Fall shoots are underway, which is peak season for family photos! I know family photos can be stressful for a lot of people. Maybe it’s because you've had a bad experience in the past; or maybe you are nervous how your kids will behave; or maybe it’s your family’s first time doing a photo shoot! Whatever the reason may be, here are my 5 BEST TIPS for a successful photo shoot so you can get the most out of your photography experience!

1) Plan your outfits ahead of time.

I recommend to start planning as soon as you lock down a date! Trying to figure out everyone’s outfits the day of your session can be stressful, and leave you feeling rushed and disorganized.

I recommend to layout ALL your clothing next to each other once you have a general idea of your color scheme. Seeing all the pieces come together will help you make any adjustments and/or determine if you need to purchase any items.

Need outfit tips and inspiration? Check out my Fall and Winter Pinterest board!

2) Eat a snack beforehand.

Who else get hangry when they're hungry? We’ve all been there, and kids will especially be less likely to cooperate when hungry. Thus I highly recommend having a snack about 1 hour before the shoot. I also encourage you to pack a few snacks in your bag just in case!

Happy kids = happy photos!

3) Leave extra time to get ready.

Feeling RUSHED is a very stressful feeling. I HIGHLY encourage to give yourself lots of extra time to get the whole family ready. Leave MORE time than you think to accommodate showers, getting dressed, hair styling, etc.

When a family shows up to a photo session rushed and disorganized, it often impacts the session and leaves a stressful tone during the shoot. However, if a family shows up relaxed and happy, I can’t emphasize the difference it makes in photos!

4) Prepare your spouse and children.

Shoots go so much more smoothly when BOTH parents are cheerfully participating in the shoot (and your kids pick up on it, too!). If your spouse dreads getting photos taken, please let them know I’m going to do everything I can to make the shoot relaxing and fun. I also want to provide a gentle reminder on how important it is to capture family photos. These are precious images that will capture your LEGACY and will be cherished for future generations!

Also, let your kids know how long the shoot will be, and ask them what photos THEY are hoping to capture. Give them a chance to participate and let them feel like this shoot is for them, too. I love hearing their ideas because sometimes they are truly the best ones!

5) Relax, enjoy the moment, and have FUN!

If your baby starts fussing or your child won't cooperate, please do not stress! I’ve seen meltdowns, diaper blowouts, and much more, so please do not feel embarrassed or stressed if things happen.

Please also know for some kids, it takes some time to warm up in front of the camera—and that’s OK! If they are feeling shy or uncooperative, I will take another approach so they can start opening up and feel more comfortable.

Just relax and leave it to me to walk you through the session despite the meltdowns! Trust me, your photos will turn out SO much better when your faces are RELAXED vs. tensed!

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Genevieve Fu, the artist behind G. Lin Photography, specializes in lifestyle newborn and family photography and is based in Durham, NC. Known for her natural, genuine, and candid style, Genevieve has been voted as one of the "Best Photographers in Durham" by Durham Magazine for three years in a row, and is the premier choice for family and newborn photography in the greater Raleigh-Durham area.

Apply these tips to find the right photographer to document your precious memories.

Whether you’re looking to hire a family photographer or newborn photographer, I’ve put together five important tips to help you find the right photographer. Whether it’s me or someone else, I hope you find someone you love!

1) Figure out what photography style you like.

Start by browsing online to see what photography style you like! See what style speaks to you and “clicks” with you. To help you get started, here are some ways I’ve broken down the different shooting and editing styles.

SHOOTING STYLES:

Posed (looking at the camera, stylized, staged). Fits with editorial, glamour, or traditional genre.

Unposed (not looking at the camera, relaxed, candid). Aim at capturing emotion and moments. Fits with lifestyle and photojournalism genre.

EDITING STYLES:

Bright and airy (feels romantic, soft, feminine)

Dark and moody (feels vintage, rustic, artsy)

Natural and vibrant (feel genuine, true-to-life, real)

2) Determine if you want to hire a professional or hobbyist.

I think it’s SO important to consider if you want to hire a professional or hobbyist. While everyone can be a photographer, not everyone is a professional.

A professional photographer is someone who is running a business, first and foremost. That means they are insured, pay taxes, and have you sign contracts before shooting. There is a higher level of professionalism all around—from the initial communication, session experience, to delivery. In addition, no matter how crazy your family may be or how squirmy your kids are, professionals can handle any scenario with ease and confidence, AND still deliver a high-quality gallery.

A hobbyist is someone who may be doing photography as a side hustle, which is totally fine! Most of the time pricing is lower. If you are not as picky with your photos or session experience, I would suggest to find someone who is a hobbyist. There are a lot of people who do photography as a hobby and are unbelievably talented, but don’t want to deal with running a business.

3) Research and read reviews.

Besides word of mouth, I would suggest searching on Google—it is one of the most powerful search engines!

I suggest to make a list of potential photographers and check out their website, blog, and social media. Make a note of the photographers who has a style and brand that resonates with you and speaks to your heart. Also, make sure to read reviews! These give you helpful insight from a customer’s perspective.

Once you’ve made a list of potential photographers, get in touch with them and ask them for their pricing guide and availability.

4) Setup a time to chat with them.

Choosing a photographer is not a decision that can be made on looks alone—you MUST get to know your photographer!

Have a conversation with your potential photographer! I typically offer a complimentary phone consultation with potential clients because hearing someone’s voice and conversing with them gives you a good idea of their personality and who they are. See if your potential photographer would be willing to provide you with a consultation over phone!

When you chat with them, let them know what motivated you to inquire. This is your chance to share your vision and goals for the shoot, and any concerns you may have. It’s important for you to feel confident that they understand your vision and goals!

Don’t forget to ask about their approach, philosophy, and print rights. Is there a session fee or is it all-inclusive? Do you have to pick-and-choose what photos you want after your shoot or do you get all of the best ones?

5) Determine if your personalities click.

I think this may be the most important tip! Chatting with different photographers will give you a VERY clear idea of who you want to work with. At the end of the conversation, ask yourself if you LIKE the photographer. Did you feel like you had a connection and bond? Did your personalities “click” with each other or did it feel awkward? Do you trust that they have your best interest and will deliver photos you’ll love?

All this to say, try to speak with the photographer before hiring them. Apply these tips and you’ll likely find a photographer you love!

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Genevieve Fu, the artist behind G. Lin Photography, specializes in lifestyle newborn and family photography and is based in Durham, NC. Known for her natural, genuine, and candid style, Genevieve has been voted as one of the "Best Photographers in Durham" by Durham Magazine for three years in a row, and is the premier choice for family and newborn photography in the greater Raleigh-Durham area.