5 Tips for planning a family reunion photo session with a professional photographer
Family Reunion Photoshoot
Vacation plans are made. (The hardest part is behind you!) Everyone will be in one beautiful spot in Coastal Maine. This warrants something more than a few iPhone photos on a timer! Why not get that large generational group photo you have been wanting? And we can knock out those holiday or Christmas cards while we are at it, too! What better time to plan a family photography session than in beautiful Kennebunkport? The hardest part of getting the extended family in one place is already accomplished!
Some people book their session months in advance, while others book it last minute the week they are here. My schedule does tend to book up, so I highly recommend reaching out as early as possible to arrange a day during the week.
1. Location
When considering the location for your family photoshoot, it's essential to factor in the ages and mobility of everyone in your group. If you have a lot of babies and toddlers or grandparents who may find it challenging to walk on the beach, I highly recommend the convenience of using your summer home, vacation rental, or hotel as the backdrop. This familiar setting can help everyone feel more at ease, and when we break off into smaller family units for photos kids can play and adults can relax. Plus, we can usually find shade and a comfortable place to sit. If it is super important to you to be on the beach, we can chat about which beach in the area might be best and closest to where you are staying! (And one with easy parking.) There are also really pretty special to Maine spots such as Cape Porpoise where there are lobster boats returning from the day out to see and docks to walk on. No matter what your coastal dreams are we can chat about them and plan a way to work them all in!
2. Timing
Yes, golden hour- that fleeting gorgeous hour right before sunset - is my favorite time of day, but that may be too late in the summer for young people or, let's face it, all of us! So consider what time is best for everyone in the group. I try to avoid the middle of the day as the light can be really harsh and not as flattering. No matter what time of day it is, make sure everyone has had a meal or snack.
3. Consider your outfits.
My advice is to choose colors that are coordinated but not too matchy. To add a fun and coordinated element to your family photos, select a color theme or general palette and roughly stay in the same tones. Neutrals are always a safe choice, but it can be equally fun to experiment with a vibrant color theme. The key is coordinating without being too matchy, allowing each family's unique style to shine through.
4. Bring some props or toys!
We love a theme and a prop moment. Blanket to sit on, wine to drink? Sure! Make sure to bring toys that your kids love or something fun, like bubbles or a ball. It will keep them busy and be fun to capture candid lifestyle photos of everyone having a great time on vacation.
5. Most importantly, relax and have a fun time!
It can be really hard to get kids to relax and “smile” for the camera but the more natural and laid back the session is the better it will be.
