Tips for a successful shoot

These tips may be ever changing. Mostly thoughts that come to me after a shoot--or while I'm wide awake at 2 a.m. for no reason.

So here goes:

*Wear cute things. Avoid the urge to be matchy matchy. Be colorful. Mix patterns. Accessorize. Be fun. 

*If you are wondering what to wear--check out my blog or another photographers and notice the family shots you really like and see what they are wearing. And then do what they do.  Need ideas? Check out Pinterest.

*Sometimes it helps to pick a color palette and then work with it. Go to the paint store and get a swatch of complimentary colors. Then just find outfits that have that in them. So they aren't matchy matchy but they go together.

*If the previous idea puts you into hives, then go with a neutral color like gray and then add hints of color with headbands, or sneakers, or button up shirts under a shirt.  Stuff like that.

*Bribe your kids like there is no tomorrow. I'm not kidding, the one day that is mostly about bribe and not threats is picture day. Threats make kids cry and that makes for crap pictures. So do something out of the ordinary. For example, carry a pocket full of pennies. And tell the kids that you will be giving them a penny for each time they are doing good, and then when you get home you will be having an ice cream sundae party. Each penny earned = 1 scoop. Then by ice cream on sale at the store. So what if they get 10 scoops--you'll have happy kids and good pictures. It works--try it.

*Slip the dad something in his drink. Dads are usually the ones that are all tense and tend to be the ones that make kids cry.

*Do your best to be early. Not for the photographer but for you. Give yourself time. Get all of the clothes out the night before and keep them locked in your bedroom away from everyone. Give plenty of time to get ready--rushing just stresses everyone out.

*If you are going to drive a distance, wait until you get there to do your little one's hair. This mostly works if you doing something like braids or a pony tail.  I did that for our photoshoot and loved it.   Then I didn't stress about them pulling it out or rubbing against their carseat.

*Don't stress about what the photographer thinks of your kids. Chances are, your kids are not as crazy as you think they are. The photographer has seen all kinds and you are probably just as normal as all of the rest. So don't worry about it.

*Notice how you touch. When I ask couples to get together for a shoot they stiffen up and act like they just met. Notice how you snuggle on the couch, or how you hug/interact while standing. Then you will feel more comfortable in front of the camera.

*If you have a child who is between 1-3 then don't expect much. That is the hardest stage to shoot. Then magically at age 3 they are super fun. I'm just saying.