Tips for a Relaxed Family Photo Session: Charlottesville & Richmond Family Photographer

1 – Choose Your Session Time Wisely

We all hear about the “epic golden hour.” And yes, golden light is amazing. Warm, soft light is wonderful! I eat it up just as much as the next photographer. But, after years of working with littles, I’ve found that cutting a session too close to bedtime is rarely worth the “perfect light.” A happy baby will trump perfect light in my book every. single. time.

Plus, there are ways to work around the light! Finding open shade with backlight in these images here provided that warm, glowy light while still preserving nap time, dinner time and bedtime! Of course, if your kids are older or generally are more flexible with adjustments to their routine, then we can definitely aim for that pre-sunset light!

2 – Eat (and bring snacks)

In the rush of getting everyone together, eating may be the last thing on your mind. But, everyone is happier with a full tummy, and we can totally take a snack break if needed! Plus, don’t forget water bottles!

3 – Dress the kids when you arrive

Save yourself a little bit of headache and dress the kids when you arrive. Bigger kids can get dressed prior, but if you’re driving to a location, save the outfits for the littles until you arrive. We all know blowouts are more likely to happen in the “nice”outfit and that snacks are spilled in the car, so avoid the headache and prepare to arrive early and get everyone dressed at the session location.

4 – Plan for Family Dinner

If your session is in the evening, do yourself a favor and cross  “making dinner” off your to-do list. Enjoy a family meal out after your family photo session as a way to celebrate. There are so many family friendly restaurants here in Charlottesville. A few favorite local restaurants are: Brazos, Burger Bach, Cava, Bodo’s, Al Carbon, Smoked, and Lampo2GO.

5 – Bring the PJS

If dinner isn’t on the docket for the night, or if you had dinner before your session, bring some pjs for the kids and have them ready for bed before you even head home! It can make the bedtime routine even smoother. Of course,  every kid is different, but it’s something we do as a family when we know travel time is pushing bedtime.

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Amy Nicole Photography (Amy Cherry) has been a photographer for over 15 years. Amy is a family, baby & newborn lifestyle photographer serving Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia. She creates timeless, genuine and effortless photos for you and your family to enjoy for years to come. She offers on-location, at-home, studio and outdoor family photo sessions.