*Photo Credit: Tammy Bradshaw
With spring around the corner, I’m sure many of you have booked your annual family photo session. Whether you choose to shoot outside or have a lifestyle session in the comfort of your own home in your PJs, Tammy Bradshaw has some tips to help ease your anxiety.
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Relax. I know, I know — This is easier said than done, but you’ll be amazed at how much better your session goes when you take the pressure off. Children are really good at sensing stress, and it will definitely affect the look of your photos. The whole family will last longer when given the freedom to have fun and be silly together. Let your kids know in advance that you’ll be spending some time hanging out as a family and there will be a photographer taking pictures, but talk about it as an outing or visit, not as a chore. You want your children to have a heads up, but you don’t want them to be worried out about it. Breathe deeply and follow my lead. If you’re smiling and having fun, your kids will likely do the same!
Snacks – Who doesn’t love ‘em? Have a few good ones on hand during the session to keep everyone happy. Think small, and not messy … Things that you can hand to your kiddos one at a time that won’t be noticeable in the photos. I’ve personally witnessed raisins, goldfish/bunny crackers, and solitary chocolate chips bring children back to life.
Forget about what Pinterest says and wear something that you really feel good in. Everyone should be comfortable in what they’re wearing, so let older children help choose their own clothes. Itchy/stiff clothing = unhappy subjects. The days of matchy-matchy outfits for family photos are long gone! Avoid logos, but embrace patterns to add texture. You definitely don’t all need to be in solids – mix it up and let everyone’s personality shine. I always suggest laying all of the clothing choices out on the bed together ahead of time to see how things look. If you have a little one who will be wearing a dress, make sure she has on bloomers, shorts, or tights under it to keep things covered. When in doubt, send your photographer a photo of what you’re considering.
Tammy Bradshaw is a Philadelphia-based lifestyle portrait photographer who specializes in capturing the natural beauty of motherhood. Her maternity, birth, breastfeeding, and family photo sessions document the emotional connections that parents and their children share. Being a mom to four year-old Rayna and one year-old Ember has deeply inspired her work.
Tammy has been featured in Midwifery Today, Huffington Post, The Stir/Café Mom, Philadelphia Daily News and BabyCenter. She received first place in Lemonade and Lenses International Image Contest in 2014 and is a Philadelphia Family Magazine 2015 Philly Love Awards Finalist. Tammy is a member of the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers and www.breastfeedingphotographers.com. You can learn more about her on her website, www.tammybradshawphoto.com.