Choosing the right photographer for your family photoshoot.
Firstly, choosing the right photographer for your family photoshoot is so important. You can search google, Instagram, or seek recommendations from friends local to Melbourne, whose photos you have admired in their home or social media. Once you have a shortlist of photographers, do your homework and check their portfolio. Ensure that their photography is consistent, so that you know what to expect. Check their pricing. Affordability means different things to different families, but be mindful that if photographers seem very cheap, you might get what you pay for. Check for reviews. If they don’t have them, or have turned them off, this would be a red flag.
2. Communication with your photographer.
Once you have booked your Melbourne family photographer, be sure to communicate any strong desires/visions that you hope to get out of the photoshoot. A lot of photographers use questionnaires, to help them understand what the client wants to get out of their time together. Your photographer should also be able to offer guidance when it comes to Melbourne locations, and outfit choices. If there are any sensitive situations (for example illness or neurodiversity), you should definitely inform your photographer ahead of time, so they can plan accordingly. Your photographer should be proactive when it comes to communication, and guide you through the whole experience from beginning to end.
3. Preparing for your family photoshoot in Melbourne.
For the best possible photography, it’s always a good idea to have a few things in place. Make sure your kiddo’s are well fed and rested ahead of the session. No-one wants tired or hangry children! Talk to your children about what you are going to do, but keep it light hearted. Explain that you guys are going to have some family time, and explore a new location with a friend who is going to take a few photos. Taking some snacks with you in a bag is a good idea, and also a spare change of clothes if you’re going to be out and about in nature. Research the travel time to your location and always tag on extra travel time, for any unexpected traffic.
4. Be prepared for Melbourne’s changeable weather.
Your family photographer should be on top of this, and let you know if it’s too extreme or unsafe to go ahead with a photoshoot. If you get the thumbs up to go ahead with your session, have look at the temperature at your photography location and plan your outfits accordingly. A cold family will not photograph as well as a comfortable family! Consider the footwear, depending on the location that you have chosen. Sandals in a forest in July might not be the best choice!
5. Including your pet in your family photoshoot?
This is definitely a conversation for you and your photographer to have. Pets are without a doubt a member of the family, however the do add an extra element of unpredictability to a photoshoot, particularly if the location is new to them. Additionally, certain locations in Melbourne do not allow dogs, so this would be something to factor in. Your photographer should have several Melbourne-based dog-friendly locations for you to choose from however, and should be able to share examples of previous family photography sessions where a pet has been included. If you choose to include your pet into your family photography session, it might be safe to assume that the gallery might be a little more candid than posed.
6. How do I get my kids to cooperate for a family photoshoot?
Honestly, the best approach to a family photography session is to be relaxed and not have too many fixed expectations about posed perfection. Children seem to have an in-built radar for when a parent is stressed, and seem to do the polar opposite of what is requested. As above, make sure kids are well fed and well rested. Allow the photographer to take control of the situation, and provide the prompts for your family. A seasoned photographer will know how to get the best out of your family. The promise of a treat can often work wonder too!
7. Try and go with the flow.
I know this is easier said than done, but if you have chosen the right photographer, the right Melbourne location, have fed and watered your children, you have done everything you can. Try and allow the experience to unfold organically, and trust in your photographer to capture you and your family exactly as you are in this moment of time.
Hopefully this has helped a little! If you want to enquire about a family photography session with These Days Photography, click the button below. I’d love to chat.
Jo is a natural light photographer, specialising in relaxed family and newborn photography in the Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula regions.