The Best Questions Answered About Having Beautiful Family Photography Sessions

Beautiful family photography sessions don’t have to be a mythical creature! They don’t have to be stressful or tiresome, and they don’t have to leave you feeling exhausted and worried about the outcome.

How to have the best family photography sessions

All your questions answered by a professional photographer in Crested Butte, Colorado for successful family photography sessions.

1. Can we bring multiple outfits? Typically clients will wear one outfit for family photography sessions. Occasionally parents bring two outfits for the kids or a backup outfit for babies in case they get dirty or messy.
2. Should we bring snacks? Snacks are great way to ensure smiles. It also gives kids an opportunity to take a break and can often help encourage kids to participate and smile. However, you know your kids best. If snacks are going to be too distracting or something they can’t put down certainly do not bring them. The best plan of action is to have your child well fed before the photo session and to only bring snacks if absolutely necessary. Good snacks to bring include:
   • pretzels, crackers, granola bars, cheese sticks, fruit bars
   • snacks to stay away from: peanut butter, yogurt, excessive sugar, and anything that is messy.
3. What if it’s cold? Crested Butte is often cooler in the mornings even in the summer so being well prepared with layers is important. Speak to your photographer before the session about timing and keep an eye on the weather predictions. Afternoons and early evenings are typically the warmest, but can also bring showers an unpredictable weather patterns. Layers and a warm jacket are great options for in between your photos.
4. What should toddlers wear? The most important clothing for children is comfortable outfits. Sensible shoes that they can easily walk, run and explore in our best. Layers for warmth are important even in the summer in Crested Butte. Try to dress your children in comfortable but nice looking clothing and stay away from busy patterns and any kind of logos or text.
5. Should grandparents coordinate? It is always recommended that all participants somewhat coordinate their clothing. It is not necessary to completely match, but having a color palette or color scheme can help unify the group. Be mindful of too many contrasting colors or patterns and make sure to mix patterns with solids.
6. What do dads wear? Usually the men will wear some kind of plaid or flannel button down and solid colored pants like khakis or jeans. Shirt options include:
   • polo/collared shirt
   • plaid or flannel shirt
   • solid color button down
   • sweater
   • light sport jacket

Questions About Kids

1. What if my kids don’t cooperate? The best photos are of kids being kids. The candid images of kids laughing, playing and exploring the environment are usually some of the best. We love when kids are interacting with each other or their parents or grandparents and showing off who they are and their natural fun, loving selves. Even pictures of tears can be adorable and create a lasting memory. The best thing parents can do is not stress let the photographer lead, sometimes giving the kids extra space so that the kids and the photographer can create a repertoire. Try to create a positive narrative before the session about the fun and adventure the kids will be having and not about the necessity of smiling and looking perfect.
2. What if my toddler cries? Crying is a possibility with any small child. It is best to take a moment to soothe your child and let the photographer have an opportunity to help make the kid feel comfortable and possibly distract them. Try not to get stressed or angry with the child and force them with threats or punishments. A good photographer will have games, tricks and even props like bubbles or a puppet to help the child feel comfortable and have fun.
3. What if my baby sleeps? A sleeping baby is an easy baby. If your baby falls asleep on the car ride to the session and stays asleep during the session embrace the simplicity. Photographers often can help pose mom and dad holding a sleeping baby for some beautiful images.
4. Should I bribe my kids? You know your kids best and what works well with them however as a longtime professional photographer, I would recommend holding out on bribery for as long as possible. Let your photographer use their games and prompts to get natural candid moments and to have fun in the family photography session helping the children feel comfortable.
5. How do you get real smiles? A good professional photographer will often use techniques such as movement, interactive games, jokes and props to help with children feeling comfortable and creating natural smiles. Movement such as:
   • running walking, jumping spinning, can often help with everyone in the family loosening up and feeling comfortable.
   • games such as peekaboo, tickling, telephone, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, looking and laughing are great ways for a seated or standing pose to create candid, interactive moments.
6. What if my child has special needs? Always communicate with your photographer before family photography sessions if your child has special needs. Share information and strategies that you find have worked for creating a comfortable environment for your special needs child including what they do and do not like.
7. How long before kids get tired? Depending on the child and the age kids usually enjoy themselves from 30 to 60 minutes. Some children need 15 to 20 minutes to warm up and feel comfortable and start really getting involved in the session. Other kids come ready and lose steam 30 to 45 minutes into the session. A good professional photographer will be able to read the situation and maximize the time frame.
8. Can we bring toys? Yes, a few toys is welcome in family photography sessions. Bring a ball or bubbles to interact with your children and to create calm. If a child has a special toy or lovey that help them feel comfortable. It is best to bring it along and let the photographer know they can use the toy to help the child look at the camera and feel comfortable.
9. How do you photograph teenagers? Teenagers are just like any other age of child or adult and need to feel comfortable to look their best. Photographers will use prompts games and movement to help a teenager feel comfortable and be candid during the session.

During the Family Photography Sessions

1. Do we have to pose? No you do not need to know anything about posing for family photography sessions. A professional photographer will pose you and place you in the best light and background.
2. What if we’re awkward? Most people are awkward in front of a camera. A good professional photographer will have games and prompts to help everybody feel comfortable and relaxed during the photo session.
3. Can grandparents join? The more the merrier. Family photo sessions are often multi generational.
4. Can we bring our dog? Yes, usually. Most family photography sessions in Crested Butte are pet friendly. Speak to your photographer beforehand and let them know you would like to bring your dog so that locations can be planned accordingly.
5. What happens if it rains? Weather in the Rockies comes in and goes pretty quickly. If the weather prediction is quite bad ahead of time, hopefully the session can be rescheduled easily. Often it only needs to be changed an hour or so or the rain can be waited out. Schedule your family photography sessions early in your trip so rescheduling is possible if necessary.
6. Where are the best locations? Some of the best family photo session locations include a variety of backdrops such as mountains, aspen trees and water. Most of these locations are easy to get to and accessible to everyone This list includes:
   • Woods Walk
   • Lower Loop
   • Peanut Lake
   • Umbrella Bar
   • Cb campground
   • Gothic Road
   • Slate River Road
   • Gunsight Bridge
7. Can we hike? Yes if you have a location that you prefer that requires hiking for your family photography sessions discussing it with your photographer before hand is necessary. It might mean you have to add an additional hour or two to your scheduled session.
8. What time should we meet? The best times of the day for family photography sessions are when the sun is low in the sky. This varies from season to season but generally include:
   • summer 9 AM or 6 to 8 PM
   • fall 10 AM or 4 to 6 PM
   • winter 11 AM to 3 PM
9. What if we’re late? Problems arise, and tardiness may occur. It is best to communicate with your photographer as much as possible about your delay.
10. What should we expect? FUN!! And beautiful photos.

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