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Erica Pezente Photography | Boston Wedding & Portrait Photographer

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Stress Free Family Photos | Tips For A Successful Family Session

Erica Pezente October 6, 2016

Family photo season is finally here! The seasons are changing, beautiful foliage abounds and Christmas is right around the corner. Now is the time to start thinking about scheduling a photo shoot if you want images for your Christmas cards. 

If the thought of coordinating your whole family in stylish outfits and getting your kids to smile for the camera strikes fear in your heart you're not alone. Children are notoriously unpredictable (perhaps you've noticed?) and short of praying or doing a rain dance there's not much you can do to guarantee your child will be in a happy mood for photo day. However, there are some things you can do in advance that will ensure everyone is prepared. I've compiled a list of my top tips for a smooth family photo session:

1. Bring snacks. A fed child is a happy child. I try to have some snacks (bribes) on hand but if your child is picky or has allergies it's always a good idea to bring your own. 

2. Naps: Schedule your session for your children's "happy" time of day. If they're usually cheerful in the morning try and schedule your session at that time. If they have epic meltdowns right before dinner they probably won't do well with an evening shoot.

3. Clothing: Probably the biggest source of stress besides children's behavior. If you're not a fashionista it can be hard to pick out coordinating outfits for everyone. A general rule of thumb is to pick 2-3 colors and stick within that palate. Neutrals count as colors too. My favorite colors for fall are Tan, brown, taupe, cream, grey, maroon, yellow, and navy blue. You can visit my separate what to wear guide here

4. No pressure: Prepare your children for the photo session but you don't have to threaten     them to behave. If they're reluctant to come you could promise them a trip to the park after, ice cream, or another special treat. If they do have a meltdown at the photo shoot it's okay. They're usually smiling a few minutes later!

5. Communicate: Make sure to discuss with your photographer all the things that are important to you BEFORE your session. If getting a shot of everyone looking at the camera is your number one goal be sure to let your photographer know. A good photographer will do everything in their power to get you the shots you want and they should listen to you. That being said, understand that children are unpredictable (not just your kids, all kids!) and you may not get the exact shot you have in mind.

6. Prepare the kids: Tell them you're going to have a family adventure and you have to get all     dressed up. If they're not convinced try to schedule a trip to the park or ice cream after the   session if they listen well for the photos. If your husband isn't convinced tell him he can go        golfing after or whatever it is that husbands like to do!

7. Relax: Guess what happens when you ask a toddler to smile and look at a stranger... they freak out! Instead of stressing about everyone looking at the camera, play with your kids and enjoy yourself instead! A toddler would much rather play peek-a-boo with mom or get tickled by dad than stare at a stranger with a black box. Playing with your kids brings out real smiles and your stealthy photographer can snap away while you casually walk down a wooded path or have a picnic in a field.

I hope I've given you some tips you can use for your next session, remember it's supposed to be fun and just go with the flow. If you have any tips that work for your family please share them below!

If you're ready to take the plunge and try a session for yourself, I'm offering mini sessions in Framingham, MA on October 15th and 16th. Visit this link for booking information.

 

 

Tags Fall photos, fall family photos, preparing for photo session, family photos, portrait photography, children photography, framingham, framingham photographer, boston, Boston photographer, boston family, Newport RI, newport photographer, newport family
← Fall Mini Sessions at Cushing Park, Framingham Tim's Senior Photos at Cushing Park | Framingham, MA →

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@erica_pezente
Thinking about starting a photography business? My most recent blog post is for you! I outlined the 11 first steps I would take if I was starting my business today.
If you’re a photographer what do you wish you did differently in the beginning?
Live on the blog: Should you do a first look?
First looks are amazing. They allow you more time together on your wedding day, relieve your stress, and give you beautiful photos!
.
If you want to learn more about what they are and why I recommend them check out the link in my profile 👰🏻🤵🏻
First looks: Are you for or against them? Tomorrow on the blog I’m talking about why I love first looks so much and how they can make your wedding day more meaningful.
If you have any thoughts/questions please share below! 
Venue: @harbourhousect 
Model/Hair: @samloveshair 
Flowers: @tulipsfloraldesign 
Dress: @adorcouture 
MUA: @beauty.mua.jo
I’m not a winter person at all but I can’t help but think how winter is like nature’s way of Marie Kondo-ing herself. All the flashy pretty things disappear and nature has a chance to reset ❄️
📷@socialsquares
Do you like gold or silver rings?
I usually prefer silver but these are pretty too 😍
Happy Friday! For #fridayintroductions  I’m sharing the 7 biggest game changers in my business.
1. @honeybook - I use HoneyBook for all of my client communication, contracts, and invoicing. It makes my life so much easier having everything in one place. They have an app that notifies you when you have an inquiry or new communication and they integrate with QuickBooks, Calendly, and even Facebook Ads!
2. @kindredpresets - I couldn’t decide on a style until I found Kindred. They go perfectly with the way I like to shoot and I love how they change my greens!
.
You can see the rest on my blog through the link in my profile, if you’re a business owner what’s the one product/software that’s helped you the most?!
📷@darianreillyphotography
One of my goals for the year was to sit down and plan out my content for the year instead of posting sporadically.
.
I actually made a content calendar in google docs and it feels good to know what’s coming when!
.
Creative friends: How do you keep track of upcoming content? 
#bestgoals2019 #risingtidesociety
Are you searching for a wedding photographer and feel overwhelmed by all your options? I wrote a blog post on how to choose the best photographer for you!
.
My biggest piece of advice is to choose a photographer you like and trust. It’s a big investment and you’ll be with the person all day!
For all my tips head to the link in my bio!
.
Venue: @harbourhousect 
Model: @mrsallienoreika 
MUA: @beauty.mua.jo 
Hair: @samloveshair 
Flowers: @tulipsfloraldesign 
Dress: @adorcouture
Christine & Kyle’s Boston elopement is on the blog! We went to 7 different locations in the city and they were troopers in the cold!
Anyone suffering from Winter inertia?
I’m usually extra motivated and inspired around the new year (which eventually tapers off into hibernating on the couch) but I’m just not feeling it this year.
Do you have a ton of things you want to do this year but you’re stuck on how to proceed and already feel behind?
Yeah me too. This past week has been a little better and I participated in an awesome styled shoot yesterday that got me excited for 2019 weddings!
Hang in there if you’re not feeling motivated. It’s only January 14th, there’s still plenty of time left in the year! 📷@threehellos
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