Whether you are planning a family session, newborn, or maternity session, most likely it is for your children and to capture the memories of your family. However, who doesn’t want to also like how they themselves look in the photos? Here are a few tips I put together to get you feeling your best during your session.
TIP 1. CHOOSE CLOTHES THAT YOU FEEL CONFIDENT IN
Definitely plan this ahead of time. Having a family photo session is a great reason to buy a new outfit that makes you feel beautiful in. Once you have the right outfit, it will be much easier to coordinate the rest of the families clothing. Keep in mind the choice of location when picking an outfit. Although you will rarely find me without heels on, I know at the beach 4 inch heels may be hard to pull off. (So instead, I would probably end up with some wedged sandals, haha). Overall, if you FEEL good, you will look good!
You can find more of my tips on dressing for your session here: What to wear
TIP 2. LEARN A FEW POSING TRICKS
a. SMILE! This is probably the most important. Do NOT think of the cheesy, fake smile but a more genuine one. One way to pull this off is to laugh. If for some reason you are having a hard time thinking of something funny, then do a fake little laugh. This produces the best natural smiles in my opinion.
b. Angle your body. Usually, the least flattering is standing face-on to the camera. It is much more flattering to stand at an angle at about 45 degrees and to put your weight on your back leg.
c. Slightly lean in towards the camera but still make sure your posture is good and you are not slouched over.
d. Bring your chin forward and down. This help prevents the dreaded “double chin.”
TIP 3. FIND YOUR “GOOD SIDE”
Everyone seems to have a good side they like better in photographs. Don’t be afraid to let your photographer know this. (According to this article, it is your left side). In fact, Let them know anything that will make you feel better in photos. Some people have a birthmark they want to hide, or a bald spot, or whatever you want to show or hide to make you feel the best!
TIP 4. HAVE FUN!!
Have fun. Laugh. Tell Jokes. Pick up the kids and spin them. Dance. This will allow your photographer to capture the beauty of you and your family.
