Preparing for Family Photos | Amarillo Photographer

As temperatures in west Texas finally drop, this is my favorite time of year for family photo sessions. The weather in the panhandle is finicky year round, but fall is a true gem for an Amarillo portrait photographer. It’s time to start preparing for family photos if you are planning a shoot soon! The Palo Duro Canyon is one of my favorite places to shoot, but we have lots of other great locations in the area with golden leaves and brick streets.

Family photo sessions have the potential to be so much fun! Time spent together capturing memories is priceless, and I want the photos you hang on your wall to be as well. So, shake off the stress, get ready to have some fun, and check out my tips for preparing for your session. 

Before the Session

1. Talk with your photographer to share your vision and inspiration for your session. Choose a location that aligns with your vision, and let your photographer know about your expectations for the shoot.

2. Prep your kids! Tell them what they can except during the shoot and get them excited about it. If you have young children, consider playing imaginative games about photographers and photoshoots to get them ready!   

3. Come well-fed and rested. This is especially important for kids! I recommend packing some snacks in case hunger strikes mid-session. Some great snacks to pack are cheese cubs, goldfish, and jellybeans. Stay away from messy snacks like chocolate, suckers, or ice cream.

4. Decide on a reward at the end of the session, or let them help you choose one! Some options are pizza, ice cream, or a toy!

5. Plan your outfits well in advance! There is nothing worse than running around to get things together at the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready without rushing the day of your photoshoot. Keep weather in mind when choosing your outfits. If it’s cold out and you are wearing a light-weight dress, you probably won’t be comfortable or feel your best. Wear something you feel good in because confidence is beautiful. Consider coordinating colors, patters, and textures for visually interesting pictures, and skip the solid white shirts on everyone. If you need help with outfit suggestions or guidance, you can always reach out! I’d love to help you to make sure you look and feel your best!

6. Make the photo session an activity! My style isn’t posed and stiff, so you aren’t going to get that while working with me. Bring a blanket and your family can snuggle up. Your dog is welcome to come play catch. Hike in the canyon or frolic through wildflowers.

7. Plan to bring your pets! They are part of your family and make for such fun sessions!  

8. Be happy! Family photos can be stressful, and it’s easy to get frustrated because of how much work and money go into your session. Kids can be unpredictable, and we know that going into this. If you are yelling at your kids or are feeling overwhelmed, that’s going to come across in your photos. Take some deep breaths, and let the stress go. Relax and focus on spending time together having fun with your family. The session will be over before you know it, and you will have these memories forever!

During the Session

1. Enjoy your time! We are all busy, look at this as a chance to connect with your family and enjoy your time together.

2. Be playful! You’ve come to me for family photos that aren’t stiff and boring, so be prepared for me to guide you into poses that capture the connection between your family. Don’t stress about looking at the camera or getting your kids into the perfect poses. Candid laughter helps me capture the sweetest memories.

3. Let each kid shine! Make sure they know that they will all get time of their own. Let them be kids and don’t worry about putting too much pressure on them to be perfectly behaved. I want to capture their unique personalities, and you will love the photos that are uniquely them when we are done!  

After the Session

1. Take your kids out for that treat you promised them! I’m sure they will be reminding you about their reward on the way back to the car!  

2. Enjoy your final gallery when it is delivered. This is one of the best parts of booking a family session! Show your photographer some love and appreciation for their hard work.

3. Print your photos. Choose your favorites and put them on display! Some of my favorite places to print your new photos are mpix.com, Artifact Uprising, and Small Woods.

Don’t waste any time and book your next session with me! Then sit back, relax, and get excited because you know what to expect and how to start preparing for family photos. I can’t wait to see you in Amarillo!