With the right preparation, your family shoot will be a relaxed, joyful experience. Here you can find out step by step how to best prepare for your family shoot
A family photo shoot can be more than just taking family photos. It can be a shared family experience that creates precious memories. Time flies so quickly: one minute your children are babies, the next they’re off to school. Capturing the milestones of your children’s development is a gift you can give yourselves as a family.
To ensure that your family shoot is relaxed and that you get authentic, natural pictures, I would like to give you some tips for preparing your family photo shoot. With the right preparation, your shoot will be a wonderful experience for the whole family, and I’ll show you how we can achieve this together.
Here you will find a brief summary of the main content of the article:
- After your inquiry, we will get to know each other in a detailed phone call. I’ll find out more about your family and your wishes, and I’ll tell you about my way of working and answer your questions. Together we will find a date and plan your individual family shoot.
- Choose a time for your family photo shoot when your children are well rested. Color-coordinate your outfits and make sure they look well-groomed. Prepare your children for the shoot in a playful way and make sure there is no pressure. Pack snacks, drinks and any favorite toys.
- The right preparation ensures that everyone is relaxed going into the shoot. The more relaxed you are, the more authentic the family photos will be. Plan enough time, get your outfits ready in good time and make sure that everyone is rested and full.
- The most important thing is your attitude. Relaxed parents lead to relaxed children and therefore to authentic, wonderful family photos. There is no such thing as a perfect family photo. The best moments are created when you are simply yourselves.
- Executive Summary: Authentic images of playing, cuddling and laughing
- Get to know each other and book your family shoot
- Choosing the right time for your family shoot
- The location for your family photo shoot
- The right outfit choice for the whole family
- Styling and details for successful family photos
- Preparing your children for the family shoot
- What you should bring to the family shoot
- On the day of the family shoot
- Family photo shoots: frequently asked questions about preparation
- Take a look at my offer for family shoots
- Take a look at other articles on family photography
If you are interested in a family photo shoot, please send me a request via the contact form, WhatsApp or give me a call. If you already have some ideas, please share them with me right away. Is there a special occasion? Do you have a specific location in mind? Do you want grandparents or a pet in the family photos? Such information helps me to understand your wishes and to advise you in the best possible way on your project.
We get a better feel for each other in a phone call, and I can respond directly to your questions and make suggestions. Understanding your ideas and getting to know you is very important to me, because trust is the basis for relaxed and authentic family photos. Every family is unique, which is why I tailor each family shoot to you individually.
In our conversation, I would like to find out what your wishes and expectations are regarding your family shoot. What kind of family pictures do you have in mind? Which image style do you particularly like? Are there certain motifs that are particularly important to you? Individual portraits, pictures with the whole family or pictures of siblings?
At the same time, I would like to know more about your family: How old are your children? What are their personalities and preferences? Details like these help me to organize the process so that everyone feels comfortable. We also discuss our ideas for the family photo shoot together, outdoors or indoors, at your home or at a special location in Munich? We will also discuss what opportunities the season offers for family photos and what time frame is suitable for you.
Of course, I will also tell you a few things about my way of working and answer all your questions. We will then plan your perfect family photo shoot based on your ideas and our consultation. Once you have made your booking, we will arrange a date for our family photo shoot. I’ll put you in my calendar and give you all the necessary information about the process and preparation.
For small children and babies, I recommend a time for the family shoot when the children are normally rested and in a good mood. Right after a nap is often ideal: the little ones are awake, full and still have enough energy. If possible, however, avoid times just before dinner or bedtime, as this can quickly become exhausting for everyone involved.
With schoolchildren and teenagers, you should also make sure that the family photo shoot does not take place directly after a long day at school. A relaxed afternoon or the weekend usually works better. Talk to your children about your plans and get them involved.
Make sure you plan a time buffer. It’s better to arrive a quarter of an hour early than stressed. If you put yourself under pressure, this will affect the children and the family photos. Relaxed parents are the best prerequisite for a successful family photo shoot.
For outdoor family photo shoots, I keep an eye on the weather forecast and let you know in good time if I think we should postpone the date. A cloudy sky or a few raindrops are no problem at all for beautiful, atmospheric family photos, but in the event of a storm or heavy rain, we’d better postpone the date. Alternatively, we can change the location and move the shoot to the studio or to your home, for example.
The choice of location for your family photo shoot depends on your wishes, the age of your children and the time of year. Every location has its own charm and advantages. Weather permitting and provided the children are not too small, I prefer outdoor shoots at any time of year as they offer a particularly natural and relaxed atmosphere.
