Fall is synonymous with annual family photos. Some people love it and some people dread it! If you’re the latter, I’d love to give you some encouragement and easy tips to help you enjoy your annual family photos.

Let go of expectations

The goal of your family photos is to document the unique season you’re in. Each season of parenthood, though filled with long days and challenges, is also filled with tenderness and joy. Don’t think of family photos as the time where you pretend everything is perfect and no one acts up. Embrace that children have feelings, embrace that life with young children can be unpredictable, and embrace the overwhelming love you feel when you look at your family. I promise your photos will be so much more enjoyable if you don’t sweat the small things! As a former elementary school teacher and mother of three children under the age of 4, nothing phases me. My goal is to ensure your session is relaxed so you can experience authentic moments with your family.

Prepare outfits ahead of time

You’ll feel much less stressed if you start planning outfits upon booking. If you’re a client of mine, I offer you curated style boards from The Arte of Dressing with clickable images that take you straight to the site to purchase them. 8 different looks, thoughtfully selected and beautifully coordinated. You’re sure to find something that speaks to you and your unique taste! Once you’ve found your outfits, prepare EVERYTHING the day before. And I do recommend everything! Lay out each family member’s outfit on a bed/hung on a rack from head to toe. Bows/headbands, earrings, tops, bottoms, socks, and shoes! This will eliminate the last minute mad dash around the house to find the missing left shoe (ask me how I know). Reading this the week before your session? Have no fear, I’ve been there! Here is a blog post with my favorite Amazon finds for fall photos.

Be open to child-led family photos

Tell me if this ever happens to you. You really want your child to do something, they know you want them to do it, you ask, and they do the opposite. Frustrating, right?! It’s important to remember that children are people and we must respect them. It is not uncommon for toddlers to wander and march to the beat of their own drum. Instead of getting frustrated, let’s embrace that and let them lead the session! My child-led approach to sessions ensures that children feel comfortable, so they can interact with you authentically.

Have a treat ready

I always encourage having a favorite treat ready for children either for during the session or after. It’s best not to let them know you have it, but it can sometimes encourage children who are having a hard day! Marshmallows are great for sessions, as children can enjoy them for a long time and not get their clothes dirty.

I hope you found this helpful as you prepare for family photos. The goal is not to take pictures once a year where you pretend things are perfect for 30 minutes. The goal is to embrace the season you’re in and cherish this particular stage of life so we can preserve that in beautiful images! If you’re looking for a Little Rock family photographer, I’d love to hear from you through my contact page.