5 Essential Tips to Elevate Your Family Photo Session
Pro Insights From a California Lifestyle Photographer.
As a southern California-based lifestyle photographer, I've had the opportunity to capture the unique journey of a wide range of family groups through the medium of narrative and editorial lifestyle photography.
That’s why to me, family lifestyle photography is much more than a simple click of the shutter. It's about weaving stories, capturing the essence of the moment, and letting emotions unfold. It’s real, and results in images that families can celebrate with each passing year.
This is photography that matters.
In this blog post, I'm going to discuss my top five tips to help you make the most of your family photo session. Whether you’re looking for a San Clemente photographer to document your day at the world famous Trestles surf spot, shots in art-obsessed Laguna Beach, or images from Newport Beach’s famous harbor, these 5 strategies will help you get the most out of the shoot.
1. Planning Makes Room for Creativity
Unlike traditional sessions that are often bound to a fixed schedule, as a California lifestyle photographer, my lifestyle shoots celebrate spontaneity. There's no script to follow, only life unfolding in its unpredictable glory.
Some of the most creatively improvisational musicians talk about how they’re able to do what they do only because of the thousands of hours they’ve spent learning the chords that make up their craft. In much the same way, strategizing - and structuring - your session not only sets the stage for success, it allows for greater creative flexibility once the session begins.
Think about what you really want to achieve with the session, what shots you absolutely want to try to get. Then, spend time reflecting on the season, the locale, and your favorite time of the day. For example, are the family your photographing, early risers? If so, take advantage of that and add a magical sunrise session to your shot list.
The tapestry of southern California offers a wildly diverse backdrop – from the serene vibes of Laguna Beach to the bustling energy of downtown Los Angeles. I love the process of strategizing with my clients. It’s like making a movie; the more we can storyboard, the more you can relax and enjoy the experience.
2. Dress with Intention
Coordinating outfits can accentuate the aesthetics of your photos. It's not about matching from head to toe, but more about creating a cohesive look with a shared color or style theme.
There’s a fine line between matchy-matchy and couples or families making the intentioned choice to be photographed in similar color palettes and styles. With my background in fashion photography and design, I’m always happy to consult on fashion and color choices.
Remember though, comfort and confidence are your best accessories. They project authenticity, and help make your photographs pop with natural charisma.
3. Keep it Genuine
Working as a Los Angeles lifestyle photographer, I seek realness wherever I can. That’s why it’s important to let your family's distinct dynamics and character lead the way. Whether you’ve got a wild-spirited crew or more calm, reflective family group, allowing space for both can make for real, candid moments that leave a lasting impression.
The more I know about the dynamics of your family, what makes your kids happy, or their latest accomplishments, the more I can craft a path that leads to success. It helps me help you to relax. That’s where the most comfortable, genuine moments come from.
4.Find a Way to Sync with Your Photographer
A photographer shouldn’t just be someone behind the lens. To get the most from your session, the photographer needs to be your co-narrator in this storytelling journey. Find a way to share the essence, the nuances, and the dreams of your family.
As a narrative lifestyle photographer, that’s where the homework I do well in advance of the shoot comes in so handy. By the time I arrive at the location, I’ve story boarded the event. More importantly, I know who I’m shooting.
Maybe it was a series of conversations on the phone. More likely it was coffee, or a walk around the venue that we’re thinking about using. Often, it’s me showing my prospective clients a special area that I know well.
In all of these cases, it’s this deep connection that allows me to craft a session that's not just about photos, but people and experiences.
5. Celebrate the Moment
While we all have a vision of that 'perfect' shot, sometimes magic happens when you least expect it. Whether you're watching kids skimboarding while soaking up the sun in Laguna Beach, or experiencing rustic vibes with a San Clemente-based family photographer, it’s when we relax and let the moment unfold naturally that we get photographs that really shine with life and authenticity.
Lifestyle family photography is all about moments and memories. Like so many things, it’s also about finding balance. Balance between preparation and allowing space to let the moment unfold naturally. I try to over prepare to create time and space for you to relax and enjoy the day. Equipped with these insights, I hope that it’ll be easier for both of us to set the stage for an unforgettable narrative, and lasting images you’ll treasure forever.
