by Natasha D’Anna of @twindollicious
Who says the joy of taking family photos has to stop once your kids outgrow the toddler stage? In my experience, photo shoots only get better as my kiddos get older.
If you have older children, and you’re only now thinking about having a professional session, trust me, you have not missed the boat on fantastic family photos.
Our family has done so many photo shoots together that we’ve gotten our sessions down to a science. Want to learn my secrets? I’ve got five great tips for taking photos with bigger kids in a professional setting that I’m happy to share with you. These are the same tips I’ve used with my own family over the years, and as a result, our photo shoots end up being even more fun the older the kids get!
1. Find a Family-Friendly Photographer: It’s important to pick a photographer who specializes in family portraits, like from Michelle Rose Photo or Briar Rose Photo Co. When doing your research, I recommend looking for someone who has experience working with not only families, but older kids as well. You want a seasoned professional who can capture the essence of your family and make everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera.
2. Plan Out Your Family’s Look: Once you’ve booked your photographer, it’s time to think about what you’ll wear for the shoot. It’s a good idea to coordinate your family’s outfits, but don’t match them exactly. This can be achieved by choosing colors that complement each other, and by avoiding busy patterns that could clash or distract from the people in the photos.
3. Pick the Perfect Location: Consider the type of setting you want for your photos. Do you want something urban, rustic, or natural? Think about the mood and style you want to convey and choose a location that fits your vision. If you’re not sure what your options are, feel free to ask your photographer for suggestions!
4. Get the Family Involved: Letting your kids pick out their own outfits along the lines of the color scheme you’ve chosen will help get them excited about the upcoming photoshoot. Also, ask the kiddos questions about what they’re most looking forward to – this will help you decide your session priorities. Remember, directly involving your kids in the planning process will help make the photoshoot a fun and memorable experience for the whole family!
5. Enjoy Yourselves: It’s natural to feel nervous or self-conscious during a photoshoot, but try to relax and have fun. Your photographer will guide you through the process and capture candid moments that showcase your family’s personality and love for one another. But there’s nothing wrong with asking for a brief break if you need it, and a few deep breaths can work wonders for both you and the kiddos!
With a little planning and preparation, you too can create beautiful and meaningful family photos that you’ll cherish for years to come.
P.S. If your spouse isn’t into these kinds of photo shoots, there’s no pressure to include the entire family every time. Dedicated shoots with just you and the kiddos are some of the most treasured ones!
Bio
Natasha D’Anna started Twindollicious & Co in 2012 when her twin daughters were 18 months old. She then published her first children’s book, Any Two Can Be TwinDollicious, which received a Mom’s Choice Award. This led to the building of a community that continues to thrive today. As a mom of three, Natasha continues to nourish her audience with tips, tools, and content focused on sibling bonding and finding joy as a mom in the most authentic moments. Her professional background is in behavioral therapy, and Natasha’s expertise allowed her to seamlessly move from writing behavior plans to blog posts, content, and books.
TwinDollicious & Co readers engage in our social media posts for guidance in creating a sibling-bonded lifestyle. “As a writer, I blog about family lifestyle with fashionable twins who are bonded through things in common,” says Natasha. Her community covers travel, lifestyle hacks, DIY fun, and product reviews. TwinDollicious & Co also hosts events in and around NYC.
