Sioux Falls Photographer shares how to Look your Best for Family Pics
We all know that we take photos because of our kids. We love them and we want to share them off because they are the cutest, am I right? But its also true that we want ourselves to look good too! Here are a few tricks and tips from Ashley Photography, Sioux Falls Area Photographer to help you feel and look good at your next family session!
- Take care of YOU first.
You spend your days taking care of everyone else in the family, but let this be your turn! This is a wonderful excuse to treat yourself for the day! Here are some great ideas…
- Let the kids stay at their grandparents’ house the night before so you can have a full nights sleep
- Stay home from work (if you can) or leave a little earlier than usual to recharge!
- Book yourself a blowout (with a flexible rescheduling policy in case we get rained out)
- Schedule a medicure or a pedicure and treat yourself to some pampering time!
2. Choose clothing that’s comfy and flattering.
- Try your outfit on well before your session. Have someone take a picture of you in every angle, including sitting, squatting, etc. When we are trying on outfits, we tend to choose our favorite angles when buying an outfit, and don’t always consider the other angles and poses we will be in.
- Choose an outfit that makes you FEEL good. This is probably my number one tip. You want clothing that flows good when you walk, keeps you warm in the fall or cool in the spring, and doesn’t require a ton of adjusting during your session.
- Try not to chose clothing that is too baggy, and likewise too tight. Balance works well; for example, women often look balanced with a flowy shirt + skinny jeans or a fitted shirt + flowing maxi skirt.
- Think about accessories! Hats, jewelry, belts, cardigans, jackets are all fun ways to boost your outfit!
- Try to avoid strapless or sleeveless tops or dresses (unless you love your arms) low cut shirts, cheap and flimsy fabrics, stilettos that will sink in the ground, baggy clothes, hoodies, neon colors, and too much pattern.
3. Drink lots of water the week before!
If you struggle with bloating, this will be a lifesaver! In the week leading up to your session, drink at least 100 ounces of water every day and stay hydrated! However, the night before your photo session, reduce your water intake to the bare minimum! Biggest trick to avoid bloating!
4. Eat a good meal before hand!
This trick is especially true for the husbands and kids! Everyone works better on a full tummy, so make sure you grab something to eat before your session!
5. Be prepared
Being prepared for your photo shoot helps in general with your stress level, which helps with your comfortability level during your photo shoot. Here are a few tips to make things a bit less stressful
- Any personal appearance items you may need such as lipstick or a hair brush
- Snacks, and if necessary, treats to bribe kids with! (Side note: it’s best not to tell kids about the treats before the session, wait until they start getting fatigued before you pull the treat card! If they know about them before hand, sometimes it can cause more stress in the beginning. Also choose snacks that are not going to stain lips or fingers!
- Walkable shoes: The best locations are often a small jaunt to get to, so its best to bring walkable shoes. You can always carry your favorite wedges along and change for the picture!
- A change of clothes for kiddos, just in case! Although I don’t recommend too many outfit changes as kiddos tend to get cranky with outfit changes, it is a great idea to bring a change just in case one gets muddy or dirty.
- A Towel, just in case they find the mud!
6. Know your Angles!
One of the most asked questions, is “how do I angle myself to look the best during my session?” and it almost always comes from moms! Here are some pointers
- Don’t face the camera straight on, slightly angle your body to the side and rest your weight on your back leg.
- Turn your face straight on to the camera
- Lean your upper body slightly forward
- Bring your chin forward and down to help create more of a jawline, and less of a double chin
- Keep your arms bent slightly away from your waist, and not straight to your side. Like you have your hands in your pockets
Need more tips? Try Top Ten Tips to Prepare for Family Session
