A little preparation and planning go a long way when it comes to getting family photos in Vancouver. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but thinking ahead can really make a difference to the outcome of your photos. Thinking ahead can get you some of the most beautiful, imaginative, colourful and timeless pictures you’ll ever see!

Considerations such as what you and your family wear to your family photo shoot, your kids’ emotions (or your own) and the activities of the day are really important.

So in an effort to get you the best pictures possible, here are my five best tips to help you prepare for your Vancouver family photo shoot:

1. Plan your family’s wardrobe carefully

Not only should your clothes look classic and timeless, they should also co-ordinate with your family’s clothing. By matching things like tone and style (don’t dress your son in jeans and a sleeveless shirt while you’re in a fancy dress), you’ll add an important sense of unity to the image.

Here are the best types of clothes for your kids to wear for professional family photos:

• jeans or comfy shorts

• a T-shirt without logos or bold designs

• a sweater without logos or bold designs

• a rain jacket

• appropriate shoes, such as sandals or their school shoes

Here are the best types of clothes for you and your partner to wear for professional family photos:

• jeans or casual slacks

• a T-shirt without logos or bold designs

• a sweater without logos or bold designs

• or a comfortable, conservative dress

• comfortable shoes, preferably flats

• minimal jewelry

• tidy facial hair and hairstyles that aren’t too trendy, as trendy styles will date your photos quickly

2. Bring accessories

Accessories, such as toys, can make a really fun addition to your family photos! Some families opt to bring books, kites, a football or soccer ball, baby toys, the stroller, handheld windmills or other little extras to their photo shoots, and I’d recommend you to consider doing the same!

Choose accessories that mean something to your family. Favourite toys and heirlooms are always a great choice, whereas an iPad is not!

3. Bring other family members

Surprisingly (or not!), some of my favourite family photography shoots in Vancouver have included more than just immediate family.

I did a silly Christmas shoot where the family dressed their pug in a Santa Claus hat. Another one was a beach shoot that included grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins.

Your family photographs don’t necessarily need to be just the two, three, four or five of you. Think about bringing along other people and pets that you love!

4. Relax beforehand

I know that getting kids portraits and family photography in Vancouver is difficult and stressful, but it’s important to not let those emotions bleed into the images themselves. Everyone can tell when someone in the photo is grumping through their day. Even if something isn’t going right or even if you received some bad news beforehand, try to remember: “I’m here with my family that I love, and we’re going to capture a great moment in time.” Good thoughts always come through!

Need help? This article has some great tips for how to unwind in just a few short minutes before your family photography session.

5. Choose the perfect location

While Vancouver family photographers, such as myself, can find all kinds of wonderful spots for pictures, it makes much more sense to pick settings that have meaning for you. Maybe the park where you and your partner first met, or near the playground of your child’s first school.

Whatever the location, if it means something to you, the photographs will mean so much more. Not only that, there’s a great chance that the memories you have will put you in a great mood when you arrive.

For some tips on what makes a great location, check out this article. There’s more to choosing the right spot than nostalgia – finding shade on a sunny day or shelter from the rain are important, and the quality of light greatly affects the outcome of your pictures.

Ask me if you need any recommendations.

6. Plan for the unexpected

Ah, yes, that old adage.

The reality is that Vancouver family photography will always be susceptible to the weather, so having a change of clothes ready in case it rains is a good idea. Check the weather before our appointment and dress appropriately – even photos in the rain often turn out more beautiful than you imagined!

Make sure to gather the whole family beforehand, rather than all meeting up at our photo shoot location at the last moment. It’s best not to run around frantically when you should be simply focused on enjoying yourself!