The day of your family photos should be loads of fun, but it can be stressful if you’re unprepared. The good news is that a Long Island family photographer is familiar with this process and know how to get the best shot of your entire family. Whether you’re hosting your photoshoot in Northport, Huntington, Lloyd Harbor, the Hamptons or another popular location, a Long Island family photographer has you covered!
Taking photos with a large group of people can be tricky because the photographer will need to capture different personalities while snapping the perfect picture — plus, get a flattering shot of kids that may find it challenging to stay still. However, with the right preparation and an experienced photographer, you’re sure to have a wonderful experience! Let’s discuss a few simple ways that you can prepare for your family photo shoot.
How to Prepare for Your Family Photo Shoot
Preparing for your family photo shoot can be as fun as the experience. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to get ready for your shoot and come out with the best family pictures of your life.
1. Get Excited for Your Family Photo Shoot
If there’s anything New Yorkers have in spades, it’s personality. To ensure your family’s uniqueness shines through, your photo shoot should be exciting and fun! Avoid stiff, posed photographs by building anticipation leading up to the big day. You can create a sense of enthusiasm by discussing the location your family will visit or keeping the location a surprise until the photo shoot day. Remember to let the little ones know you’ll have a professional photographer present, especially if it’s their first time having portraits made.
How you prepare your family will depend on your family dynamics. For instance, some families are elated to learn about the family photo shoot and use it as an opportunity to showcase their creativity. However, other families emphasize the chance to spend quality time with one another.
No matter how you approach the topic, an experienced Long Island family photographer will support you in creating the best atmosphere for your family!
2. Choose the Right Outfits
When deciding what to wear for your family photo shoot, allowing each family member’s authentic personality to shine through is important. The more you let your family express themselves, the easier it is for photographers to capture their essence.
Although it can be tempting, avoid forcing your family to wear outfits they’re uncomfortable with because their discomfort will be visible in your pictures. If you need some inspiration, check out family photos on Pinterest.
3. Make Sure Everyone Is Fed and Well-Rested
This next step may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many overlook the importance of sleep and food. Do your best to ensure everyone gets a good night’s sleep before the photo shoot. Also, get your outfits and any props you bring the night before so you’re not scrambling around the morning of your photo shoot.
And, of course, make sure everyone is well fed before the shoot. Try to avoid bringing snacks. Snacks are distracting for the kids and anything with color will stain their tongue and teeth. bring a few snacks for the whole family in case anyone gets hungry while you’re on the road or during the photo shoot. Just make sure that the snacks aren’t messy! The last thing you want is a stained outfit in your family pictures.
4. Bring a Few Toys for Your Kids to Use as Props
Kickstart your kids’ enthusiasm by letting them bring special items to show off during the family photo shoot. This may be their favorite stuffed animal or an item related to their hobby, such as a skateboard. Or suggest fun props, such as bubbles or balloons, for a playful and charming family photo shoot.
Whichever items you choose, make sure you don’t bring items that are difficult to carry to the photo shoot location. Some of Long Island’s most scenic spots will require a little bit of walking, and you want everyone to arrive at your backdrop feeling fresh and energetic.
5. Let Everyone Show Their Personality and Have Fun
Your family photo shoot is all about having fun! Try not to stress about poses or having picture-perfect smiles. Remember, Long Island family photographers will guide you through the process and ensure that everyone feels comfortable from start to finish.
In most cases, your family pictures will be much better if you don’t bribe your children during the photo shoot. If you’re interested in rewarding your kids for a job well done, plan a fun activity after the session, like a trip to their favorite ice cream spot or the toy store.
What Happens After Your Photoshoot with a Long Island Family Photographer?
You’re probably eager to see the final product after your photo shoot is done, but this is only the beginning! Your Long Island family photographer will guide you through the process so the entire family has a great experience seeing your new family photographs.
View Your Beautiful Images
Most photographers simply send the completed photographs to their customers, but at Zoot Shoot, we go the extra mile by offering a reveal session! Once you schedule the reveal session, your photographer will come to your home with their mobile studio so that you can go through your images at your leisure. This is the part where you can relax and enjoy the special memories you’ve made during your photo shoot!
Select Your Favorite Art
Once you’ve seen your beautiful family portraits, you must decide what to do with them. For this part of the process, you’ll connect with your Long Island family photographer, like Zoot Shoot, to decide how you would like to display your finished photos, whether you choose wall art, fine art, or digital images. Your photographer will retouch your photographs to ensure you receive the highest quality photographs for any format.
Keep Your Memories Forever
Now that the process is complete, it’s time to enjoy your family photos for the rest of your life! Once your photographs arrive from the lab, your photographer will contact you and schedule a time to deliver the pictures. Displaying family photographs in your house makes it feel like home and allows you to treasure them for years to come.
Partner with a Long Island Family Photographer at Zoot Shoot
Family photographs are essential to capturing your family’s growth over the years and can help you form more memories with the people you know and love. Now that you know how to prepare for your family photo shoot, it’s time to book your family portrait session!
If you’re looking for a Long Island family photographer, we’ve got you covered. At Zoot Shoot, we’ll capture the essence of your family, so you’ll have memories to cherish for a lifetime. Contact us today to book your family portraits!
