Things you NEED To Know As A Family Photographer

As a long-time photographer of 14 years, there are so many different things that I have learned along the way with my experience. Sharing my tips and tricks as a photographer will hopefully help others narrow down choices that best fit their photographer business. From a motherhood and family photographer in Dallas, Texas, here are the top things you NEED to know as a family photographer!

It’s All About The Energy

To all motherhood and family photographers…. want to get and keep a child’s attention during a photoshoot? Have ALL the energy. Drink caffeine right before your session. Eat something with protein in it. It is on YOU, my friend, to engage your clients and their kids in fun activities! It is not just about those toddler photos of them smiling at the camera. It is about creating a fun-filled environment where kids are enjoying themselves and allows you capture those candid moments. As a photographer, our personality really comes out during these times. Telling jokes and acting silly is what is going to set the tone for the session. Create situations where your families can have fun. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is known for some of the best locations. Choose a location that has somewhere that encourages play, may include a walking path, or a simple place to look for flowers and bugs.

Be Their Guide

If we stop and think about small children, many of them would shy away at the thought of a stranger asking them to smile at a BIG camera. Creating a safe space for singing, dancing, and overall happy energy, is how we capture the magic. Your clients are not models. You as the photographer can see the full image before it’s even captured. Guiding families with certain angles, poses, and even small talk can seriously create some of the best photos. Every session needs direction, but as a photographer it is our job to provide that direction to make things as seamless as possible. When you talk children in photo sessions, getting on their level can build trust and security

Talk To Your Clients

We all talk to our clients, but in this case I really mean talk to them. Gain your client’s trust by over communicating and NOT just at the photo session. Many families need outfit inspiration and want to hear your input on how to coordinate the best family outfits. As a photographer who has attended hundreds of family photography sessions, there is nothing more valuable to families than being in the loop and understanding exactly what is going on. Reassuring them throughout the session that whatever “chaos” is going on is completely normal and that these moments allow photographers to get so many great shots. Let’s not forget to hype up those parents for doing their best with their kiddos! Communication is a huge factor as a photographer and I strongly stand by that.

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Location: Dallas Fort-Worth, Texas + beyond