10 Rules for the Perfect Photo Shoot!

With Christmas upon us, we have been both sending and receiving lots of family photos. I get asked often how we get our boys to cooperate when we take pictures and, at least at this point, it is really rather easy. For your benefit, and as a former photographer, here are my 10 rules for creating the "perfect" family photo:

1. Choose the right photographer...I can not stress the importance of finding someone who will give you what it is you really want. There are tons of great photographers, some expensive and some not. However, often times when it comes to photos you get what you pay for. If you want a good family shot, get referrals from others. Here, here, here, here, here and here are some of our favorites in Texas and California! Quality portraits are an investment and we save monthly to have them taken once a year. Our kids will never be this age again and it would pain me to not have good family photos as they grow...I can't ever get this time back!

2. Choose the right attire...Solid colors and long sleeves are best. I prefer darker colors, but whites can look nice as well given the right background and a good photographer. Also, everyone doesn't need to wear the same color, but keep everyone in the same color family.

3. Know what you want...Consider what shots are most important. For our last family shoot, I gave the photographer my order of importance (family photos, just the boys, the boys individually and if time, couple photos). Think of where the portrait will be displayed (will it need to be horizontal or vertical?). What colors will go with the room where it will hang? This will help you decide on colors and will help you better convey to your photographer what you want so that you may actually end up with what you want.

4. Be comfortable...Schedule for a time that doesn't interfere with naps or meals and when picking a location, take into account travel time. Whatever the location, you and your family can be comfortable. Arrive early and get familiar with the surroundings. If appropriate, let the kids explore a little (you can even let them be in play clothes and change them later). Everyone will be happier if they are not just thrown into a photo shoot. Allow the photographer to warm up to the family as well. Enjoy the session and RELAX!

5. Bring your own assistant or 2...Your photographer can only be so many places and do so many things. Keeping kids attention with your face behind a camera is difficult if not impossible. Bring along a friend or relative to shake bells or make silly faces. If you are doing clothing changes, extra hands are always great as well!

6. Don't worry about your kids...Follow the photographers directions for you and let him or her and your assistant worry about getting the kids to do what is needed. If you are worrying and checking on your kids, you are getting in the way of taking the picture at the right time. The adults need to be ready for the photo to be snapped at all times...the kids will get it, but their moments are fleeting.

7. Don't apologize for kids being kids... Photographers work with kids all the time. The more you get frustrated or try to get your kids to not act like kids, the harder it will be. If the kids need a little time to wiggle or have a snack, let it happen. You are paying for their time, taking a break is not wasting it. If you don't do what your kids need, you won't end up with the best photos and then you are wasting everyone's time!

8. Be done when it's time to be done...Once the meltdowns begin, get a few more snaps (everyone loves the crying/screaming photos) and call it a wrap. You only really need a few photos to be exceptional and chance are once you have gotten to this point, you'll have at least a few to choose from.

9. Use props when appropriate and in moderation...Props can help to enhance your photo or they can overtake it. Use props that help to convey things of interest (ie, if your kids are into music take some photos with their instruments), convey the occasion/time of year (Christmas lights, birthday cakes, leaves, etc) or things that help to convey the size of your kids (when they fit in a basket or a watermelon). The props should not take away from what the photo is about...you!

10. Order wisely...You will always look at your photos with an overly critical eye on yourself. Order photos that are composed well and capture the moment. Close up photos work well for smaller prints, while those with more background look great as large prints. Know what an 8x10 and a 20x24 are and pick the right size for the location you want to display it. For more info on this, check out my friend Steve's page.

I hope that helps and I am sorry if we are too late for this years photos :) There is always next year! Take photos and take them often. Tomorrow comes too soon!

PS...the photos in this thread are from our awesome shoot with Elle of EllaBella Photography. She did an incredible job with two 8 month olds (one who was running a 103 degree fever even). And, thank you to my old friend Amber who was the best assistant (see, I follow my own rules)!