How to Prepare for Your Outdoor Family Photo Session | San Jose Family Photographer

How to Prepare for Your Outdoor Family Photo Session | San Jose Family Photographer

As your San Jose family photographer, I want my clients to have enough information to help them feel prepared before the day we take photos. So in this post, I’ll tell you how to prepare for your outdoor family photography session in San Jose!

One of my main priorities for your lifestyle family photo session is to keep everything as simple and as stress-free as possible! I think having enough info ahead of time can help cut down on the stress and anxiety leading up to your photo session.

What do we wear? 

KEEP IT SIMPLE AND COMFORTABLE

Please do not make yourself crazy trying to buy everyone new matching outfits in the weeks and days leading up to your session! I always tell moms to check your closets first! There is a good chance you already own the “perfect” outfits. And if you really feel the need to buy something, then go ahead and get a new outfit for yourself.

I always encourage families to put comfort first. I prefer that you dress closer to what you dress like the other 364 days of the year rather than dressing up way more than you usually do.

Some tips…

-please avoid matchy-matchy clothing. (aka everyone in white shirts and khaki pants or jeans) Instead, pick a color palette of 3 or 4 coordinating colors. I will also send you the clothing style guide and some Pinterest links to help you.

-Limit patterns like florals, stripes, and plaids to one or two family members and put everyone else in a solid color.

-Avoid clothing with large logos or characters and avoid neon/fluorescent colors.

-Layers are great when the temps are cooler.

And once again, put comfort over fashion. I don’t want your son annoyed by an itchy sweater or tie he would not normally wear or your daughter fussing over uncomfortable shoes or a dress she is not used to. And if they do wear a dress or skirt, I recommend they also wear shorts under it.

Or in my case, do not make your husband and sons wear pastel button-down shirts and khakis (or a suit jacket etc.) if they never actually wear these things in real life! (they still bring this up 5 years later!)

I even encourage allowing your kids to help make some choices when it comes to what they will be wearing!

Talk about the family photo shoot

Weeks before your portraits, you can get your family excited for your big photo day.  You can tell your kids how fun it’s going to be and why it’s so special and important to have your family photos taken.  Another great idea is to have your family try on the clothes before the big day.  You can even make a game out of it and pretend to be models on the catwalk!  Make sure the clothes fit properly and are comfortable.  On the day of the shoot, ensure the kids are well-rested and have full tummies.

Get ready to play games during the photo shoot!

This is the most important tip of all!  No matter if your outfits are Pinterest-perfect, if you have the most magical lighting, or you are in a jaw-dropping location, none of it will matter if the children are miserable and not enjoying themselves.  So, get ready to be silly.  Have some games ready for the kids and parents to play.  This may include playing tag, throwing leaves, or singing their favorite songs.  The games will lighten the mood and keep the kids entertained and smiling.  A thrilling aspect of family photography is capturing the family interacting with each other.  Not every photo has to have each member of the family looking straight at the camera.

Should we bring anything?

Although I encourage you to feed everyone before the session, feel free to bring a snack and a drink for your child(ren), especially for the little ones. It is more than ok to pause for a few minutes, especially if it is a hot day or they just need to take a short break. Just maybe don’t mention said snacks to the children and just surprise them when they are needed.

If you have a little one, it’s ok to bring your stroller along to shove the diaper bag in (make sure to have diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes because we know babies can have blowouts at the least opportune times!)

The stroller is also a great place to stash your keys and cell phones! Let’s avoid having your pockets bulging with phones and keys!

And it’s okay to let your child bring along a favorite toy or blanket that they are attached to. I think this will help keep them calm and I would love to include this special item in the photos! And having their favorite stuffed animal, toy car, etc. can also help me get some smiles out of the little ones.

So, relax, I’ve photographed hundreds of families and I assure you that our session will be fun. And I promise you that you’ll treasure the memories that I will capture for you!

San Jose Family Photographer | Family Photoshoot in San Jose

San Jose Family Photographer | Family Photoshoot in San Jose

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San Jose Family Photographer

As a San Jose Family Photographer, I've had the opportunity to capture some of the most beautiful and cherished moments in the lives of many families in the Bay Area. There's nothing quite like the joy that comes with being able to freeze a moment in time and capture the memories that families will treasure for years to come.

