What does a family session look like? | Vancouver Family Photographer

Want to book a family photo session in Vancouver?
Hello! I am your neighbourhood Vancouver family photographer here to talk about how to feel comfortable when booking a family photo session. Are you thinking about booking a family photo session but feeling intimidated? I am someone who likes to prepare myself mentally before I go into a new situation. If I am going into a new restaurant, I would check the menu beforehand, maybe even scoop out the area for parking.

Family photos are important but many families keep putting it off in the fear that the children would not cooperate, and it would descend into chaos! I am here to give you a little bit of insight on how to best prepare and the rundown what happens during a session with me!

Once you booked a session with me, I send over some wardrobe inspiration, a detail FAQ, tips on how to prepare yourself and kids. You have access to these on my private client webpage!

What does the session look like?
We meet at the location, and we walk towards the spot. During the first 10-15 minutes is usually when kids are the happiest, so we move quickly to start capturing moments. I typically start with standing poses, I will have you cuddle up, big hugs, maybe even put a child on your shoulders! I will verbally direct and guide you, then prompt you to interact with your family. There are so many fun moments that happen in-between movements, so I can get a variety of emotions. Then we will get seated on a freshly launder blanket! It’s time for some cozy poses, and families are now feeling more at ease, relaxed. Once we get some shots here, we’ll get up and walk to a different spot. This is usually a good time for a quick snack! Remember to bring easy to eat snacks that are not messy. I recommend crackers or cheese strings. We do a few more standing and seated poses at the new spot. After that I will follow your family’s lead and just really enjoy each other’s presence. Some families are playful, and they’ll run around with a game of tag, some enjoy skipping rocks into the water, and some love to walk and explore the area. This allows me to capture some playful moments that are unscripted, really show who you are as a family.

How to deal with upset children?
I never ask children to look at the camera, or say cheese. The same will applies to parents! I prefer images where you are present in the moment with your family, so I love to ask families to look at each other. I may get one or two images with everybody looking and smiling, but my goal is to capture emotive moments. If your child has just woken up from a nap, and isn’t feeling all that joyful, don’t worry about it. I ask parents to just comfort their babies, cradle them, sing, just reassuring the child usually calms them right down. I love images of mom rocking and soothing a child, these are the moment we will treasure. We can take breaks! If a baby needs to nurse, or a toddler needs a snack, we have a whole hour to give the session flexibility.

Read my FAQ for more tips!

Vancouver family and newborn photographer who specializes in laid back in-home newborn photography and fun outdoor family photography sessions. Annie travels within the lower mainland, Greater Vancouver area for on location photo sessions! Servicing Surrey, Vancouver, Delta, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Langley, Richmond.

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