How to Prepare for Your Family Photoshoot in Seattle and the Eastside
Okay, so you finally took the plunge and hired a professional photographer for your next family session. What now? Preparing for a family photo session can feel daunting. As a parent, your mind is already racing about color schemes, outfit choices, whether or not your toddler (or teenager) will behave, will the photographer be able to make you look halfway decent and human after four babies and no measurable sleep after a decade of sleep deprivation…
Hiring a family photographer for your next session is a big step, and getting prepared is key! If you’ve booked a family photography session in Seattle or the Eastside, you’re in the right place for tips to make sure you’re ready. From outfit choices to planning for your little ones, here’s everything you need to know for a successful photoshoot.
1. Keep the Vibe Fun and Relaxed
Seattle families, the key to a successful shoot is setting the right tone. The more you prepare your loved ones for fun, the easier it will be to capture those natural, joyful moments. Whether you’re in Seattle’s parks or the Eastside’s picturesque landscapes, everyone will feel more at ease!
2. Communication with Your Photographer is Essential
A great experience starts with great communication. If you’re planning a shoot around Seattle’s busy cityscape or quieter Eastside neighborhoods, it’s important to discuss any special needs, like neuro-divergent children or specific family dynamics. This ensures your photographer, familiar with the diverse nature of Seattle families, can create the perfect environment.
3. Let the Photographer Lead the Session
Seattle and Eastside families, trust your photographer’s expertise. Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, letting your photographer direct the session ensures everything runs smoothly. It’s about capturing authentic moments, not forcing smiles.
4. Choose Outfits that Reflect Seattle’s Natural Beauty
For family photos in Seattle or the Eastside, choose outfits that complement our scenic backdrops. From the waterfront views of Seattle to the lush parks on the Eastside, coordinating your outfits to match the setting is a game-changer. Let mom lead the way and build the family’s wardrobe around her look.
5. Rest Up for the Big Day
Seattle families know how busy life can get, but rest is key! Well-rested kids, whether in Seattle’s bustling neighborhoods or the tranquil Eastside, are happy and ready for their close-ups. Plan a relaxing morning before your session.
6. Healthy Snacks for Happy Kids
A snack-friendly shoot is a happy shoot! Whether you’re in a local Seattle park or at an Eastside location, keep your kids' favorite portable snacks handy to keep them energized and in a good mood.
7. Bring Special Items
Seattle families know how much their kids' favorite toys or loveys mean to them. Whether you're exploring Seattle’s city landmarks or enjoying an Eastside natural setting, these cherished items can bring comfort and create memories that last forever.
#8 Bring a change of clothes for everyone!
Kid’s somehow find a way to get dirty, even when there is nothing around that can muss up their perfect outfit. How do they find something sticky wherever they go? I don’t know how they do it, but they always manage to. I'm not gonna lie, I still keep some extra clothes in my car for my teen and tween. Kids are messy; stuff can and will happen to make your child dirty. Kids get muddy, wet, have monster sneezes and use their sleeves as tissue...
Get ahead of the game by having a change of clothes that goes with your color palate. That way, you remove one more elements of stress from your session day.
#9 How long do sessions typically last and what if my kid is just done?
My sessions are booked for an hour, but sometimes, an hour is way too long for a little person. That is why I try to get all of the important shots, what we like to call the "money shots" at the very beginning. The super posed shots are not the most fun for kids, so we get those out of the way fast in order to make way for the fun, loving, interactive lifestyle shots.
The first 20 minutes will be spent getting those photos that grandma wants, that leaves us with 30-40 minutes to play and let everyone's personality shine through. I pay attention to how the kids are behaving and I give lots of breaks throughout the session where I am dealing with just mom and one kid, or just dad and one kid, or just one kid all by themselves. This gives children the opportunity to get their wiggles out off camera.
#10 Why do you want to photograph us during “Golden Hour?”
Golden hour doesn’t last that long. It’s that short time period, right before sunset, when the light is soft and warm and everyone has an ethereal glow. Its beautiful and even, and it’s how we get those sun flares and bursts. But in the summer, golden hour can be close to 9 pm. If that’s too late for your family, there are a few ways we can adjust. One way is to make sure that this is your only event for the day, so you can push out nap times and feeding times. My sessions are pretty active and move quickly, so as long as your children are rested and well fed, that later time slot works perfectly.
If you still aren’t sure, we do offer morning and afternoon session times, but your photos won’t have that warm, golden glow that golden hour affords. Because of this reason, I try to book sessions 1-2 hours before golden hour for most sessions.
But we live in the Pacific Northwest, and sometimes, golden hour doesn’t happen… even if we have planned for it. And that’s okay. I love photographing people in overcast, windy, and even rainy conditions.
You have options, but if you want that golden glow, you will need to plan for a sunset session.
I hope that helps you prepare for your next family photo session and that you get images that you love forever. Sessions don’t need to be something you dread, in fact, they can be something that your family looks forward to every year.
Have questions? Reach out. I am here for you on social media, by email, or through my website. I look forward to hearing from you and connecting with your beautiful family.