Its definitely time to book your summer family photos! But to get you ready, I thought I’d share my top five tips for a great family session:
1. Pick the right time of year:
I love doing sessions in late Spring and early Summer — especially June! The sun sets late, the heat of July and August hasn’t set in, there are still abundant late Spring flowers, and the light is just gorgeous. Look at that halo effect from the back light. Sigh. It’s perfect.
2. Pick the right location:
We’ll talk about what kind of images you have in mind, what you like and dislike, and I’ll make some location suggestions just for you. Or, you may come to me with your heart set on somewhere special and that’s totally fine too! These Boston area family photos were taken at the Stevens Coolidge Place — a really popular spot among my clients. It’s just a short ride from Boston, and my season pass allows my clients to avoid the $100 photography fee that is normally charged to non-passholders.
3. Think about wardrobe and color scheme but don’t OVERthink it.
Trying to come up with outfits that 1) coordinate but don’t MATCH, 2) make everyone in the family happy, and 3) work with the location, is a lot to think about. You don’t have to go out and buy all new outfits (I mean, you CAN, but you don’t have to — at all!) Just start with one key color (like lavendar) and then pick one or two complimentary colors (at least one should be a neutral like gray and navy).
This family did a perfect job with coordinating their wardrobe. Everyone looks comfortable, flattered by what they are wearing, AND look how perfectly their color scheme works with the environment. I have a much more in-depth wardrobe guide that I share with every client and I’m always available to discuss wardrobe in detail before your session.
4. Everyone should be prepared to have some solo photos.
Family and group portraits are important, but everyone deserves a few minutes on their own in front of the camera. Even if that’s not high on everyone’s list, it’s my job to make it not only painless, but fun! Mom and dad can have some headshots done during the session if they need them. Each kid in this family also had their own distinct personality, and it was fun getting to know them over the course of the session.
5. Relax and HAVE FUN!
This family did an awesome job at just going with the flow and having a good time, and everyone brought personality they brought to the session. They were relaxed and did plenty of joking around, which was great! I promise you I will do my very best to help you relax and forget that you are there to have your photos taken, because when you let your guard down, that’s when the magic happens! I just loved how mom and dad went from sweet smiles, to cracking up here.
I’m also always on the lookout for candids and silly moments.
And sweet moments too. I didn’t tall dad to give her a kiss — he just did, and that’s what makes this shot great!
These two were hams for the camera, and that’s totally fine by me!
Here are just a few more from this session. Remember, while having your photos taken may make you nervous, it’s my job to alleviate that worry, make you feel comfortable, and guide you though this fun process. The best thing about it is that by the end, you’ll feel reminded of what makes your family special, and you’ll have memories to hold on to for a long time!
Cristen Farrell is a Boston Family Photographer, specializing in families, newborns, children, and life events. Her goal is to capture you and your family in a natural and authentic style, and for you to have fun along the way! She is based out of Andover, just North of the city, but travels anywhere in the Boston area. If you’d like to book Boston summer family photos, Cristen can be reached by clicking on this contact form. Don’t forget to follow Cristen Farrell Photography on Instagram, too, for lots more Boston family photos.
