The number one thing I can recommend to you, when you're booking a family shoot, is to plan an activity. But why, you ask?
Kids thrive when they have something to do...and you know what? So do adults. If the idea of awkwardly posing for photos makes you feel icky, you're not alone. Giving yourself something to do in front of the camera takes the pressure off. Instead of feeling like you have to perform, you can focus on a task with your children which will help everyone feel at ease.
What kind of activities might I suggest for your photo shoot? Well that partially depends on location, partially on the weather/season and partially on your children's ages. It can be a little more challenging to offer casual activities to your older children/teens, but it's by no means impossible.
Check out the following lists and consider some of these activities for your photo shoot with me!
For photo shoots that happen at home...
Playing in water (kiddie pool, real pool, sprinkler, etc..)
Having a bath
Washing the dog
Jumping on your trampoline
Riding bikes
Playing road hockey, soccer, etc..
Picking flowers
Play with bubbles
Paint
Bake some cookies
Rake the leaves
Build a snowman
Carve pumpkins
For photo shoots that happen on location...
Pack a picnic
Plan a nature scavenger hunt
Go looking for frogs
Fly a kite
Have a snowball fight
Bring along some favourite toys
Pick a location based on your activity...
Go to the local outdoor pool or splash pad
Have photos taken of your child's sports practice or game
Go to the petting zoo
Go berry or apple picking
Go to the beach
Go get ice cream
Go tobogganing
The possibilities are literally endless! Just remember that the activity should reflect something that your children like to do. Involve them in the decision to help get them pumped up about the shoot!