Many families use the festive holiday season as a reminder to take pictures together.  It is fun to document the stages and growth of a family.  Sending a photo in a Christmas card is a great way to stay in touch with friends and loved ones.  Whether you use your own camera for family photos or decide to hire a photographer, there are several things you should remember when planning the perfect family pictures.

Family Photo on the Beach

• Check your schedules. Every member of your family has to be free in order to take these pictures so it may be necessary to coordinate work schedules and children’s activities to find the perfect date and time.
• Research your options. Do you have a quality camera, or do you prefer to have someone else direct the photos?
• Determine your budget. Once you have done a little research, you’ll discover how much the various options cost and will be able to determine what you can afford.
• Commit to a date. It is not enough to find the right date and time.  Everyone must be made aware of your intentions to have family photos taken.  Send a memo, send an email, send a text message.  Whatever it takes to be sure that members of your family are writing it on their calendars.
• Consider style. Whether you like coordinated outfits or prefer everyone in their own style, a knowledge of what everyone is wearing or needs to wear will offer peace of mind to you.  How is the hair length?  A haircut may need to be scheduled a few days before.
• Consider location. If you are taking photos in a studio, then this step is done for you.  If you are taking the photos yourself or are having photos taken on location, choosing the right location for your family is important.  Some like photos at home.  Some like photos in a special natural location such as the beach or in a park.
• Determine the timeline. If photos are scheduled for 4 p.m., then you need to count backwards to discover your timeline for getting ready.  How long does it take to drive to the location? How long does it take to get an entire family showered and styled?  Be generous with your time so you don’t feel too rushed.
• Enjoy! Don’t let the story behind the photos be that you had been so stressed that day or that you had thrown a temper tantrum.  Go with the flow.  Be sure to smile!

Are you taking family photos this year?  What is your favorite way to get family photos done?