And no, it’s not as simple as booking the best family photographer Brisbane

It’s included in nearly every website enquiry, email and DM I receive, “we really want candid photos”. But in all of the years I’ve been a photographer I’ve come to realise that we have a somewhat warped idea of what candid actually is. When I get asked how to prepare for family photos so that they look candid, my response is to reframe what is beautiful. Achieving those dappled, sunlit photos with cheeky grins and natural smiles isn’t as simple as booking the best family photographer Brisbane – or me telling you to “act natural!”. 

The best way to prepare for family photos is to let go of expectations and trust that your family is perfect in all of their unscripted, messy, emotion-filled glory. Teary toddler tantrums and healing hugs included. 

Tip 1: Accept awkward and embrace the emotions 

It’s natural to feel awkward in front of a camera and it doesn’t help that we’ve been conditioned to ‘look our best’ when photographed (from, well, birth…). No matter how hard you try or how big the bribe is for your littles – we simply cannot undo all of this conditioning in a one hour session. What we can do though, is embrace candidness for what it actually is: photos taken informally, typically without the subject’s knowledge. Embrace the rollercoaster of emotions and actions however they unfold on the day. 

Tip 2: Choose the best family photographer Brisbane for YOUR family 

And once you’ve found the best family photographer for your family, you’ll have them for life (from maternity through to first family snaps). Each time you step in front of the camera, the experience is going to be better than the last. You’ll relax quicker, understand how the session unfolds and feel more comfortable acting authentically and simply enjoying the moment. 

Tip 3: Nostalgia takes time

Another aspect of letting go of perfection is nostalgia. I’m passionate about taking photos that go beyond a visual experience – evoking an emotional and sensory reaction. Something deeper than a strained mantle-ready portrait. But to achieve this, we have to reframe what’s considered flaws and allow time to work its magic: you’re not going to feel nostalgic about something that happened yesterday. 

Tip 4: Take advantage of session planning calls 

Session planning calls are a non-negotiable for me. They’re the only way you can truly help families understand how to prepare for family photos, ease nerves and begin to connect. It allows us to be on the same page come the day of your photography session, which will result in beautiful, intimate and heartfelt moments.  

Tip 5: Download my pre-session planner, “Awkward to Art”

Unlike other pre-session planners, Awkward to Art is brimming with tangible steps to reframe your idea of perfect photos. Do away with awkward and embrace the wild, unscripted chaos of loving your family just as they are.