How to Book and Prepare for a Family Photoshoot in Charlotte, NC
Follow these family photography tips to knock your next Charlotte, NC photoshoot out of the park!
Choose the Right Charlotte Family Photographer for You
Ask friends and family which family photographer that they’d recommend.
Often the best photographers are those that your friends and family know and love. As a Charlotte family photographer myself some of my very best clients are those that have been referred to me by past amazing clients!
Use The Click Pro Directory to search for experienced family photographers based in Charlotte.
This website in particular is nice because all the photographers listed have gone through a rigorous portfolio review to earn their listing. You know that your photos will be of the highest quality if they are listed on this site.
Check out Charlotte family photographers photo galleries online.
Every professional photographer should have examples of her work online. If you look at multiple portfolios you will start to notice differences. Some are more posed, some are more candid, some have bright vivid colors, and some have more subtle tones, etc, etc. You want to make sure that you really LOVE the photos your potential photographer is posting, because the photos you receive should be very similar. Since you’re here, feel free to check out my portfolio of family photos to see if my style resonates with you.
Schedule a phone call with your potential family photographer.
Crazy huh? It’s true though, nothing beats a phone call to see if you and your potential photographer are a good match. Plus it’s a great time to ask her any and all questions you may have. As the photographer I used to avoid this step, because I am NOT a phone person. But, after trying it out a few times I am a total convert. The phone is a much more direct means of communication, helps ensure everyone is on the same page, and helps me ensure that I have answered all of my client’s questions to their satisfaction. BUT, my favorite part of the phone call, hands down, is having the opportunity to get to know my client before the shoot. To my surprise I have found that one quick, simple phone call prior to the photoshoot, helps alleviate a lot nervousness and for my clients the day of the shoot. From the get-go there is an extra comfort level between us that really helps when the session begins.
Check out the photographers pricing and what that price includes.
Every photographer has a different pricing structure so you, obviously, need to be aware of it beforehand. Some photographers will include all of the digital images within their pricing, others will include a certain amount of digital images and allow you to purchase extra digitals and other prints and products after the session, still others only include the session in their fee and all digitals, prints, and products, must be purchased separately after the session.
While the digitals are always fast and convenient, also keep in mind that a good photographer that knows her stuff can be your guide in selecting some beautiful products such as albums, frames, and other styles of wall art you might not have even considered to help you make the most of your session. A photographer that offers printing options will guide you in selecting the perfect products for you and your home and also ensure that the printing specifications are correct and the printing quality is held to a high standard.
I, myself, used to be an digital-only photographer but as I grew in my profession and became really comfortable with all of the beautiful, unique ways that my client’s photos could be printed and displayed through professional print companies, I switched because I really began to feel that this was an area that I could offer guidance to my clients in to maximize their photoshoot experience.
Select the Perfect Charlotte, NC Location for Your Family Photoshoot
Consider one of Charlotte’s may beautiful parks for a traditional, natural photoshoot
Charlotte really does have some beautiful parks in the area. Some of my favorite park locations for photoshoots include the Mint Museum, Latta Park, Romare Bearden Park, and Colonel Francis Beatty Park. Your photographer will have her favorites as well so don’t be afraid to ask her for recommendations.
Charlotte is full of less-obvious photoshoot locations
Yes, the local park with its beautiful blooms and lush greenery is an obvious (and good) choice, however, sometimes the best locations aren’t as obvious. One of my favorite locations to shoot in that people often overlook is your own home! I find that having a photoshoot in your own home puts everyone at ease and the photos end up with a really intimate and relaxed feel. I can’t think of a single at-home session I have shoot that I haven’t loved! Also, places where your family has fun together can create great backdrops for photoshoots. One of my favorite photo sessions to date took place at Two Scoops Creamery in Plaza Midwood. While not a location that would normally pop into your head when thinking about locations for a photoshoot, it turned out to be so unique and so fun for the family! Check out this Instagram Post to see some photos from that session.
Research the location you select
If it’s a popular area, make sure that there aren’t any festivals or events planned for your session day. Also, consider the crowds in general at the particular time of your session. There are certain parks in my area that, while beautiful, I will not shoot at on a weekend because of the large crowds. Also, if you have small children, consider whether your selected location is kid-friendly. Areas with a lot of traffic or bike riders can be too stressful when you have small children.
Sometimes paying an entry fee is worth it!
While an entry fee does increase the cost of your session, sometimes these fees can be worth it as the grounds are always beautiful maintained and the fee keeps large crowds at bay. The grounds at Wing Haven Gardens and Daniel Stowe both require a fee, but are immaculately gorgeous!
mom standing under a tree with twin boys
Decide What to Wear for your Charlotte Family Photoshoot
Start planning your family photoshoot outfits early
Don’t leave it until the last minute to get it all figured out. Procrastination is a recipe for stress and disaster!
Aim to coordinate outfits, but not match
You want your family’s outfits to look effortlessly good together. You do not, let me repeat myself, you do NOT want to look like you are in uniforms. This means NO matching denim with white t-shirts and NO blue collard shirts with khaki bottoms.