An outdoor family shoot has a very special charm. Nature offers plenty of space to move around, beautiful natural light and a relaxed atmosphere in which children feel particularly comfortable. They can run, play or explore the surroundings while I capture these natural moments in photographs. Popular outdoor locations in Munich are the English Garden, the banks of the Isar, the West Park or the East Park, the Botanical Garden or your personal favorite location.
For families with very young children, an indoor family shoot is often a good option. The little ones feel most comfortable in your home and the familiar surroundings make for relaxed pictures. A home shoot can also be very nice with older children. While playing in the children’s room, cuddling on the sofa or baking together in the kitchen, you can create authentic family photos that show you in everyday life.
Alternatively, the studio offers a simple, minimalist backdrop. In the daylight studio, we have good lighting conditions and a visually reduced environment. The studio is particularly suitable if you prefer a clear, minimalist image style.
Choosing clothes is important for many families, but it shouldn’t become a stress factor. The most important thing is that everyone likes their clothes and feels comfortable in them.
Color-coordinate your outfits, but never in the exact same color. Choose soft, harmonious colors such as cream, beige, pastel shades or earth tones. Avoid bright colors and eye-catching patterns, as they distract from the essentials and bring unrest into the picture.
You can find a detailed article on outfits for family shoots on my blog, where I give practical tips. There I also explain which colors and styles are particularly suitable and what you should avoid.
In addition to the choice of outfit, styling and certain details also play an important role in successful family photos.
For the moms, I recommend taking some time for yourselves on the day of the shoot. Freshly washed hair and a beautiful hairstyle will make you look even better in the photos. Whether open, braided or pinned up: choose a hairstyle that you feel comfortable with. If you’re interested, feel free to apply make-up. If you want to treat yourself to something special, I can recommend a professional make-up artist.
Dads should also take care of their appearance. You are welcome to shave or groom your beard. Well-groomed hair and clean fingernails round off the overall look.
With children, it’s often the small details that make the difference. Make sure that there are no scribbles or colored tattoos on their hands or arms and that their fingernails are clean and well-groomed. A nice hairband, a small scarf or a cap can be wonderful accessories for children. Their favorite cuddly toy or a special toy can also be part of the photo shoot.
Also pay attention to details such as watches and jewelry. Large, eye-catching watches or very shiny jewelry can be distracting in the photos. Discreet jewelry, on the other hand, can add a nice accent. An interesting alternative to shoes is to be photographed barefoot.
Children often have more fun at the shoot if they know what to expect early on. Playfully tell them about the photo shoot a few days in advance and explain where you are going: perhaps to a park to play or to your home.
Make the photo shoot a positive experience, but avoid expecting too much or making promises beforehand. Statements like “You have to be really nice and smile” put children under pressure. It’s better to say: “We’re going to have a great time together and take some great photos.”
With children and teenagers, it is important to take their concerns seriously. Talk openly about the family photo shoot and explain that the aim is to capture natural, candid moments. Involve them in decisions, for example when choosing outfits. This gives them a sense of influence and makes them active participants.
Good preparation also means thinking about the little things that make family photography more relaxed. It’s best to pack a change of clothes for small children, especially for outdoor family shoots. Diapers, wet wipes, pacifiers or the favorite cuddly toy should also be included. They give the little ones a sense of security and can be photographed if they are part of your everyday life.
Snacks and drinks are worth their weight in gold on a shoot, especially for longer shoots. Pack a few favorite snacks that won’t crumble or spill too much. You should also take water for all family members.
Optionally, you can also bring along a few things to make the family photo shoot more lively. Soap bubbles are popular with children and make for wonderful, playful family photos. A favorite toy can help lure shy children out of their shell. If your pet is calm enough, feel free to bring it along. Just please let me know in advance so that I can be prepared.
It’s best to get all the outfits ready for the family the day before. Check once again that the clothes are ironed, the shoes are clean and details such as matching socks or accessories are not missing. This will help you avoid rushing and give you more time to start the day relaxed.
Make sure that all family members are full and rested before we meet. A hungry or tired child will not feel comfortable in the shoot and this will show in the photos. Allow enough time for the journey and it’s better to arrive a quarter of an hour early than stressed. A relaxed start is the best basis for natural, cheerful family photos.
However, the most important thing is your inner attitude. Go into the shoot with a positive, relaxed attitude. Your children can sense exactly whether you are stressed or happy. If you are relaxed and in a good mood yourself, this will be passed on to the whole family. Don’t put yourselves or your children under pressure. There is no such thing as a perfect family photo. The best pictures are taken when everyone can just be themselves and enjoy their time together. Small moments of imperfection make your family authentic and the pictures come alive.
You can find all the information about how a family photo shoot works in the separate article“Family photo shoot procedure“.
