How to Prepare for Your Family Photo Session

Janesville Family Photographer | Midwest Family Photography | Madison Area Children’s Photographer

Family photos hold a special place in our lives and in our hearts. These are images we’ll look back on for years to come, images that our children and grandchildren will look at to remind themselves of where they came from and how much their family has changed and grown.

Tracking your family’s growth is a great reason to take annual family photos. But once you’ve booked your session, you may be feeling some trepidation. How am I going to get all the kids to behave? What should everyone wear? What if our pictures turn out terrible because no one will cooperate?

A family photo session can be a nerve-wracking experience for any parent, but the results are well worth the effort. To help you feel a little less stressed about getting everyone dressed and smiling, we’ve put together this handy guide on how to prepare for and make the most of your family session.

Schedule at the right time of day

When it comes to photographing young children, scheduling is everything. You don’t want to schedule a photo shoot right in the middle of naptime and end up with a cranky toddler. In the same way, if your session runs over into dinnertime, your little one may throw a tantrum. Even if you want “golden hour” images, consider your kids and what time of day they’re most alert, awake, and content. It’s better to have your photos taken in the middle of the day than to struggle with frustrated, grumpy children just to get that gorgeous evening light.

Talk to your kids beforehand

A photo session is not something you want to drag your kids to without warning them. Take time to sit your kids down and explain what they can expect at the family session and how they should behave. Emphasize the fun aspects of a photo shoot: They can pretend to be models and even ham it up a little for the camera. Just remind them the importance of listening to you and the photographer and following instructions.

Get inspired

Think about what kind of images you want and talk to your photographer about your options. Would you prefer a studio session or one outside at a favorite park or spot in your town? Maybe you want an in-home session where the photographer can capture your family in their natural environment. Whatever you choose, be sure to speak with your photographer beforehand about what you’re hoping to achieve, as well as any special requirements you or your family may need.

Choose what to wear

While kids definitely look adorable in their dressiest outfits, you’re better off choosing something they’re comfortable in. That goes for your whole family, including you. Everyone will feel more like themselves in their favorite outfits. Just be sure everyone coordinates well and avoid bright colors or patterns that can be distracting.

The Day of Your Session

Pack your bag

If you have kids, you’re definitely familiar with how much stuff you need to bring along with you when you go places, and a family photo session is no different. Here are some items we recommend you pack for your photo shoot:

-       An old blanket to sit on—perfect for cozy outside images

-       Backup outfits—You never know when someone will get a little messy!

-       Lint roller—This is a must if you’re including pets in the session

-       Favorite toys—A great way to keep little ones happy

-       Snacks and water—Nothing boosts a kid’s mood quite like a favorite snack! Just go for something that isn’t too messy

-       Tissues—As a mom, you probably always have these on hand, but you’ll need them to wipe messy noses

Keep an eye out for illness

If you or one of your children comes down with the flu the day of your session, talk to your photographer about rescheduling. These things happen, and we’re more than happy to work with you to find a better time to capture your family photos.

Remove any unnecessary items

Before your photographer starts snapping pictures, be sure to take any keys, phones, or wallets out of pockets and remove any hair ties or Fitbits from your wrists. All these items can be tucked away into your bag so you know exactly where they are and don’t have to stress about searching for your keys later.

Make a day of it

While your actual session may only take a few hours, it’s a good idea to make the day a relaxing one. That means no additional activities for the kids (unless you want to take everyone out for a treat after the session) and no work for you. Just spend a relaxing day at home before and after your session.

Give yourself plenty of time

Instead of rushing out the door 15 minutes later than expected, get everyone ready early and give yourself at least 30 minutes to get to your session location. You may even want to take a look at traffic reports and give yourself even more time if necessary. If you’re in a rush, you’ll feel stressed and anxious, and that’s no way to start a family photo shoot! Be sure to give yourself plenty of breathing room so you can arrive comfortably early to your session.

Stay calm

I know, it’s easier said than done. But if you’re stressed out, your kids will sense it, and suddenly everyone is having a not-fun time. Besides, genuine smiles look so much better than forced ones, and you want your family photos to capture your authentic joy and personalities!

6 Reasons Why More Women Are Doing Maternity Sessions (And You Should Too)

Wisconsin Maternity Session | Janesville Maternity Photography Studio | Madison and Milwaukee Wisconsin Maternity Photographer

As you’re preparing for your new baby, you probably have a to-do list that’s a mile long! I know I sure did! From getting the nursery ready to packing your bag for the hospital, there’s just so much to do. You may think that maternity photos are just another item on that list that you can skip, but a maternity session is a great opportunity to capture this special moment in your life.

