1. Choose your clothing wisely:
Choose your clothes in advance and even take mock photos before hand to see whether everyone will look their best on the day.  Make sure that the clothes are comfortable and flowing and try and use colours that compliment each other.  Add frivolity with scarves, hats, colour socks just for a bit of fun.

2. Make sure that everyone is well rested and fed.
The best time for lighting is the two hours before sunset and after sunrise but is this is nap time for your children then either get them to sleep before hand or tell the photographer as they should be able to work around this.  Make sure that everyone is fed and not hungry so that young children don’t become irritable.

3. Get ready before the time
Moms should have their hair and makeup professionally done. This will prepare mom for her pictures and when mom is feeling pretty and confident, this will reflect on the rest of the family as well. Leave plenty of time for showers, baths, dressing, and grooming. When a family shows up to a family photo session rushed and disorganized, it sets the tone for a rushed and disorganized session. Give yourself extra time so that you are ready before it’s time to head out that door.

4. Dont force the children to smile.
Yelling and screaming at the children will not produce lovely photos rather let them be natural and take spontaneous photos.  The photographer will talk engage with the children and produce lovely soft and natural photos.

5. Have fun with your family.
Play with your children and hug or kiss your husband.  Loving moments between each other make for super fun, light and natural photos.

6. Fun activity to do while being photographed.
If your family likes playing soccer for example then bring a ball with you to the shoot and play around.  When families are engaged in doing something that they love together, the photographer will have the opportunity to take some beautiful and authentic photographs.

Photos courtesy of Emma O’ Brien