What to Tell Your Photographer About Your Family
Tell me a little about your actual family. The quiet kid, the one ready to run, the grandparent who needs a shorter walk. Those details help me more than a list of perfect smiles.
Introduce your people
Send names, the children’s ages, and who will be joining the session. If someone takes time to settle in, let me know. There’s no need to apologize for their personality.
Favorite games, a comforting object, or something that usually gets a laugh can give us a place to begin. Share what you’re comfortable sharing; this isn’t an application for best-behaved family.
Choose the combinations you care about
Everyone together, each parent with the children, siblings, grandparents: those are different photographs. Tell me which ones you’d be especially sad to miss.
A short list helps us plan the transitions without spending the whole session checking boxes. I also want room to notice the hand-holding, laughter, and hugs happening around the portraits.
Tell me what would make the day easier
A shorter walk or a place to pause may matter more than a particular backdrop. Mention any access, movement, or timing needs before we settle on the location.
Once we’ve talked through the important things, you have less to manage when you arrive. Your kids don’t have to look at me the whole time. You can spend some of that time enjoying them.
A few things to plan
- Tell me who’s coming and the children’s ages.
- Share what helps people feel comfortable.
- Choose the group combinations you want most.
- Mention timing, walking, or access needs.
A few questions you might have
Should I warn you that my child is shy?
Yes, please tell me. You don’t need to warn me as though being shy is something they’ve done wrong.
Do I need a long shot list?
A few priorities are usually more helpful. Tell me the photographs that really matter to you.
What if my child takes time to warm up?
Let me know beforehand. We can begin with something familiar and give them room to settle in.
Let’s talk about your photographs
Tell me who’s coming and what you’d love to remember about your family right now. Explore my photography and approach or send an inquiry.
Continue planning: What to Wear for St. Louis Family Photos.