What to pack for family photos
Ok, Mom’s this one is for you. And Dad’s too if you’re packing the bag!
Let’s face it, family photos can be stressful. I remember doing our own family portraits when my son was a toddler and it seemed no matter how many naps, snacks and bribes we offered he was not having any of it. To avoid this I like to advise clients to bring a few things along that can make a family photoshoot run a little smoother.
1. SNACKS! I always recommend bringing lots of snacks. It’s always possible to pause and take a break and give the kids a snack. Something I like to do is give the hungry child a snack while doing couples portraits of Mom and Dad or perhaps individual shots of older kids. We can always make use of the time during a quick snack. Another tip for snacks: don't bring anything too sticky or anything that will stain lips or teeth.
2. Extra clothes and shoes. The weather in Colorado can change on a dime. Bringing extra clothes including coats, sweaters and even a change of shoes can be a life saver. I want to make sure that everyone is warm and dry during my photoshoots. Bringing coats and boots are so helpful especially during winter and the shoulder seasons. An additional tip is to wear comfortable shoes. Many photoshoot locations are pretty rugged and require a bit of hiking. So wear those comfy shoes and bring along the cute ones to change into if that’s move your vibe.
3. Wipes and tissues. No matter the age of your children wipes are always helpful. My son is 9 now and I still carry wipes in the car in case of spills, messy faces, dirty hands, etc. During one of my family shoots I noticed there was a smudge on one of the older children’s noses. I got closer and alas: dirt! A quick wipe down and we were good to go.
4. A comb, hairbrush, hair clips and any touch up cosmetics. The foothills are known for wind so bringing a comb and hair ties or hair clips is always recommended. Lip balm is also very helpful. Colorado is DRY! Especially if you are visiting your lips can really suffer! If you’re feeling like you need a minute for a makeup or hair touch up let me know! I am always happy to pause the shoot and help out.
5. Toys. If you’ve got a baby or toddlers toys are essential. I always bring a squeaky toy to grab the attention of littles. If your kids love balls or love their stuffy – bring them along! The happier the kiddos the easier the shoot! We can always snatch them away for a minute to make sure we get a few shots without the toys. But sometimes capturing images with the toys in them can be so sweet, it can represent what the kids love during this time period. If the kids are really having a hard time I will bring out the bubbles for the last few minutes. Everyone loves bubbles and the photos can be truly sweet.
6. Something to drink. Obviously, water is a must with kiddos. But, sometimes a little snifter of something can help Mom or Dad loosen up. When my now husband and I had our engagement photos taken I was incredibly nervous. I had never had professional photos done and was stiff and not relaxed at all. My photographer gave me a little glass of wine and whew! I relaxed and had a great time. So, if your husband is not a fan of photos sometimes a single beer can go a looong way!
7. Something that I always bring: a blanket! I have a few blankets that are used exclusively for photo shoots. Sometimes it’s nice to be able to cuddle up together and you can always count on me to have a cozy blanket to keep you clean. Other times the blankets end up keeping someone warm so they can be multipurpose.
So there you have it: my essential packing list for family portraits. Bringing along these few things can make a big difference in your portrait experience!
