How to have a magical family photoshoot!
A Nashville family photographer’s guide to stress free family photos.
(I saved the most important tip for last…)
You are not alone in feeling like getting photos taken with your kids is stressful, and that getting those magical moments captured like other families is highly unlikely for yours. Almost every family I have ever photographed has vocalized this fear to me.
I’m going to share with you my biggest secrets and tips so you can enjoy your time together, and get those special moments in time captured, just like the ones that you’ve seen on social media.
A magical family photoshoot in Nashville, TN
Nashville family photoshoot shot on 35mm film. Child throwing leaves.
Where are the best locations for Nashville family photos?
If you love your home, I highly recommend doing your family session there! This is the place you have the most memories, and it’s also where your little ones feel the most comfortable! Imagine cuddling together in your favorite reading spot, putting on a favorite song and dancing in the living room, or picking flowers together in the garden!
But in general, I’m a huge advocate for any other place where kids can run around and roam! If not your home, this could be your favorite park or nature spot. It can be helpful to consider places that have things they can interact with - whether that’s a woodsy area, or a water fountain or pond. If you’re wanting to do a studio shoot, consider bringing some of your kids’ favorite things or activities to help keep them engaged.
Kids playing in the barn, captured on 35mm film.
When is the best time to book my Nashville family session?
Time of Year:
If you’re wanting to shoot outdoors, I highly recommend planning for Spring or Fall! When it’s too cold and too hot outside, you risk the kids having meltdowns due to feeling uncomfortable, and your hair and makeup looking disheveled. If you’re wanting to shoot indoors, then anytime of year can work!
Time of Day:
As for picking a time, if you have kids that are under 6, it’s ideal to not disrupt your kids’ usual wakeup, nap and bedtimes just for the sake of photos. As photographers we love to book shoots around our favorite times of lighting, but it’s not worth prioritizing that if it means you’re going to have a grumpy kiddo in every photograph.
If you are wanting glowy and whimsical lighting in your photos that highlight the magic of childhood, evening is a great time for photos. The hour before sunset, known as “golden hour” is quite popular, and from there it moves into blue hour, just after the sun sets. That gives you a more moody, dusky and dark feel to photos that can also convey a lot of beauty and emotion.
Magical family photos take in Nashville, TN on 35mm film. A little girl and her goat.
Family photo in the garden, captured on 35mm film.
Extremely helpful tips for your family photo session:
Follow your kids’ curiosity! If you see them exploring something or giving attention to a tiny detail, get curious with them rather than trying to fight for their attention.
Bring water and snacks! It’s helpful to take breaks and let the kiddos refuel!
Interact with your kids! Sing songs, dance, spin them around or chase them! Making it a more interactive experience will keep the kiddos happy and make for some really adorable, candid moments captured in photographs!
Consider bringing a spare change of clothes. Babies drool and have blowouts. Growing kids easily trip or lose their balance. Having a backup outfit just in case is so helpful!
The GAME CHANGER…
Go with the flow, trust your photographer and have FUN! The less pressure you put on your kids, the better experience you all will have! Your photographer will help guide you when necessary, and do an amazing job at capturing those in-between moments.
Capturing magical family photos doesn’t require getting everyone to stand still and look at the camera. All you have to do is be present with each other and enjoy this distraction-free time together. If you do that, I promise… you’re going to get more than just one good photo, you won’t be stressed out, and you’ll get those magical photos you’re hoping for. :)
Nashville, TN family photo. Everyone in their Christmas outfits.
If you’re wanting to book a stress free and magical family photo session, reach out to me here!
Each session includes digital and 35mm photos, and a photo book filled with written memories and highlights from the current season of your family’s life - something you’ll be able to look back on and cherish forever.
Available in the Nashville, TN area, but also available for travel!