If you’ve put off scheduling your family portrait sessions because it seems like too much work, you’re not alone. Most of my first-time clients are in the same boat, and I’m here to help!
I’m a family photographer in Nashville, TN, and I work with families all around the area.
If you’re a parent, you already know how quickly time flies, making planning family photos even more important!
In this post, I’ll explain how I help you plan your family portrait session so you’re not left trying to figure it out on your own.
But first, let’s talk about WHY scheduling yearly family photo sessions is so important.
How Often Should You Schedule Family Portrait Sessions
I get asked pretty often, “How often should I schedule family photos?”
While there’s no correct answer here, I recommend yearly photos. And here’s why.
With young children, significant changes happen from year to year. These are the years most families make photos a priority – and for good reason.
But when your children are in middle and high school, they’re still changing. You’ll be surprised when you see yearly photos side by side and see the differences.
To drive this point home, look at photos on your phone from a year ago. Does everyone look a little different? I’m going to bet on yes!
Every stage of your family growth is worth documenting.
On a personal note, I have very few photographs from my childhood. This is one of the reasons I’m so passionate about photographing families now – mine included! Portraits are the only way to preserve our family memories of today.
You never know the importance of a photo until it’s all you have. Trust me on this one.
Planning Family Portrait Sessions
As someone who plans yearly family photos for her own family, I know it feels overwhelming. There are a lot of moving pieces to scheduling family photos. And I wanted to create an easier solution for my clients.
That’s when I implemented style consultations into my business model.
I guide you through each step of the process, from inquiry to final order selection. And yes, even wardrobe selection!
Our clients rave about their style consultations, and how beneficial they are, so I’d love to tell you about the process!
Our Style Consultation Planning Process
The first step in the planning process is to fill out an inquiry form on our website. This lets us know you’re interested in a photo session.
When we receive your inquiry, we’ll call you back to discuss what kind of session you’re looking for. During this call, we chat about who will be photographed and secure your photo session date.
About 2-4 weeks before your session, we set up a style and concept consultation that takes place over Zoom. We plan everything from professional hair and makeup, to wardrobe, to background colors during the style consultation.
When we plan your wardrobe, you can walk me into your closet (we’re on Zoom!) and show me what you have. I help you choose pieces that will look flattering on camera and photograph well.
We plan out wardrobe items together for every person that will be photographed. This ensures you are well prepared for your session and don’t need to stress about anything!
When we’re finished with your consultation, you may need to steam a few items or do a little shopping, but otherwise, you’re ready!
Because our style consultations are so thorough, you’ll know what to expect on the day of your session.
And you’ll know exactly what kind of wall art pieces you’ll want for your own home.
Studio Family Sessions
One of my favorite styles of family photography is in the studio.
We can use several backdrop choices when we work in the studio, to provide variety and complement your wardrobe. We can photograph any time of the year, any time of day, and the best part – we aren’t relying on the weather to cooperate!
When we have your style consultation, we discuss what kind of “look” you’re going for. This varies from family to family, and I’ve worked with them all!
Whether you want elegant family portraits or something a little more modern and informal, I help you plan exactly what you want!
Another benefit of working in the studio is that mom comes in before the rest of the family to enjoy a little pampering time.
Mom gets to spend the first hour with our professional hair and makeup artist, so she looks and feels her best. Then we have the rest of the family join her when it’s time for the magic to begin!
After your session wraps up, you’ll preview your final images right away, and place your portrait order. We offer the highest quality custom-designed wall art and custom albums.
As a photographer, I know the importance of documenting people during all stages and ages of life. Especially those sneaky years when you think your kids aren’t changing, they are!
It’s important to exist in photos, not only for ourselves but for generations after us. Our children and grandchildren will treasure the photos we’re taking today. This is why I urge you to make family photos an annual tradition!
You’ll never regret having too many photos of your family.
But you may regret not having enough.
If you’re ready to book your family session, you can start the process by sending an inquiry here.
Or you can see more of my family photos here!
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