Preparing for Your Lifestyle Maternity, Newborn, or Family Photoshoot: Tips from an Orlando Photographer

Parents and their children laughing and playing on the sandy beach in Cocoa Beach, Florida

As a lifestyle maternity, newborn and family photographer in Orlando, Florida, I understand that preparing for a photoshoot can be overwhelming. You want your photos to be perfect and capturing your family's memories in the best way possible. However, I want to assure you that I do most of the preparation for you. Here are some of the things I do to prepare for a photoshoot, and some tips for you to ensure a fun and enjoyable experience that yields stunning results with minimal effort.

  1. We plan ahead: Before the day of the shoot, we will have already planed out the location, outfits, and time of day for the images (usually during golden hour for the most flattering light.) We’ve had multiple discussions and have considered what you want to convey through your photos, and we chose a location that suits the mood and feel you are trying to achieve.

  2. We coordinate outfits: One of the services included in all of my collections is outfit coordination. I’m a firm believer that attire can make or break your photos. Coordinating your outfits in advance and ensuring that they complement each other and fit the location and theme of the shoot is crucial — and we’ve already done this well before the day of the shot! Have the outfits laid on the night before, ensure the they are wrinkle-free (and if they wrinkle easily you might even want to consider changing on location and bringing a bottle of Downy wrinke-releaser just in case!). Ensure nails are well-manicured, as it’s not uncommon for me to incorporate hands into my photos.

  3. Get a good night's sleep: This one It may sound simple, but getting a good night's sleep can make a big difference in how you feel and look during the shoot. Being well-rested and relaxed will make it easier to capture natural and authentic moments with your family.

  4. Pack a bag with essentials: Bring a bag with essentials such as water, snacks, and any necessary items for children like toys or pacifiers. You'll want to make sure everyone is comfortable and happy during the shoot to capture those genuine smiles and moments. Don’t forget extra hair ties, bobby pins, and some wrinkle releaser if your outfits will need it!

  5. Relax and have fun: The most important thing is to relax and have fun. Enjoy the experience with your family, and let me capture those special moments. As your photographer, it is my job to ensure that your photos turn out beautiful and timeless and I take this job very seriously.

As you can see, preparing for a photoshoot doesn't have to be stressful. With these simple tips, we can make the most out of your session and create memories that will last a lifetime. As a lifestyle maternity, newborn and family photographer in Orlando, Florida, I'm here to help you capture those special moments and create beautiful memories that you'll cherish for years to come.