10 Tips to Take the Stress Out of Family Photoshoots
Plan.
Deciding on a time
Does anyone check the sunset times…well we are constantly check for close to a year out. We love the golden light or golden hour sessions. This happens an hour or two before the sunsets. If you want to have a family session in July, its going to be much (almost 9 pm) later then April or October. We suggest trying to book your sessions as close to golden hour as possible to make sure you get the warm magical light.
Location is important
We want you to feel as natural as possible at your session, so pick somewhere that is “you” Whether it be a favorite park or a favorite beach or your backyard even. Those make for the best sessions. I did put together another blog in regards to locations in Western New York for my engagement sessions, you can take a look here.
Decide what to wear
The biggest misconception that clients have when they book a family photoshoot is that everyone’s outfits need to match. While it is important for the outfits not to clash, the photo will actually be more interesting if the colors and styles are varied. A foolproof tip for dressing your whole family for a photoshoot is to stick to jewel tones that are universally flattering and remain in the “neutral” family. Blacks, whites, grey, dark greens, beige…etc
In terms of clothing style, we recommend choosing pieces that are comfortable, well-fitting, and classic. Photo sessions often require a decent amount of moving around and trying different poses, so it’s best to wear something comfortable and breathable. For women, we love maxi dresses, jumpsuits, or cozy sweaters in the colder months. For men, comfortable attire can include casual button-downs or pullovers, to give a few examples. Comfortable footwear is also important, but it’s best to steer clear of anything too casual like athletic sneakers and nothing flashy and mismatched to your outfit choice
Lastly, your outfit choices should be classic, meaning that they are pieces that will not go out of style. Of course, we love a modern take on a classic outfit, whether that be by layering, adding pops of color, or mixing textures like knits and lace.
Choose accessories
Note that outfits are incomplete without accessories such as belts, shoes, jewelry, etc - make sure you have those pieces picked out and set aside as well to avoid panic on photoshoot day.
Make it a family outing!
Bring blankets, activities that your family loves, picnic baskets, food, wine…anything that makes your family your family. It’s important to have something “to do” instead of just looking and smiling at the camera for the full time. Make it fun!
Lay out the outfits
At this point, you will be thanking yourself for having chosen and stored away outfits far in advance. Lay the clothes and accessories out one last time and iron/steam if needed.
Double check packed bags
Add anything else you might need, or anything perishable that could not be added in advance. This may include snacks, medication, or items like pacifiers to keep your kids happy in between shots.
Go to bed early
Getting a good night’s sleep is helpful any night of the week, but is especially important the night before a photoshoot. This means getting any showers/ baths out of the way in the early evening, trying on outfits one last time. Doing so ensures that you wake up looking and feeling fresh and energized, and will help you and the entire family get the most out of your shoot!
Relax and have fun!
Because you’ve spent so much time preparing in the days and weeks leading up to the shoot, the actual day should be a breeze! All you have to do now is make sure everyone has a nutritious breakfast (before getting dressed, to avoid last-minute stains!) and load everyone into the car. Kids love seeing there parents have fun with them but also their parents having fun! Don’t be afraid to get silly.
MOST IMPORTANTLY! Embrace the chaos and trust your photographer!
Trust us, we know when in a new place kids tend to have their own agenda, especially if pets are involved. That is completely fine, some of the best memories are in those moments and I can guarantee you they will make you the most happy when you get the photos back. Most of the time, the kids are looking and the parents are looking at the kids to make sure that they are smiling, the second you look up, they are looking at a squirrel haha! So make sure that you are looking at the camera and we will worry about what the kids are doing. Trust us, we have some pretty awesome tricks up are sleeves!
You made the investment in family photos, so to be prepared is the best way of making sure that things run smooth. We hope this guide will help you prepare for the best photoshoot.
Locations for Sessions in WNY
It is really important that you feel comfortable with the location and that it “feels like you” I am true believer in telling your story in a way that is meaningful to the two of you but also remember that the session is about you as a couple and not where you are. In the meantime, here is a updated list with photos that we have put together to help you make a informed decision of the locations that are available for us around Western New York. If you have location that is near and dear to your story, please don’t hesitate to tell me about it.
Art Gallery (Buffalo, NY)
Closed till 2022 for construction. Unfortunately we cannot shoot till then. :-(
Akron Falls
must be willing to get wet and climb on rocks
Beaver Island State Park (Grand Island, NY)
Botanical Gardens
Burchfield Penny Park (West Seneca, NY)
Chestnut Ridge Park (Orchard Park, NY)
Around the City of Buffalo
(Buffalo City Hall, Canelside, and Main St)
Clarence Town Park
Ellicottville NY
Glen Falls (Williamsville, NY)
Hotel Henry (Buffalo, NY)
Hoyt Lake/Rose Garden/Delaware Park (Buffalo, NY)
Japanese Gardens (Buffalo, NY)
Knox Farms (East Aurora, NY)
Somewhere around Lockport
Lasson Park (Depew, NY)
Letchworth State Park
Ollcott Beach (Ollcott, NY)
Outer Habor (Buffalo, NY)
includes - Sand dunes, under passes, wilkinson point, gallagher pier and tifft nature preserve
Random Fields
no, we are serious. You and I drive by these places everyday!
