Family Posing Guide

www.momentsbykaitie.com

Things To Do Before Your Session:


  1. Make hair, nail, and/or makeup appointments for before your photoshoot. Make sure your roots are touched up and you aren’t wearing chipped nail polish!
  2. Plan your outfits at least a week in advance—don’t wait ‘til the last day, trust me! You want to wake up feeling relaxed and prepared, so plan these details out early. Feel free to text me photos of your wardrobe if you’re having a hard time choosing! I’m happy to help!
  3. Prepare your kids with laid-back, low-key references to let them know what’s happening. Tell them you will be “hanging out with our friend Kaitie on Saturday!” or “going to the park to play!” and keep things fun, lighthearted, and casual. Families have shared that this tip is especially helpful if they have a particularly shy child.I am a babysitter and used to getting to know kids.
  4. Brainstorm about specific props, mementos, or special types of images you want captured. Some families bring heirloom quilts, a special stuffed animal, an embroidered keepsake, etc. Some families know they want a very specific type of photograph taken. If you have these preferences, be sure to brainstorm them in advance and let me know as well!
  5. And of course, make sure everyone gets a great night’s sleep and eats a good meal beforehand.

How to Dress for Your Session:

  1. Obviously, dress for the weather! We want everyone comfortable!
  2. Don’t wear matching clothes— no more jeans-and-matching-shirts these days! Instead, wear colors in a complimentary color palette, such as earth tones and neutrals.
  3. No tennis shoes, T shirts, or shirts with writing on them!
  4. Be careful about undergarments. While I am very experienced at Photoshop, editing out bra straps or panty lines is difficult and time-consuming. Choose clothes that properly covers your undergarments, in all types of movement scenarios.
  5. I recommend women wear medium or long dresses instead of pants because they capture movement and generally photograph more flatteringly. Short dresses might be a challenge when we do any seated photos, so keep that in mind.
  6. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you can move in. If your dress gets suddenly too short when you bend over, or your pants are too tight to sit down in, opt for more breathable pieces. Be prepared to move!
  7. Do opt for accessories! Bowties, suspenders, hats, flower headbands, chunky scarves, beautiful flowing dresses and skirts—these create visual interest and movement in your photos, and really help the images stand apart.
  8. Remind gentlemen to take bulky items like phones and car keys out of their pockets before we start snapping photos

What to Bring to Your Photo Session:

  1. Any personal appearance touchup items you might want, including things like lipstick or a hairbrush.
  2. Snacks on snacks on snacks, and if necessary, treats to bribe kiddos with! (However, it’s best not to tell kids about the treats before the session; wait until the kids start getting fatigued before you pull out candy card! They’ll usually perk right up then!) Also, make sure the snacks/treats won’t stain lips or fingers!
  3. Walkable shoes if outdoor session! We will probably be walking short/moderate distances on unpaved trails, possibly with hills. Walkable shoes are a must! If you just love your wedges, bring them to change into before we start shooting.
  4. A change of clothes for the kiddos, in case anyone gets muddy or dirty. As a photographer, I love when kids interact fully with their surroundings, and I’m thrilled to photograph them playing in water or running through the grass. As a parent, you might not be too keen to let them back into your car, covered in mud. Feel free to bring a change of clothes or shoes. Maybe even a towel. You never know!!
  5. A beer. Just kidding! (kind of!) But seriously, if a beer will loosen up hubby a bit beforehand, I totally support it :)
I did not take these photos they are from Pintrest for inspo

What to expect

  • No need to ‘Cheese’! I’m chasing natural interactions and unposed moments. I strive to capture and encourage authentic expressions. No need to coax your children into fake smiles!
  • On a related note, children around the ages of 5-10 will sometimes try to “cheese” in the photos, because that’s what they’ve been conditioned to do when they see a camera! Help me create more candid shots by interacting playfully with your children.
  • Laugh, play, tickle, and snuggle. This is how we’ll capture the REAL moments.
  • Not everyone has to be looking at the camera. Actually, I usually encourage my gentlemen to NOT look at the camera. (they seem to prefer that, as well!) I like to especially encourage my dads to focus on their partners and their kids.
  • When in doubt, just smile and look at your family lovingly.
  • Stand close together. Actually, as close as possible :)
  • Relax, slow down, and don’t force anything. Don’t feel pressured to make everything perfect! Just be present with your family and I’ll do the rest. And don’t stress if any of the kids get fussy! As a former teacher and thoroughly experienced photographer, I’ve seen it all before, trust me. Just snuggle your kiddos and we can still capture beautiful images :)
  • Expect me to move you around to different spots to capture images. The more variety we get, the bigger your gallery and the more great shots we have the opportunity to create together!


I did not take these photos they are from Pintrest for inspo

Family photo themes!

Classic and simple at home, a studio or airbnb

Picnic: Dress in flowey outfits and have a picnic in a picturesque outdoor location with vintage props like old-fashioned picnic baskets, blankets, and classic games!

Cultural Heritage: Celebrate your family's cultural heritage by wearing traditional attire and incorporating symbolic props or locations that represent your ancestry.

DIY Studio: Set up a DIY photo studio at home with creative backdrops, props, and lighting, and let each family member choose their own theme or character for the photoshoot.

Magical Forest: Explore a mystical forest setting with enchanting lighting, fairy lights, and whimsical props like lanterns, wings, or floral crowns for a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere.

JC Penny Style: For a classic vibe, opt for neutral colours like navy, white, beige, or grey and everyone matching!

Cozy Living Room: Capture your family’s natural interactions and warmth by taking photos in your comfortable living room. Use soft lighting and arrange everyone on a couch or around a coffee table.

Kitchen Fun: Involve the whole family in a baking or cooking session. Capture the joy and laughter as you prepare a meal together. Focus on close-up shots of hands mixing ingredients or capturing expressions during taste tests.

Pillow Fight: Create a playful atmosphere by having a pillow fight. Let loose and capture the spontaneous moments of laughter and excitement. Ensure you have a wide enough space to accommodate the action.

Kingston Urban Adventure: Explore Downtown Kingston and use the historic buildings for a unique family photoshoot. Capture your family against vibrant street art, historic buildings, or bustling city streets.

Ice Cream Date: Take your family to an ice cream parlor or set up an ice cream bar at home. Capture the joy and excitement as everyone enjoys their favorite summer treat. Opt for bright and playful colors in your outfits and props.

Posing Prompts

“Nose kisses!”

  • A parent squat down while the child leans forward, bringing them nose to nose. This would also be a great photo prompt for families with two little ones, as each parent will receive a nose kiss!

Finish this sentence: “Mom cooks the best…”

  • Who doesn’t love moms cooking? Have Mom sit and have the children cuddle close for a sweet, snuggly shot.

Lead your mom or dad to your favorite flower!”

  • Ill ask the child to hold the parent's hand and walk towards an object nearby. It brings a sense of candidness to the photo and makes it seem as if the child is leading the parent.

Look at the person who sleeps the most in your family!”

  • I’ll have one of the parents to sit in between their partner’s legs as they hold one child in their arms. Then, have the older children sit around them and tickle the child in middle

Show me who can do the sweetest smile for the longest.”

  • I’ll have everyone hug with the parents in the middle and the youngest on a parent’s shoulders (or the parent holding them) and ask everyone for their sweetest smile

“Tickle the kids!”

“Give them a kiss!”

“Group hug!”

“Look at your favourite family member!”

“Smell her ear!”

“Whisper a secret!”