For so many years, family photos have been posed with everyone looking at the camera. That is an expectation that I want you to let go of. While yes, I will get a photo of everyone looking at the camera, that isn’t what this session is about. Imagine watching a movie where everyone stands completely still, just staring at the camera. We would be so bored within the first few seconds. Video sessions are designed for movement, activities, play, and all the fun. To help you reset your expectations, I’ve gathered my top six tips for what you can expect during your family film session!
On the Way - Prepping the Family
So instead of prepping your family with the standard, “You will look at the camera, and you will smile.”, go with something more realistic. “We are going to go hang out with our friend, Tristin, and she’s going to capture us with her camera while we play.” Lower the expectations and the stress for the whole family. This is not the time to bribe or put time limits on things. Instead, encourage your family to feel their feelings during this session and embrace whatever that means.
Direction
During your family film session, you can expect me to guide the whole family. Again, this may differ from what you’re used to, but I promise I’ve got this. I will guide you through your film session to ensure that you and your family are effortlessly captured as your most wonderful selves. I will make sure everyone, including you mom, is involved in this process. All I ask is that you trust the process, relax, and enjoy these moments with your family.
Embrace the Moment
While it may seem scary, you can expect these sessions to be “No Discipline” sessions. For this one hour, during this one session, I will be taking over the discipline. If I need help, I will ask, but mostly I want you just to embrace the moments that are presented throughout our time together. If I see something that needs to be addressed, I will address it. Instead, lead with love and grace. Not only will it create a special moment between you and your kids, but it will be a beautiful moment on film as well.
Mom Tips
Mom, I don’t want anything to distract you during your family film session. I’ve put together a few tips to help you out for the day of:
* We will be up and down quite a bit. When picking your outfit, make sure you can bend over and down without anything popping out.
* When picking out your lipstick, make sure it is a smudge-proof lipstick. There will be plenty of hugs and kisses during your session, and smudge-proof lipstick will last for the duration of your session.
* Just keep moving. Movement looks wonderful on film, so when possible, move. Twirl and spin your kids. Move and sway to catch the movement in your dress.
Audio
Small audio snippets are one of my favorite things to incorporate into your family films. It truly is one of the best parts of your film. The small giggles, the belly laughs, and the voices that will inevitably change in the next few years are all captured during your family film session. Even better, you’ll have these videos to hold onto for generations.
Prompting Your Kiddos
While I provide the direction for the session as a whole, I give everyone space to interact with each other. If that means scooping up your child while we walk from one spot to the next and spinning them around, wonderful! That could also mean you ask your child to sing their favorite song while you look for bugs on the ground. You, more than anyone, know what your kids love to do. Use this time to prompt your kids on a few of their favorite things. These moments captured on video will truly encapsulate your family at this moment in time.
