After 14 years of photographing families in Houston I have heard it all. But the most common thing a client says is “I just feel awkward in front of the camera”. Listen, I hear you! I certainly have some extra fluff after having two girls, and let’s not even talk about the quarantine baking! But here is the deal, if not now, when? Rather than give you a guilt trip about not having enough family pictures taken, let me be your hype girl! Here are my tips for pushing past the pity party and feeling fabulous + ready for some family photography fun!
1. Hire a photographer who eases your mind
Social media is filled with amazing artists but rather than looking for a photographer that shoots beautiful pictures, look for a photographer that shoots REAL LIFE FAMILIES in beautiful ways! Before you choose a photographer make sure that you feel comfortable with how they tell the stories of the families they capture. You can do this, by looking at a photographers work on all social media platforms and website.
Bonus Tip: ask to talk to them on the phone! Since it’s unlikely you will meet face to face prior to the session at least meet over the phone! I speak to all of my clients upon booking so we are both have the same expectations and goals. I also send them a “getting to know you” questionnaire so I know as much about the client ahead of time and can put them at ease when we meet. Remember, if you are uncomfortable around a person without their camera, once their camera is pointed toward you it will amplify that feeling and show in all of the images.
2. Look Good Feel Good
Since I do this everyday, I know what looks beautiful on all body types, what poses are the most flattering, and what clothes look best on camera. This is why clients receive a clothing questionnaire upon booking. If you feel uncomfortable showing your arms I will find clothing that ensures you don’t have to. So finding clothing that is still in you comfort zone but with a little bit of “oomph”, is my priority! Be sure to have everyone in your family try their clothing on at least 7 days before the actual photoshoot. This will ensure everything fits correctly and is comfortable. This also gives you time to find something new or have clothing altered because y’all there is nothing worse than too tight pants!
Another step to feeling beautiful as a busy Texas mom is getting pampered! For every family session my own family does I have always opted to have my makeup done. Yall, I am a flip flop and chapstick kind of girl! In fact, don’t tell anyone but I don’t even know how to use highlighter! After so many years of photographing families in Texas I have become friends with some of the most incredible hair and makeup artists from Tomball to The Heights! So I can certainly refer a makeup artist to give you that dewy fresh face that looks like you have been sleeping through the night no matter how old your babies are!
3. Let me take the lead
I have pioneered a type of session that I call the Art of Play. In fact, I have taught it to photographers all over the world! So let me take the lead and trust me. Our session will be a series of games and prompts. I will tell you where to look, who to look at and what to do with your hands (no Ricky Bobby hands happening here). Remember you hired me to capture your connection with each other not your connection with my camera. Think of our session as a “paparazzi playdate”! All you have to do is arrive ready to laugh and love on your family (plus play some pretty fun games along the way)!
Being in front of the camera gets easier every time you do it, trust me I know from personal experience. Most of the clients you see here on this site have been coming to sessions with me since their tweens were born. They look so good because they trust me, they are confident that I will deliver a gallery of love filled images that their children will cherish when they are long gone.
Be sure to check out my post on The Top Three tips for the Best Family Pictures
Let’s get your family on my calendar for the beautiful flower filled fields of Texas spring!
Wonderful tips for the perfect relaxed session – and wondering images of course, as always. I wish I knew of you many moons ago when mine were littles and we were in The Woodands. I can continue to admire from afar!
These are great tips and I agree, being comfortable with your photographer is key! And you are so warm and easy going, clients will be at ease with you right away! These photos are gorgeous. Anyone would be thrilled to have family photos like these.
These are such amazing tips! Always so helpful Shalonda!!
I want family photos like these! You sure you can’t come to Australia again soon 😉
Love your work; especially the countless ways you provide superior kindness and love to your clients and other photographers.
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