How to Prepare For Your Family Photo Shoot
Family photo shoots are a wonderful way to capture memories that will last a lifetime. If you’ve already booked a shoot at our Brighton-based photography studio, we’ve got some tips to help you prepare for your big day!
Confirm the Studio Location
Make sure you know where our studio is located and plan your route accordingly. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive early and get settled in.
Our studio address is: Nick Ford Photography, 19 Oxford Street, Oxford Street, BN1 4LA
Arriving by Car: If you are planning to only park for up to an hour and a half we’d recommend parking in the Sainsburys car park which is situated on the other side of London road and is around a 2-3 min walk. It’s free and you don’t have to be a customer so it’s perfect for photoshoots.
There are numerous pay and display parking in the surrounding area, namely round the Level which is a stones throw from the studio.
Lastly, we also have a few disabled bays directly outside the studio if this applies to you.
Arriving by Bus: There are many bus routes that stop within 1-2 minutes of the studio. Notable routes include: 5, 5A, 5B, N5, 21, 21A, 21E, 22, 24, 26, 46, 48, 50 & 79.
Arriving by Train: The closest station to us is Brighton station and is roughly a 6 minute walk straight down Ann Street (behind the station). This may take a little longer while towing the little ones.
Coordinate Outfits
Coordinating your family’s outfits is an important aspect of preparing for a photoshoot, whether it’s in a studio or outdoors. It’s important to choose a colour palette that works well together and complements your family’s personalities and the overall look you are trying to achieve. Coordinating colours doesn’t necessarily mean matching outfits, but rather choosing colours that complement each other and create a cohesive look.
When choosing outfits, it’s best to avoid overly busy patterns or clothing with large logos, as these can be distracting and take away from the focus of the photo – your family! Instead, opt for solid colours or subtle patterns that add interest without overwhelming the photo. Neutrals and pastels are always a safe bet, but don’t be afraid to add pops of colour or accessorise with statement pieces to add some personality and flair.
It’s also important to consider the location and setting of the photoshoot when choosing outfits. If you’re having an outdoor photoshoot, consider the season and choose outfits that will keep you and your family comfortable in the weather. If you’re having a studio photoshoot, think about the background and choose outfits that will stand out and complement the studio’s colours and decor.
Ultimately, the goal of coordinating outfits is to create a cohesive look that showcases your family’s personality and style, while keeping the focus on your family and the special moments you are capturing. By choosing a colour palette that works well together and avoiding overly busy patterns or logos, you can create a timeless and beautiful family photo that you’ll treasure for years to come.
Plan for grooming and hair styling
Planning for grooming and hair styling before the photoshoot can help ensure that everyone looks their best and that there are no last-minute stress or mishaps. It’s important to plan ahead and make sure everyone has enough time to get ready before the shoot.
When it comes to grooming, make sure that everyone has clean and trimmed nails, and that their skin is moisturised and healthy. For men, consider trimming facial hair or getting a fresh haircut a few days before the shoot – Ideally do this the night before to avoid razor bumps and unsightly cuts on the face. For women, consider getting a fresh haircut, a blowout or styling your hair in a way that complements your outfit and the overall look of the photoshoot.
By planning ahead for grooming and hair styling, you can help ensure that everyone looks their best and feels confident in front of the camera. This will help create beautiful and timeless family photos that you’ll treasure for years to come.
Bring snacks and drinks
While a studio photoshoot may not involve a physical activity, it’s still important to plan for snacks and drinks to keep everyone fueled and hydrated throughout the session. Photoshoots can be long and tiring, and it’s important to make sure that everyone has enough energy to look and feel their best.
Consider bringing a variety of snacks and drinks that everyone can enjoy. Water is essential to stay hydrated, but you can also bring juice, tea or other non-alcoholic beverages. Make sure to avoid drinks that may cause staining or spills, such as coffee or red wine.
For snacks, consider bringing light and easy-to-eat options such as fruit, nuts, crackers, and cheese. Avoid messy or sticky snacks that may leave residue on hands or clothing. It’s also important to consider any dietary restrictions or allergies that your family may have when planning for snacks and drinks.
Make sure to schedule breaks throughout the session to allow everyone to refuel and rest. This will help everyone stay refreshed and focused, which will ultimately lead to better photos.
By planning ahead for snacks and drinks, you can help ensure that everyone is comfortable and energized throughout the studio photoshoot. This will help create beautiful and memorable family photos that you’ll treasure for years to come.
Relax and have fun!
While it’s natural to want everything to be perfect during a family photoshoot, it’s important to remember to relax and have fun. We are experts at both capturing natural and candid shots along with posed for planned shots, so there’s no need to stress too much about getting the perfect shot.
Instead of focusing solely on posing or trying to achieve a specific look, try to let your family’s natural personalities shine through. The best family photos are often the ones that capture genuine emotions and moments, so try to enjoy the moment and have fun with your loved ones.
We are skilled at creating a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere during the photoshoot. We’ll will guide you through the process and help you feel at ease in front of the camera. Trust their expertise and enjoy the experience.
Remember that family photoshoots are about creating lasting memories and capturing special moments with your loved ones. While it’s important to plan and prepare, the most important thing is to relax and have fun. By doing so, you’ll create beautiful and authentic family photos that you’ll treasure for years to come.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a successful family photo shoot in our Brighton-based studio. Just remember to confirm the studio location, coordinate outfits, plan for grooming and hair styling, bring snacks and drinks, and most importantly, relax and have fun! Happy shooting!
If you aren’t booked in already or simply what to find out more, check out our Family Photoshoot page for more details.