Riverworks (Buffalo, NY)
Train Depots (Williamsville and Blasdell)
Parking Garage Sessions
Photographed by Amanda and Sarah
Shannon + Stella
One look at Shannon and you can tell that the “pregnancy glow” is no myth. We went for a natural, soft look for this shoot with marigolds and cool tones, and the result is absolutely dreamy. Baby Stella, the world can’t wait to meet you!
Flower Wall : Marigold and Vase
(Taken prior to COVID quarantine)
Jen + Keith + one
When Jen and Keith contacted us and told us that they were expecting we could not have been more trilled for them. I, Amanda, have photographed every life milestone including their engagement, wedding, a styled shoot, baby announcement and now their maternity and soon their newborn. I'm beyond thrilled to have such amazing clients and cannot wait to meet this baby that I know will be so well loved by all.
xoxo, Amanda
Buffalo maternity photography by Amanda Rosenberg at Seventh Arrow Studio
Hair and Makeup by Salon Elizabeth
Dress from Sew Trendy
Flower Crown was brought on etsy.
"A Letter to My Sweethearts"
"A Letter to My Sweethearts"
You have heard my voice for months, delicately singing you songs when no one else is around. I can’t wait for the moment I hear yours – your laughter, your babbles, even your cries.
Nine months has been my most anticipated countdown. Though the time has slowly passed, movement from inside has been my greatest experience yet. Your tiny feet have left the most beautiful imprint on my heart.
This was so much more then a maternity session. It was an experience that I will never forget. After doing some family photography for Kate's best friend, she contacted me for the bump to baby package (Seventh Arrow's Maternity and Newborn Sessions) and I'm so happy that she came into my life.
The session was perfect with the dress to the headpiece to the makeup to the outfit that her husband wore...utter perfection. Then, I asked her to write a letter. This letter was for her twins. Honestly, it made me come to the realization that motherhood, and parenthood for that matter, is the most precious thing ever hope that one day everyone gets to experience a love like this. The words that she has chosen will forever be documented and read for years to come. I only hope I did these lovely words justice visually. I cannot wait to share this amazing session with you and this incredible letter to her sweethearts.
WARNING: YOU MAY NEED TISSUES!
““A Letter to My Sweethearts”
You have heard my voice for months, delicately singing you songs when no one else is around. I can’t wait for the moment I hear yours – your laughter, your babbles, even your cries.
Nine months has been my most anticipated countdown. Though the time has slowly passed, movement from inside has been my greatest experience yet. Your tiny feet have left the most beautiful imprint on my heart.
Despite all of the things motherhood brings that I am scared of, I am not scared to meet you. To finally hold you both in my arms, and to shower you with forever love. To touch the four feet that have been kicking me for months. To finally feel your fingers in my hands, and take in your heavenly smell. To see whose nose you will have, the color of your wispy hair or how big your eyes will be.
To my sweet baby girl: I promise to make you feel like the beauty you truly are. To build your confidence, and navigate you through the challenges of life with your head held high. I promise to never let you fall too hard, and to learn from your mistakes with compassion and grace. I am already so proud of you, my beauty girl. From the moment your dad told me you would be coming into this world, my heart exploded with joy and gratitude. I knew you were the Evelyn I had always hoped and dreamed for.
To my sweet baby boy: I promise to show you love in all of its best forms. To have you feel love so big it fills you up and makes you feel safe. I promise to feel the weight of your mistakes and push you to do the same, and above all else, help you learn from them with kindness and strength. I promise to be active, and to learn how to throw a football with you (scary thought, I know!) or show you the ins and outs of soccer, with your dad as coach. Overall, I promise to love you from morning to night… unconditionally and forever.
To my babies: Just wait until you meet your dad. He’s incredible, and I just know he will make the best daddy to you both. When I was choosing a husband, I decided to choose the man with the biggest, most selfless heart. I put all of my trust in him to care for us, and to take beautiful care of our hearts, which is really the most important task of all. And… I promise lots of laughter with your daddy in our lives, as he is silly and carefree.
I love you already my sweethearts”
Maternity Session Photography by Amanda Rosenberg, Location- Akron Falls, HMUA- Lydia Dominick, Flower Headpiece - Trillium's Courtyard Florist, Dress - Sew Trendy Accessories