Top 3 Myths and Misconceptions about Family Photography
It’s all too easy to keep putting off those Family Photos and in all my years of capturing each unique family, these ‘Myths’ crop up far too often! There are loads of misconceptions about Family Photography, but these are my top 3:
Myth 1. Everyone has to be looking at the camera.
You’ve got an inquisitive crawler, adventurous toddler or shy pre-schooler who will not for love or money look towards the camera…. They don’t have to!
I probably sound like a broken record when I say that a Lifestyle approach to Family Photography isn’t about Pinterest perfect poses & everyone pulling their best smile at the camera.
It’s about being in the moment.
I’m all about those candid & impromptu moments. So it’s a case of guiding you into relaxed poses and encouraging you to interact with one another. Trust me, I know the worry that my kids will ‘play up’ in our yearly family photos. That they will pull weird faces, hide their faces, run around wildly or just refuse to co-operate!
I also HATE photos of me looking directly at the camera and have a few cringe-worthy memories from my bridal portraits. So you see, I KNOW what it’s like to be in front of the camera and as a mum, know the family portraits that I adore the most.
The ones where you’re being yourselves and enjoying the moment together.
Myth 2. I don’t need a Family Session, my phone takes great photos.
Yes they can. Don’t get me wrong, I use my phone for snapshots and video clips. It’s quick, super user friendly and you pop a filter on via insta.
BUT having a Family Lifestyle session isn’t just about having ‘nice’ photos of your family.
It’s about the experience of pressing pause from the daily hustle, taking a moment to be present with one another and most importantly getting YOU in the frame too! If I’ve learned anything from taking photos of families, it’s that mum is always the photo taker and rarely actually in the pictures herself. So why not wear that outfit that makes you feel good and enjoy your family, the quiet cuddles and playful tickles.
Whilst I’m the one busily working around you to capture those portraits you’ll want to stare at, set as a screensaver, change your social media profile pic and more importantly print for your home!
Myth 3. You need a trendy wardrobe.
Social media and Pinterest are a fantastic source of inspo for outfits BUT they also usually show the trendiest of clothes.
You don’t need to wear a dramatic dress with a beige fedora hat.
The kids don’t need to be bare foot, wearing organic cotton rompers.
Dad doesn’t need to wear an uncreased linen shirt.
Don’t get me wrong, these outfits can make for stunning (and trendy family portraits) but if this isn’t something you would usually wear, then don’t.
You want to feel like YOU and comfortable for your family photos. So if that means wearing your favourite pair of jeans that make you bum look perky or treating yourself to a pretty new dress that makes you feel confident…. Choose to wear those.
I will give you some tips (via the client prep guide) on choosing your outfits, so that your family photos will look timeless, such as:
Avoiding large slogans & logos
Choosing small patterns over large distracting ones.
Opting for muted colours
Ultimately, you don’t want the focus of your family photos to be on your clothes BUT this doesn’t mean you need to wear a certain style or even buy new clothes (unless of course you want to)
I’m an incredibly passionate about why a Lifestyle approach to Family Photography makes for a relaxed and enjoyable experience and I have hopefully debunked these myths!