This FAMILY TO DO in CHARLOTTE series is sponsored by CEENTA.
Fall is definitely family photo season, and many of us are hoping to get nice pictures to keep as memories and to use for our holiday greeting cards. Family photos can often feel stressful as it involves selecting a photographer, deciding on outfits for our entire family, and hoping the session goes well so we end up with special photos that we love at the end.
To help ease some of that stress, we reached out to six popular Charlotte based photographers to get their tips on making the family photo process go as smoothly as possible. From what to wear to how to get happy and authentic pictures, they’ve shared some great tips from their experience. And if you’re still looking for the right photographer, each of these should still have some availability for fall or holiday photo sessions.
Cheyenne Schultz Photography
A tip from Cheyenne: “To ensure your photographer will be able to get happy and authentic images of your family together, it’s so important for the parents to “keep it light” during the session. The more that parents can relax and enjoy the experience, the better the finished product of the photographs will be. Your kids will take cues from you, so make a decision prior to the session beginning that you will do your best to have fun and keep smiling no matter what happens.”
Ashley Hales Photography
A tip from Ashley: “When choosing what to wear for you photo session avoid having everyone wear the same color and/or being too matchy. Shoot for coordinating colors and a mix of solids and patterns to give a cohesive but authentic feel.
Hannah Cleveland Photography
Tip from Hannah: “Because photographers tend to specialize in their unique style, some may be a better fit for you than others. It’s important to think about what kind of photography experience and finished product you are looking for — posed vs candids, bright vs moody colors, etc. Before booking, do your research (Instagram and google are good starting places) and find someone whose portfolio fits with your vision!”
See it like Cecil Photography
A tip from Cecil: “My number one tip for families during a family photo session is to let go of all expectations and just be present in the moment! Be ready to play fun games and even have a tickle fight! Kids will always follow the parents’ lead and if you are having fun, so will they.”
Lauren Ann Photography
A tip from Lauren: “Parents, try to let go of perfect behavior and poses. Instead, encourage play, connection and relationship with one another. This will allow the photographer to capture natural smiles and expressions, resulting in photos that feel authentic and emotive.”
Deeana Kourtney Photography
A tip from Deeana: “One of the most important things you can do to set your family up for success for family photos is talk about how fun it is going to be! You really want to talk the experience up in a positive way, so that everyone (including dad) doesn’t feel like getting family photos is a chore. Children will feed off their parents energy, it’s so important to keep a good attitude. Explain to your kids your going to spend time together laughing and joking at a new place (or maybe its a familiar spot to your family), tell them you’re going on adventure – make the experience something everyone wants to do! Also, remember that it’s ok to let small kids be kids – running and laughing and interacting will 100 percent give you the best photos!!”
Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. (CEENTA) has nearly 140 providers in almost 20 locations bringing specialty care to the community. CEENTA provides comprehensive pediatric and adult eye, ear, nose and throat care, and highly specialized care, too.
These services include but are not limited to: audiology, allergy treatment, cataract surgery, cochlear implants, cornea diseases, diabetic eye care, glaucoma treatment, head and neck cancer, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, optical and contact lenses, pediatric airway care, sleep medicine, thyroid treatment, and voice and swallowing care.
To schedule an appointment with any of CEENTA’s board-certified physicians, please call 704-295-3000.
