I work with all kinds of people, each with a different personality type. You have your Type A planners who have everything thought out for their family photos weeks or months in advance. And then there are the ones who don’t even think about what their kids should wear until ten minutes before they show up at my studio. And you know what? It works for them. Most of the time. But because flying by the seat of your pants can be stressful, I encourage all of my customers to plan ahead for their photos. Here’s why:

It can make the difference between great photos and photos you never print.

If you’re like most other real life families, you’ve gotten photos back from your photographer that you would never print. Let’s face it – it’s happened to everyone. But if you plan ahead, more of your pictures will be printable than not. Preparation helps you plan for pesky things like rain or freezing cold days (because we all know your three-year-old isn’t going to smile if his fingers are turning purple).

It can make your sessions more personalized.

Letting your photographer know what you’re thinking ahead of time gives you both a chance to plan how you’re going to make your photos unique to your family. If you have a theme you’d like to do or props you’d like to use, this will help your photographer know how to set up the session.

It helps your photographer know how to plan.

Your photographer puts a lot of time into your sessions. Communicating with her ahead of time gives her a better idea of what type of photos you’re looking for. Do you want studio photos? Outdoor photos? A mix? She needs to know that. Are you expecting your pet rabbit to be included in the photos? Do you have a certain location you want your photos taken? Knowing all those details ahead of time will help your photographer be able to prep the best for your session.

It can help you find the best locations.

Sure, you can just show up at the studio, kids in tow for some really nice family photos. But if the weather’s nice and there are gorgeous landscapes available, why not use them? Your photographer probably has lots of good ideas, but she’ll be open to yours too.

It helps you figure out outfits.

Maybe you’re type A and have your family photo outfits planned months in advance. If you’re not, though, your photographer is a great resource for what looks best and what makes you look like you just ate Thanksgiving dinner. Ask her opinion on colors to know what will work best in the lighting she has available.

Is it time to schedule your family photo session? Get in touch!