For me, family photography is all about capturing the essence of each family member and the bond they share with each other. As a photographer, my goal is to create a relaxed and comfortable environment that allows families to be themselves, to laugh, to play, and to love. I want to create an experience that will not only provide families with beautiful family photos, but also with fond memories that they will always cherish.

A family photo shoot is an opportunity to capture the special moments that make a family unique. It's a time to celebrate the bond that unites them and to create memories that will last a lifetime. I encourage families to choose a location that is special to them, whether it's a favorite park or a place that holds a special meaning in their lives. This helps to create an atmosphere that is relaxed and comfortable, which allows the family to let their guard down and enjoy the experience.

I always take time to get to know each family before the shoot, which helps to build trust and rapport. This allows me to capture the essence of each family member and to create photos that truly reflect their personality and spirit. I also encourage families to bring props that are meaningful to them, whether it's a favorite toy or a special blanket. These props can add an extra layer of meaning to the photos and help to tell the family's unique story.

Family Photos in San jose

As a Bay Area family photographer, I have had the opportunity to capture families from all walks of life, each with their own unique story to tell. Whether it's a family with young children, a family celebrating a milestone event, or a family with grandparents and great-grandchildren, every family is special and deserving of beautiful family photos.

One of my favorite aspects of family photography is being able to capture the connections and relationships between family members. Whether it's the bond between siblings, the love shared between parents and their children, or the joy of grandparents with their grandchildren, these moments are what make family photography so special.

In addition to traditional family photos, I also love to capture candid moments that reflect the family's unique personality and energy. These moments can be silly, playful, or poignant, but they all help to create a complete picture of the family and their story.

As a San Jose Family Photographer, I am committed to creating an experience that is relaxed, fun, and meaningful for each family I work with. I want to create photos that not only capture the moment, but also the essence of each family member and the bond that unites them.

If you're looking for a Bay Area Family Photographer to capture the special moments in your family's life, I would be honored to be a part of that experience. Let's create memories that will last a lifetime and photos that will be treasured for generations to come.

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Tags: Bay Area Family Photographer, San Jose Family Photographer, Family Photography, Family Photoshoot, Family Portraits Near Me, Fall Family Photos.

San Jose Family Photographer | Bay Area Family Photographer

San Jose Family Photographer | Bay Area Family Photographer

As a San Jose family photographer, I have the privilege of capturing the love and connection between families. Recently, I had the opportunity to work with a beautiful family of three and create stunning family portraits they will treasure for years to come.

Creating the Perfect Family Photoshoot

When it comes to family photography, I believe that it's all about capturing the essence of your family's unique bond. For this family, we chose a location in the hills just outside of San Jose, California, where the fall foliage added the perfect touch of seasonal beauty to their photos.

The fall season is one of my favorite times of year for family photoshoots. The cooler weather, the changing leaves, and the warm sunlight all come together to create a magical and intimate atmosphere. This family's love for each other was clearly on display throughout our photoshoot and the final photos truly reflect their warmth and closeness.

Tips for Choosing the Right Family Photographer

When searching for a family photographer, it's important to choose someone who truly understands and appreciates the special bond that exists within your family. Look for a family photographer who is passionate about capturing the love, laughter, and genuine moments that make your family unique.

I am a San Jose Family Photographer, and I am always honored when families in the Bay Area choose me as their family photographer. I understand that family portraits are more than just pictures – they are memories that you and your loved ones will cherish for years to come.

Having Fun During Your Family Photoshoot

During our photoshoot, I encouraged this family to simply be themselves and have fun. We played games, sang songs, and just let the love and joy between them shine through. I believe that the best way to capture authentic and intimate family portraits is to simply let the family be themselves and have fun together.

The Result: Stunning Family Portraits

The final result was a beautiful gallery of family portraits that captured the love and connection between this family of three. From snuggly intimate moments to joyful laughs, every photo truly reflected their unique bond and the love they share.

Family photography is one of the most important investments you can make for your family. It's a way to preserve the memories and moments that are so special to you. If you're looking for a family photographer near you, look no further than a Bay Area family photographer.

If you're ready to create beautiful family portraits that will be treasured for years to come, contact me today to schedule your family photoshoot!

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Tags: San Jose Family Photographer, Family Photographer Near Me, Family Photographer, Family Photography, Family Photoshoot, Family Portraits Near Me, Fall Family Photos, San Jose Family Photo Shoot.