1. Awkward poses
Everyone has seen those awesomely awkward family photos where hands are placed on people’s shoulders and everyone has a stiff smile, or you have enough family members to create a human fan. As much as I would find it hilarious to have you do all these things for my photographic entertainment, I promise these won’t be the photos I’ll be taking in your next family session… unless you want me to (though that’d be weird!).
Photo sourced from: https://www.readingpublicmuseum.org/awkward-family-photos-the-exhibition
2. Matching denim is for legends, not family photography sessions
You may have a family uniform in day to day life and hey, who am I to judge. Maybe you rock matching denim shirts and pants like nobody’s business. In my family sessions though, you will never hear me ask you to wear all matching clothes. Coordinating colours is ok and can look good, but all I will ask is that you dress in what you normally would if you were going to a smart casual party. You can read more about how to prepare for your family photography session with Barley Monks here.
Photo sourced from: https://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/2014/10/17/40-families-covered-in-denim/
3. Boredom is a curse word
In a Barley Monks family photography session boredom is a curse word. You won’t be sitting bored for hours while I insist on getting the ‘perfect’ shot. I have 4 kids – need I say more? I will say more anyway. Kids are erratic, irrational mood roller coasters. There’s no fighting it, so you just need to strap yourself in and enjoy the ride. I don’t promise particular setup shots, but I do promise I will capture you and your family as their normal chaotic selves. For me, perfect is a great moment between the family and not a frustrated group looking like they want to be anywhere but.
4. No crazy stunts
Some of my photos may look crazy but I can assure you – nothing gets out of hand! Let’s leave the stunts to the professionals. I won’t be setting up any sort of crazy aerial tricks or maneuvers, nor will I encourage you to put children in ‘funny’ positions. I have found that letting the kids be kids creates enough crazy on its own.
Photo sourced from: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/19/parents-swing-game-_n_3955691.html
Photo sourced from https://www.thoughtco.com/family-portraits-that-went-hilariously-wrong-1923877
5. I won’t yell at you, or your kids
Like I mentioned earlier I have 4 kids of my own, so I have had a crash course in how to remain zen when things don’t go the way they are supposed to. Even though my own kids know how to drive me to insanity, other kids don’t seem to have the same effect. I’ve actually found the photography sessions that haven’t gone the way they are supposed to generally end up producing the best photos.
How many family photographers in Sydney encourage the kids to play up a bit and get a little crazy? If you’re worried about them misbehaving and not doing what they are told – don’t. Let your hair down, relax a little and let’s have some fun! (unless they touch the camera equipment. Then you should totally reprimand them 😉
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Conclusion
My motto with family photography is go with the flow and #embracethechaos, so get in touch today to book your family photography session with Barley Monks Photography and let the good times roll!