Find a local Charlotte boutique to help
There are a ton of boutiques in the area that would be happy to help! Just let them know you are dressing yourself and your family for a photoshoot. Boem, KKBloom , and Vestique are good shops to visit for women’s clothing. Nordstrom as well always has a great selection for the whole family and they have a free styling service if you call ahead to make an appointment! For children, Fancy Pants and Tiny are two popular boutiques that come to mind. I also find that Gap Kids, Old Navy, and Zara have a lot of great finds.
Let Pinterest be your friend
Just search “family photo outfit ideas” and start pinning. Find a photo that you really love and try to match the vibe.
Select a color palette for your outfits
Avoid the urge for everyone to echo the same color or two in each outfit. For instance, instead of everyone wearing a mix of cranberry and blue, try having everyone in a different color. As long as all of the colors coordinate they don’t need to be repeated in each family member’s outfit. Again, Pinterest can help you. Search “family photo session outfit color palette” to get some good ideas of colors that coordinate well.
Mix it up with layers, textures, and accessories.
Pattern is good too! Just usually on a more subtle scale is better!
Be aware of your undergarments
You don’t want to constantly pulling up a bra strap or smoothing underwear lines so give these things a once over before you arrive at the session.
Consider having your hair and/ or makeup done
While obviously not 100% necessary, it can really go a long way in helping you feel confident and comfortable during your session. My girl, Emily, at Salon 1226 has been my my personal hair stylist for about 4 years now and honestly she is the best stylist that I’ve every had! She also got her start in makeup so she can definitely do your makeup for you as well! Also, I love Drybar in South End. I had my first experience with a blowout there several month ago and am hooked. I’ve been looking for an excuse to go back ever since!
Prepare Your Kids for Your Photoshoot
Give your kids several casual “heads up” leading up to the photo session.
Try something like “Hey kids, on Saturday we are going to go to the park and my friend, Anna, will be there to take some pictures of us. Won’t that be fun?”
Don’t set specific expectations for your kids
Saying things such as “I need you to be on your best behavior and need you to smile really pretty for the camera,” makes things too high stakes. Instead of focusing on the exact behaviors you would like your children to exhibit, instead focus on the fun that you will have!
Choose a child-friendly photographer and location
If you know you child might be tricky during a photoshoot, make sure you have selected a photographer that is open to a lot of play and freedom during the session and won’t expect your children to stand in certain poses for long periods. Also, make sure you select a location that is relatively distraction free and allows for a lot of safe roaming spaces.
Make sure your kids are well-rested and have full tummies for their session
I mean, I don’t know about your kids, but my kids get HANGRY. Giving your kids a snack beforehand and having some (mess-free) snacks on hand is never a bad idea!
What to Expect During Your Family Photography Session in Charlotte
Show up about 15 minutes early to your session.
This helps everyone not feel so rushed and leaves extra time for last minute delays like parking or missing hair bows.
Your photographer will guide and direct you, but this doesn’t mean you have to be a robot.
It is okay to let natural moments and interactions unfold. In fact, your photographer should be encouraging that. Remember, you don’t have to be looking at the camera at all times and neither do your partner and kids. If your photographer wants everyone looking at the camera, she will let you know. I actually find that during sessions I spend more time prompting families to NOT look at me and interact with each other, than I do vice versa.
Make the photographer your secondary point of focus
I know that sounds silly considering that she is the reason that you are there in the first place, but make your family your main focus during this time and be sure to interact with lots of laughs, play, tickles, and snuggles! I have tons of ideas in my back pockets to help families with this if they are feeling shy and having a hard time doing this naturally. During my sessions, I am constantly having families race, throw kiddos in the air, play ring-around-the rosy, give group hugs, and much more.
Allow the kids to lead the show
Remember the key here isn’t about forcing one particular pose or shot, it’s about keeping things light and happy. So be ready to pivot at any point. This is not a time to get into a battle of wills with your kids. At one of my session several years ago I had a toddler who refused to interact with her family when she saw that I was taking photos. She flat out wanted NOTHING to do with it. But, instead of spending the whole session pleading and cajoling with the toddler to conform to our plan, we started a game of “Follow the Leader” where the toddler was the “Leader.” She was thrilled with having her parents and siblings playing along behind her and she immediately warmed up and the session progressed so smoothly from there.
mother snuggling with daughter on a picnic blanket
What to Expect After Your Family Photo Session in Charlotte
For most family photographers, you can expect your photos back in about 2 - 3 weeks
My personal turn- around time is 2-3 weeks and I think this is pretty common, but this can vary greatly from photographer to photographer and also be dependent on the season, so be sure to check with your photographer on her timeline.
When your photos arrive, plan a time to view them together as a family.
This can be a really sweet bonding experience for everyone. You shared the session time together so you should enjoy the results together as well.
Be thinking about what you want to do with your photos
You may receive only digitals and you are on your own to order any prints, albums, or wall art that you may want. On the other hand your photographer might walk you through the process of ordering Prints and Products directly through them. Regardless, make it a priority to display some of your favorites from your session in some format so that you can enjoy your amazing family photo session on the daily!
