We understand. Wrangling your group for a family portrait session can feel overwhelming. Let’s be honest, families come with complexities, and orchestrating a sizable group with individual quirks and unique dynamics spanning generations can be challenging. When you add a couple of spirited toddlers, a fussy baby, and parents juggling all of the above, it can understandably feel daunting for our clients.
But not for us. Our expertise makes families feel at ease, from when we meet to during your time in front of the camera. Capturing beautiful photos of your kids and the entire family is well within our capabilities. It’s not uncommon for us to hear from our clients after a family portrait session how pleasantly surprised they were by the relaxed and enjoyable nature of our time together.
How do we manage it? We infuse a healthy dose of fun and patience, and encourage our clients to embrace the same spirit.
Set the stage ahead of time.
It all begins with readying your family for the session in advance. This involves making sure everyone is well-rested and adequately nourished. We request you avoid scheduling the session around your kids’ bedtime or nap time. If you opt for an afternoon shoot before heading out for dinner, ensure the entire family has enjoyed a wholesome snack beforehand. A content stomach leads to a more relaxed and cooperative atmosphere. Since you’re the expert on your family’s rhythm, choose a time of day that aligns best with the energy of your lively crew.
Give the kids a heads-up.
A couple of days ahead, let your children in on the plan for the upcoming photo session. Assure them of the enjoyable time and outing that awaits. Come photo day, ensure you’ve set aside enough time for everyone to get ready comfortably, pick out suitable outfits, have a satisfying meal, and get organized. Avoid the rush – running late can introduce unnecessary stress and dampen the experience.
To ensure a smooth start, consider arranging for professional hair and makeup, allowing you to step in confidently. And, of course, getting everyone excited and on board is equally important. While one person might typically handle the session arrangements, it’s crucial that everyone involved knows what’s ahead and is prepared to embrace the experience wholeheartedly.
Pick a meaningful location.
Many of our family portrait clients are visiting Martha’s Vineyard and want to take advantage of its diverse landscape. We recommend selecting a location for your session that best matches your family’s interests, personality, and attention spans. Consider whether the kids are better suited for a casual walk along the beach or a longer hike near the Aquinnah cliffs. Some clients will opt for a more organized activity we tag along for, like a clam bake or boat ride where the family is already comfortably engaged.
Let loose and enjoy!
The key here is fun. We’re all about capturing those genuine moments of laughter, cuddles, giggles, and pure silliness. Playfulness is our specialty, and we’re more than ready to dive in. If the kids need a little boost, don’t worry – we’ve got many tricks up our sleeve.
From entertaining activities to props that catch their eye (feel free to bring along their favorite calming toy!), we’re prepared. Our toolkit includes attaching stuffed animals to the camera, whimsical hand puppets, goofy faces, our infamous accordion, and even playful glasses and accessories that’ll guarantee laughter and smiles. We approach this with a lighthearted spirit and encourage you to do the same. Moms and Dads, you’re in on the action, too – kids love seeing their parents embrace the fun.
Don’t worry about the final result – that’s on us.
Your task is to enjoy the company of your family. These photos will be treasured for generations, and we’re committed to making them exceptional. We’ll steer clear of forced smiles and instead create genuine, timeless images that let you relive these moments. And remember, the best shots don’t always involve everyone looking right at the camera. Some of the most memorable photos are the candid, natural ones that tell your unique story.
Make it a family tradition.
Many of our family portrait session clients return to us yearly, some for over a decade. These enduring relationships often originate from wedding photography sessions, capturing the start of families that have since grown.
We’ve had the privilege of getting to know these couples and witnessing the remarkable journey of their children’s growth. Each year, a sense of ease and enthusiasm permeates those photo sessions. By making this a vacation tradition, the children anticipate the experience, fostering a familiarity that leads to genuine photos—a heartwarming collection meant for sharing and cherishing.
Thinking about a family portrait session during your time on Martha’s Vineyard? Sign up to receive our Six Family Traditions, which offers inspiration for the best family portrait locations on-Island and wardrobe tips for the whole family. Contact us to make your appointment.
