Preparing For a Photo Session w/ Your Family

OK, great, you’ve decided to purchase a photo session with your family in Hong Kong or London or wherever you may live. The first thing you need to do is to select your backdrop. I basically think of three major themes when it comes to family-style photoshoots: beach, park or urban jungle. Of course, some photographers don’t give you that choice, they have one or two locations. But if you’ve hired them, you know that, so you’re already cool with that.

Locations are all about the light, that’s it. We photographers are normally looking for soft flattering light, so please keep that in mind when picking your spot. As I have always said, if you select the location, I will give you times that work for that spot. If you give me a time that works for you, I will give you some location options that work for your timing.

Beach Photo Session

OK, now that the date and location are settled, what next? For photographers like myself, who prefer a more natural, documentary feel to their session, there isn’t much to worry about. One question we often get is about wardrobe. Not being much a fashion type, I really don’t have that much to say on the issue. That said, I have a major treatise on the subject right here. 

If your kid(s) is/are into that princess/superhero phase, maybe let them wear that for a chunk of the session. These shots will get laughs later in life.

The most important thing is that the kids are happy with their wardrobe and aren’t being forced to dress-up in a way that is uncomfortable and/or embarrassing!

If you are having a beach photo session, bring an extra change of clothes. Kids love water, no matter how young. Turn your back for a minute, and in they go! Not a bad thing, as water can make for amazing photos. Also for beaches, it’s good to bring a neutral-coloured towel for group photos. While I’m not into props per se, a soccer ball can be fun. And I never say “no” to bubbles, although it should be mostly windless to use them in the proper manner.

Cities are purpose-built film sets for candid kids' photography. I love shooting in urban landscapes; there are an endless number of backgrounds and locations to explore. And you can always find useable light. You do, however, need the right conditions to get the most out of cities. This means sunny days with lots of ambient light. From mid-morning till mid-afternoon is the optimum time. You'll have maximum light penetrating all the little nooks and crannies. So while beach sessions tend to be late afternoon or early morning, I find that Urban Jungle type sessions are best midday when there is plenty of light.

Hong Kong Tram Family Photos

When it comes to weather, please let the photographer worry about that. There is so much that is counter-intuitive about photography, and this is one of the things. Overall, let the photographer worry about everything! (That’s our job.)

You can't direct kids; they aren't actors, so let them be themselves. It should be apparent by now, but don't tell kids to "Say cheese!" The faces kids make when they say that word has ruined generations of photos. Likewise, ordering a kid to "smile!" doesn't work either. They contort into ‘cheese face’ but it’s not technically a smile. I rarely, if ever, ask/tell a kid to “smile!" If a kid wants to smile or laugh, they will. To get natural smiles, say or do something that will earn it.

Keeping the whole thing fun is not-so-secret secret to kids' photography!

Keep It Fun and Natural!