6 Family Portrait Do’s And Don’ts

6 Family Portrait Do’s And Don’ts For A Great Experience

Family portraits should be a fun and enjoyable experience from start to finish. Here are six of my favorite family portrait do’s and don’ts before, during, and after your session 🙂

1. Pre-Session – Do: Read Through Your Contract

One of the most important things that you should do is to thoroughly read through your contract. This makes sure that you and your Photographer are on the same page and that you know all of the pertinent information. Some important things that can be in the contract are how your images will be delivered. How you can use the images. And what your Photographer’s policy on rescheduling your session is. Anything that is contained in the contract is there for a reason – so make sure that you and your Photographer are on the same page 😉

2. Pre-Session – Don’t: Pre Script The Session

Another one of my pre-session family portrait do’s and don’ts is not to script the session before it has happened. It is great to have a few ideas on what you would like photographed; however, I recommend letting your Photographer guide you through the session. As a Photographer, I like to keep a clear mind going into the session and progress through the session as I get to know your family. I can typically tell which direction to take the session after working with you for the first 5-10 minutes. For example, if you have a young child who is a little shy, I may try something different than if I notice that your child is “all smiles” right off the bat. Pre scripting the session with a list of ideas and poses can add unneeded stress. Especially with children.

3. During The Session – Do: Arrive At Least 5-10 Minutes Early

One of the most important family portrait do’s and don’ts is to arrive early or on time. Arriving early allows you to take your time parking and getting to the starting point for the session – without being stressed. If you have small children, getting everyone out of the house can be difficult. So I recommend planning to arrive 15 minutes early to the session. Just in case something causes you to be off schedule by 5-10 minutes. And the good thing about showing up early, you may be able to squeeze in a few extra images before the session was officially scheduled to start. Also keep in mind that your Photographer may have sessions after yours and may not be able to extend the session longer.

4. During The Session – Don’t: Ask For Extras You Have Not Discussed With Your Photographer

Another important family portrait do’s and don’ts is to not ask for extras you have not previously discussed with your Photographer. For example, try avoid asking your Photographer to take your headshot at the end of the session. While this may not seam like a big deal, this is something that most Photographers would charge extra for. And generally speaking, headshots involve additional lighting to make the headshot look it’s best – which they may not have with them for your session.

Along these same lines, if you need to receive your images in a timeframe that is sooner than they typical turn around time, try not to bring this up during the session. Discussing this with your Photographer before the session is the best course of action. Most Photographers have a workflow and may have many other sessions to edit along with yours. Disrupting their workflow is not recommended 🙂

5. After The Session – Do: Make Prints And Post The Images Online

After your session has ended, I HIGHLY recommend making prints and sharing your images online. Family portraits are great to hang up in your home, decorate your office, or give as gifts to family. Make sure to have a plan on getting some of them printed.

6. After The Session – Don’t: Forget To Credit Your Photographer, Leave a Review

Last but not least, if you post your images online – ALWAYS make sure to credit your Photographer 🙂 This helps promote their business. And it makes them feel special! And if you really enjoyed your session, make sure to leave them a review. This is one of the best things you can do to help promote your Photographers business 🙂