How to Prepare For A Session With A Family Photographer In Vaud!

Time tends to fly by in a flurry. It feels like the milestones come one after another. One day, your baby is smiling for the very first time, and the next, they are running around the house and creating brand new adventures. It would help if you slowed things down so you can treasure each and every beautiful moment. By scheduling regular family pictures, you will have the chance to document each and every stage. This is your way to watch how your child grows and how their smile transforms with each passing year. As a family photographer in Vaud, I love working with families so they can never have to forget a single moment. If you need to know how to make the most of your sessions, I would love to give you advice on how you can prepare.

How to Prepare For A Session With Your Family Photographer In Vaud 

Choose a Location and Time of Year

For your session, the very first thing you will want to figure out is your location as well as the time of year you’d like to schedule. Some families prefer to have their family portrait sessions take place inside their Vaud homes with their family photographer. With this option, you will have several advantages. First off, you can hold these sessions any time of the year. You won’t have to worry about bundling up for the winter, giving you more freedom with your outfits. Plus, you are going to be far more comfortable here. Your home is the spot where life happens! 

Your portraits are going to feel more authentic, and every member of the family will be more at ease. This can be a little stressful, however, when it comes to getting your home picture-ready. This is why some families prefer outdoor portrait sessions. Not only will your portraits be rich with natural light, but you will be able to include the vibrant colors of the landscape. With outdoor sessions, the time of year might be more limited, especially if you want to avoid the cold of winter. Spring through the fall will be the best time for your pictures, with the earlier season giving you lush gardens and the latter giving you warm autumn foliage. 

Plan Your Outfits

Once you have your location picked out, it’s time to start thinking about your outfits. You want to give yourself plenty of time for this step in case you need to shop around. The key to planning your outfits is to coordinate with each other rather than matching perfectly. It can get a little one-dimensional and frankly pretty boring if every person is wearing the same outfit, just in different sizes. 

To build your family’s clothing, you can start out by planning one outfit. Sometimes, this can be an outfit for your child, and other times, it can be an outfit for the mom. Once you have this one look settled, start adding new pieces that complement it. For example, if the starting outfit has a colorful pattern, others can wear solids in the piece’s different shades. You can also go to websites like Pinterest and see color schemes that you can use. Also, think about the season. Summer might demand vibrant colors, while fall is better with warmer colors. 

Here are just a few more things to keep in mind from your Vaud family photographer. 

• Don’t go too wild with patterns. One or two patterns draw interest. Too many clashing patterns can cause unnecessary chaos.
• Stay away from logos or characters that are going to stick out. 
• Avoid neon colors. These just don’t photograph well and can be hard to match. 

Splurge on Professional Hair and Makeup

One thing you will want to add into your budget is professional hair and makeup. If anyone in the family needs a fresh haircut leading up to your session, I would advise you plan this for at least one week prior to your pictures. That way, you have time to grow into it first and can correct any mistakes. 

As far as makeup goes, it’s helpful to hire a professional for this step. Typically, you want to wear a little more makeup for your portrait sessions to make sure it comes through. A professional will know how to make it a little heavier without it feeling like too much. If you are worried, you can always book a trial run ahead of time to make sure they understand your style. Similarly, by working with a hair stylist, you can also have a look that can hold up to the wind and the weather. And a quick side note: don’t neglect your nails! Be sure everyone files and scrubs their nails ahead of time so they don’t stand out. 

Prep Your Kids

Most family photographers understand that long portrait sessions are the last thing your Vaud child wants to do. We’re used to kids being grumpy and less than cooperative. There are still some ways you can help out. If your child still takes regular naps, be sure to let your photographer know so you can work around this. Also, you will want to feed them ahead of the session. Give them a hearty meal before getting dressed for the sessions, and keep some mess-free snacks on hand, just in case. 

If this is a newborn session, you might want to nurse your baby around an hour prior to your session. That way, they aren’t fussy, and they have plenty of time to digest it, so you’re not dealing with last-minute surprises. If you are really worried about younger kids behaving, you can always plan your location around the places they love the most. Many parents love home sessions because their child feels free to be themselves. Others prefer places like parks so they can give their child space to run around and explore. It can help to rely on favorite spots so your child can feel relaxed, which brings me to my last tip: 

Relax and Have Fun With Your Family Photographer In Vaud

If you are feeling awkward and stiff in your portraits, it is going to show. The very best thing you can do is give your family the freedom to be their authentic selves. Rather than having everyone smile, try cracking a reliable joke. Bring comfort items like stuffed animals to help your child feel at home. I want to help you create genuine memories, and my goal is to let you have the best time doing so! 

These Tips Will Help Your Session Run Smoothly With Your Family Photographer In Vaud

If you need more help planning your portrait session, I would love to have a conversation! As a family photographer in Vaud, I can also tell you about my sessions in case you need a photographer that is right for your crew. Send me a message today if you would like to learn more! And while you’re here, check out this blog: Discover the Best Things to Do in Vevey, Switzerland