10 steps to getting hassle-free family pictures

If you are considering a documentary session for your family, I jotted down some notes that will help the experience feel effortless:

1 - Allow plenty of time for your session

If your kids need a while to warm up to strangers – talk to your photographer about how long of a session would be appropriate for them to get comfortable. When it comes to documentary family photography, the longer the session the more relaxed everyone is able to become. That's when the true moments start to unfold.

2 - Capture regular routines

When you’re occupied with something you usually do, you don’t care about the camera as much. Maybe you’d like to capture your typical Sunday morning with pancakes, PJs, and messy hair snuggles?

A family hanging out in their living room

3 - Location is key

Most of your kids' memories happen in your home, which is why it's an important part to document. Staying at home, going to your favorite beach, visiting grandma – being in any environment where you are already comfortable will help you and your family to get into a natural groove.

4 - The more the merrier?

Sessions don’t have to include just the core family – maybe you have a bestie family, and want to document a typical BBQ afternoon you spend with them. Documentary sessions are also perfect for making sure that you have pictures of the visiting grandparents who live across the country.

Ella's in-hospital fresh 48 newborn session in San Jose | Bay Area Photographer

5 - Talk about the photographer on your kids’ level

Mention that Someone (name of the photographer coming over) will hang out with you, and take pictures of this amazing time that you’re spending together – baking, building sand castles, or whatever else you have planned.

6 - Do not tell them how you wish they would behave

When we let kids act naturally it will ll result in the most magical pictures. You don’t want your kids to grow up thinking photographers, or you, don’t think they’re good enough as they are – right? Would you really want pictures of your kiddo behaving like someone else? Letting them be their unique selves is the best way to capture genuine smiles and laughter (and maybe typical-for-their-age temper tantrums), instead of the rehearsed photo smiles.

A little documentary photographer secret – we actually get super excited to take pictures of tantrums, kids misbehaving, or just doing weird stuff! It shows how hard you – the parents – work on raising these wonderful personalities.

7 – No bribing or threatening is needed

Usually bribes, and the threats of taking away bribes, end up making kids worry about the loss of their treat to the point of being moody throughout the session – which is the exact opposite of the desired result of bribery.

8 – Instead, engage with your family

If you want your kiddos to smile, laugh and have a good time - do things that you know they will love. Tickle fight, a whisk up in the air – anything that comes natural to you. If your mood is more calm and relaxed, gently stroke back their hair, envelop them in a giant bear hug, and just enjoy. Some kids are always on the move, and that's ok! A spontaneous pillow fight, games on the beach, or rushing through the air in a swing make for great pictures.  Don’t worry about getting in the way of the photographer; they will work around your movements.

9 – Know that you are not boring. Ever.

Don’t worry about doing something interesting throughout the entire session – it’s often in the quiet moments that a documentary photographer will catch small gestures and expressions that are true to you and your family. If you feel unsure of what to do, just let your kids take the lead, or take a moment to relax with your spouse.

10 – Set the tone

When you want honest pictures of your family, you have to lead by example. If you don’t want your kids to pose for the camera, make sure that you don’t either. Do whatever is natural to you, and don’t worry about what would look good in pictures. If you look silly in pictures, your kids will LOVE them! Things usually never go as we plan them, especially when there are kids involved. Just open up your mind and heart for the day, and agree to take the moments as they present themselves.

Lastly

I have a secret to share with you – documentary family sessions really are the easiest photo session experience you'll ever have. You don't need to do anything out of the ordinary, you don't need to arrange anything, you don't need to impress anybody – because all real life is welcome during the sessions.