How to prepare for a Family Photo Session

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How to prepare for a Family Photo Session
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• As a Northern Virginia Family photographer for
  over 15 years, I know how much your family will
  appreciate an amazing family photo where everyone
  is together and smiling. I think its safe to say
  that, in the moment, family photo sessions can
  bring a level of stress that no one wants to deal
  with. Heres a few tips to make the most of your
  family session so everyone is ready and stress
  free!

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• Plan
• Create a plan with your photographer to determine
  the best time of day for your familys schedule.
  If you have young children, this might be after
  nap time or a time of day when they are the most
  happy and playful. This is valuable information
  for you and your photographer so ensure everyone
  is set up for success!

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• Prepare
• Make sure that you have everything laid out and
  ready to go a few days before your session. If
  there are props you want to use for your session
  get them all together and put them in the same
  spot. This way you are not running around the
  house trying to gather things day of and it gives
  you time to make sure theres not something you
  forgot about!

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• Eat
• Hanger is real - Dont let it ruin the session!
  Even if you plan on going out to eat or making a
  meal together after the session, make sure you
  have a snack or eat prior. If no one is hungry
  throw some of your familys favorite snacks in a
  bag to bring with you just in case! If you are
  planning to eat before the photo session, make
  sure its not something messy so you dont have
  any stains! (Pasta and BBQ will have to wait!)

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• Communicate
• Let your family know in advance that you are
  going to be taking photos and why its important
  to you and your familys legacy! Make it fun and
  look at old family photos from when you were
  growing up and share stories about the people in
  the photos as you look through. If you dont have
  any, explain to them why its important for you
  to have them now. Communication in advance of
  your photo session date can help things run
  smoothly the day of and ensure everyone brings
  their best smiles!

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• Go with the flow
• Youve made your plan, prepared, had a snack, and
  communicated your expectations to your family for
  the photo shoot and now you just have to show up
  and go with the flow! This is important for
  families to remember at any stage but especially
  families who have young children or are bringing
  their fur babies with them. Things might not go
  just as planned or how you imagined them but
  trust your photographer and make the best of it
  by keeping an open mind and a winning smile, they
  want you to have an amazing time with them just
  as much as you want an amazing family photo.

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• Your photographer has the experience to guide you
  through the process to make sure you get that
  winning shot of your family.

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• Of course, every session and every family are
  different and there can be situations I have not
  listed here (weather, traffic, etc.!) that are
  out of everyones control. I hope that this helps
  you plan a successful family photo session.

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• With over 15 years of experience, we specialize
  in Weddings, Family Sessions, and Business
  Branding Photography Owner, Jeanine Finch's style
  is described as candid, crisp, fun and bright,
  with a flare of photojournalism.