells me they are awkward and that they feel uncomfortable in front of the camera. And I totally understand that (I feel awkward too, I’m only at ease behind the camera).
That’s why my family sessions are meant to be relaxed, fun, and focused on capturing your family as you are right now.
Here's what you can expect from start to finish.
Before Your Family Photo Session
A relaxed session starts before we ever meet! Once you're officially booked, you'll receive information to help you prepare, including tips for choosing outfits, what to bring, and what you can expect during your session.
I'll also send you a questionnaire so I can get to know your family a little beforehand. Tell me about your kids, their personalities, anything they're really into right now, and anything else you think I should know.
This is also your opportunity to let me know if there's something you're worried about or a particular image that's important to you.
The more I know about your family beforehand, the better I can make the experience feel like you.
When You Arrive: We'll Give Everyone Time to Settle In
You don't need to jump out of the car with three perfectly dressed, perfectly happy children ready to smile.I'm definitely not expecting that.
Some kids are ready to become my best friend immediately. Others want nothing to do with me for the first ten minutes. Both are fine! I never start with my camera out of my bag. We’ll chat, walk around to find a good photo spot, and give everyone a chance to get comfortable. I'm not in a rush to force a child to interact with me before they're ready.
Yes, We'll Get the Classic Family Portrait
Even though my style focuses heavily on genuine moments and connection, I still think it's important to get that classic family portrait with everyone together and looking at the camera.
They’re great for framing and grandparents love them. Then we can move on and be playful!
You Don't Need to Know How to Pose
One of the most common things people tell me is some version of:
"We're really awkward in front of the camera." My answer to that is, “Same.” You don’t need to know how to pose. I will guide you with movement, prompts and tell you want to do with your hands.
I might ask you to walk together, snuggle your kids, play a little game, tell someone something silly, or just interact with each other.
My job is to create the opportunity for something genuine to happen and then photograph it when it does.
Your Kids Are Allowed to Be Kids
This might be the most important thing I can tell you before your family photo session:
Please don't spend the entire session worrying about whether your kids are behaving.
They don't need to sit still, they don't need to smile every time I point the camera at them and they definitely don't need to perform.
If your toddler finds a dandelion they need to investigate, we shall do so. If your child wants to run, we'll incorporate movement.
If someone needs a minute with Mom, that's okay too. Kids being themselves gives me the opportunity to capture their real personalities and those are often the images parents end up loving the most.
Most importantly, kids can feel their parents’ energy so easily. If you’re calm, they are far more likely to be calm. If you could take one tip away from this post, that would be it.
We'll Get Photos of Everyone
During a typical family photo session, we'll work through a variety of combinations.
We'll photograph your entire family together and I'll also look for opportunities to photograph:
Mom with the kids
Dad with the kids
Siblings together
Each child individually
Mom and Dad together
Lots of candid moments and different combinations along the way
I especially love taking individual portraits of each child. Kids change so fast, and I think there's something really valuable about having a photograph that captures exactly what they looked like at this particular age. Freezing all those little features that may change before you realize it.
What If Someone Has a Meltdown?
🤷🏻♀️ it happens.
Kids get tired and overwhelmed. We all do. Someone might decide they don't like the shirt they're wearing anymore. Someone might suddenly become extremely interested in a stick.
None of this means your session is ruined, it just means we'll adjust.
Sometimes we'll take a break or we'll switch who's being photographed. Sometimes we'll play a game. Sometimes I'll photograph what's happening instead of fighting against it.
You'd probably be surprised how many beautiful galleries have a few minutes of chaos somewhere in the middle of them.
What If the Weather Doesn't Cooperate?
Weather is one of the trickier parts of planning outdoor family photos in Buffalo, NY.
I'll keep an eye on the forecast leading up to your session, but as we know, Western New York weather is anything but predicable.
Clouds don't automatically mean we need to reschedule, and a little wind isn't necessarily a bad thing. But if the weather really isn't going to work, we'll make a plan.
I've photographed sessions that went from beautiful sunshine to wind to pouring rain and even ended with a rainbow. Unless it’s downpouring or thundering/lightening, there’s a good chance we can move forward as expected.
What Happens After Your Family Session?
After your session, I'll carefully select and edit your images. About three to four weeks later, you'll receive a customized slideshow set to music featuring your entire gallery. You'll have time to sit down, watch it together, and see all of the moments we captured.
From there, you'll choose the collection that's right for your family and have the opportunity to download your images and turn your favorites into something tangible that you can actually enjoy in your home.
Because as much as I love creating these photographs, I REALLY love knowing they won't just disappear into a camera roll somewhere.
Final Thoughts on Your Buffalo Family Photo Session
If you're feeling nervous about booking family photos because you're worried your kids won't cooperate, you won't know what to do, or your family isn't "photogenic" enough, I hope this gives you some reassurance.
You don't need to show up and perform for the camera, just come (dressed in nicer than usual clothes) and hang out together.
I'll guide you when you need it, let your kids be themselves, and capture all of the connection, personalities, and chaos that make your family yours.
So that years from now, when this phase is long gone, I hope these photographs bring you right back to what this season of your life actually felt like.
Ready to document your family just as you are? I’d love to help you plan a relaxed family photo session in and/or around Buffalo, NY. Click the button below to get in touch ⬇️