Celebrate the anticipation and joy

Some women feel amazing during pregnancy while others deal with a lot of discomfort and body issues. Regardless of how you feel, a professional maternity session can help you love your body and feel powerful and beautiful. Pregnancy is an incredible time in your life, and these moments before you welcome your new child into the world are moments you will want to remember for years to come. Why not have some professional images taken to celebrate these feelings before you forget them?

Reflect on your journey

Maternity photos are a wonderful way to capture the next chapter in your story as a couple. These sessions give you an opportunity to reminisce about how your relationship started and how far you’ve come as you look into what the future may hold for your family. Whether this is your first child or your fourth, a maternity session can help you honor the love that started it all and celebrate how you’ve grown together.

Capture this moment in time

Your life is about to change in a big way, and before you know it, the present moment will be nothing more than a memory. Before your family changes to welcome its newest member, you should take time to enjoy where you are now and celebrate the love you share. Plus, when you have images of your family as it grows, you can look back on those photos in the years to come and watch the way you all have changed.

Have fun with older siblings

The best thing about a maternity session is it can be a family photography session, giving your other children a chance to mug for the camera and have fun. Your new baby will require a lot of your attention, so why not your older children have some time in the spotlight? Including older siblings in your maternity photos can make them feel more involved in your pregnancy journey—and more excited for their new little brother or sister to arrive.

Make a big reveal

If you’re planning on sharing your baby’s sex or name, a maternity session can be the perfect opportunity to make that announcement. There are a variety of fun and creative ways you can make that announcement (just check out Pinterest!), and if you need suggestions, your photographer can help you come up with a unique way to let people know the gender or name of the new child you’re expecting.

Feel gorgeous for a day

From the clothes that don’t fit to your discomfort, pregnancy doesn’t always make you feel beautiful. A professional maternity photography session can be a reminder of just how gorgeous you are and how amazing your body is. After all, you’re growing a human being, and that’s truly incredible! Use your maternity photos as an excuse to get pampered with a haircut or even professional makeup and get all dressed up. When you see your images, you may be surprised by how stunning you look.

Maternity Studio Photography - Janesville, Wisconsin

Janesville Maternity Photographer | Maternity Studio Photography | Maternity Client Closet

Jessie was so amazing to work with. She was simply glowing during her maternity session. We were able to incorporate 4 different dresses from the client closet. My favorite was of corse the gray and pink robes, they are so versatile and full of glamour. Our Boho corner was perfect as well with this beautiful Bohemian dress. Lastly Jessie just looked stunning in our purple boutique dress and bodysuit. Thanks again for letting me document such a special time in your life.

-Jenny Elaine.

This bohemian dress comes in four different styles; halter top, off the shoulder, full coverage, or plunge line.

A little behind the scenes in the studio during our session.

Mother & Daughter Studio Session

Mother & Daughter Sessions | Janesville Studio | Contemporary Portraits

Another busy week of online sessions. I can’t wait to open up the studio! Soon… I have been busy with online sessions, editing, and adding to the client closet.

I hear clients say all the time.. What should I wear? We have a great closet full of items for you to choose from. Click here for more details.

Thanks you Flutter Dresses and Megan Granado for making this shoot possible. I am thankful to be busy working on my portfolio during shut down. These photos were all taken on screen. Just imagine how they will look in studio!

Mother and Daughter portraits are some of my favorite sessions. I love to celebrate moms. I know how it is; We have kids and then we somehow are always behind the camera.

Mom’s, one day your children will look for you in photographs of you and what will they find? Let me take the best photography you have ever seen of yourself.

-Exist in Photographs.

Pet Photography - Janesville Studio or On Location

Janesville Photography Studio | Pet Photographer

Southern Wisconsin & Northern Illinois

Pet Photography

Jenny Elaine Photography

Pet Portrait Sessions.

We are so pleased to add Pet Photography sessions and services both in the studio or on location in your home. Sessions are so much fun! We start by capturing the personality of your furry friends, playtime, and of course, our most popular treat catching shots. Jenny has spent many years working in the pet care field, an is very capable of providing a fun and relaxed environment to your furry friend. Her travel studio is small and requires only about 5 feet of set up space. Call today to start planning your session. These sessions can also be incorporated into our Contemporary Portrait Sessions.