As a Connecticut family photographer, fall is by far my busiest season. As I gear up for the weeks ahead, I thought it might be helpful to get an idea of what a typical family session is like.
Beginning of Your Family Session
Before your session, we will discuss all of your details, including where to meet. After introductions and making our way to our first location for the shoot. I typically like to start with getting the smile-at-the-camera shot for Grandma and Grandpa. There’s a few reasons for this. First, we make sure that we get it! Second, this is the time where little ones are more attentive and a little unsure of what is happening. This means they are more likely to cooperate at the beginning of the session these shots.
Relationships First
If all is going well with the family portraits, I will take the opportunity to capture moments of your kids with just mom. Next, it’ll be Dad’s turn with the kids. I do this since there are less transitions that have to happen and we’re still riding the cooperation wave. As all parents know though, things can change in a moment. I am always ready to follow your child’s lead to get the best images possible.
All About the Kids
After the posed shots, this is the time where I like to give everyone a break from posing and focusing and follow the kiddos around. I ask them to show me things, ask them questions and give them challenges. This is a great opportunity for me to get individual pictures of each child and with any luck, a few pictures of siblings together, looking like they like each other.
Family Session Date Night
Once individual pictures of kiddos and sibling shots have happened, I usually invite the parents on a little “date” where we get pictures of just the two of them. So many couples tell me this is the first time they’ve done solo pictures since their engagement and wedding pictures! This is definitely one of my favorite parts of the session.
Let’s Play!
Finally, at this point, we are in the bonus round and we are ready to move to a new location. This is when I try to get most of my candid shots of your family being themselves and we just have fun together. After all, you’re not just investing in pictures, you’re investing in an experience.
Final Fall Family Session Tips
If you’re interested in booking a family session in the fall, do NOT wait! Weekend dates in the fall book especially quickly. Last year, I was completely booked by July.
I love all of my family sessions so much, it’s hard to choose just one. If you want to get an idea of what your gallery may look like, you can see a whole session here. You can also check out my family session portfolio here.
