Ah, Fall. The leaves are changing, the Christmas decorations are out at stores, and we as moms are thinking about one thing – scheduling our family photo shoot! What is it about fall that makes us want to throw on our flannel or matching Christmas PJ’s and get our picture taken? Maybe you’re one of those moms who likes to have the perfect Christmas card, or maybe you’re just looking for an updated family photo to print to canvas for your house. Whatever your reasoning, if family photos are on your to-do list, we’ve got you covered.
photo courtesy of Sweetest Snaps Photography.
I chatted with local photographer, Ashlee Struchen of Sweetest Snaps photography, and she gave me her tips and tricks for minimizing meltdowns when it comes to taking family photos. (Because let’s be honest: taking kids to get their picture taken can be hard, Ok.)
If Sweetest Snaps sounds familiar to you, it’s likely because Ashlee was just featured on the cover of the September issue of Inspire Magazine right here in Corpus Christi, where she was nominated for (and won) the Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine Business Cover Contest. There is a great feature on her inside the magazine where they refer to her as the “baby whisperer”. Ashlee won the 2018 Corpus Christi Caller Times Best of the Best #1 Photographer award, and she also was awarded the Corpus Christi 40 Under 40 Honors. On top of that, Ashlee is certified and accredited in Newborn Safety and Handling, and she has trained under multiple industry-leading professionals around the United States to improve her craft. So trust us – Ashlee knows her stuff when it comes to taking family photos. Plus she’s a mom herself, so she understands the struggle of getting kids to cooperate for a picture!
Read on for my interview with Ashlee and her top tips for taking great family photos.
CCMB: With the holiday coming up, we know lots of families are trying to get family photos taken. What is something you wish more families knew before heading into taking family photos?
Ashlee: “As a photographer, I wish families knew that the less stressed they were – the better our shoot will go. I myself am guilty of wanting everything to be perfect, but the entire day can become a burden if you let all the little things get to you. You’re a family, you’ve got kids, things may get messy, embrace this stage of your life. You will look back later and smile and remember how your baby boy used to make this grumpy face or how sister always had this terrorized “cheese” smile when it was time for photos. There will always be laughing at my sessions, I don’t care how many fart noises and ‘ewwww who’s feet stink’ jokes – it gets those sweet babies every time. And if it doesn’t, there is always the handy ice cream or candy bribe for afterwards.”
photo courtesy of Sweetest Snaps Photography.
CCMB: Some kids seem to get uncomfortable when they have to be in front of the camera and a stranger (the photographer). This can make kids shut down or even act out during photo shoots. Do you have any advice for parents who encounter some resistance from kids when taking family photos?
Ashlee: “Being a mom myself, I love to get down on the kids level and talk to them about what THEY like. I am pretty well versed in all things ages 1-12 and I love seeing them light up when I talk about their favorite superhero, princess, or sports team. We will sometimes have a staring contest to see who blinks first (that always gets a smile) and also high five contests to see who gives the best. If you make it about them, they (almost) always break out of their shell.”
CCMB: What advice do you have for some things that families can do to help set their kids up for success heading into family pictures?
Ashlee: “I like when parents talk about it like a playdate. Ohhh who’s excited to go see Miss Ashlee! I bet she is going to make the silliest faces and run around with us at (said location). I really try to stay away from threatening the kids (and husband) if possible just because they will tend to come in with a negative attitude about me and our time together. Snacks always help, especially with littles under 3. I will sneak them a puff or two if they smile good and you would never know by the end result! Then of course, take those precious babies to get ice cream or Target afterwards. Being a model is hard work!”
photo courtesy of Sweetest Snaps Photography.
CCMB: Any outfit do’s or don’ts that might make family photos easier?
Ashlee: “If you plan on dressing super spiffy for family photos, I recommend having the kids put on everything ahead of time. Get them used to the materials, the fit, and moving around in them. Make sure everything fits ahead of time, too! I recommend not being “too” matchy for sessions. This isn’t 2010, everyone doesn’t need to be in all black or all white and denim. Mix it up a little with complementary colors, patterns, or textures. Add a pop of color if you can, and always make sure to think about the look from head to toe! A lot of times your shoes will show (unless you have a full length gown) and I recommend they match the rest of the outfit.”
photo courtesy of Sweetest Snaps Photography.
CCMB: Have you ever been in a photo shoot and had a kid completely melt down? If so, how did you and the family save the situation?
Ashlee: “Working with kids, meltdowns are inevitable. What is most important is how you react to them. If we are in the middle of a session and a kid starts acting up, I will have one of the parents pull them aside and give them a minute to breathe while I focus on the rest of the family. They usually just need a small break and letting them run around and get some wiggles out can help. I will also pull up their favorite song or show on my phone if the parents are okay with it. Bringing them back to a “happy place” will get them comfortable again and we can ease back into photos.”
CCMB: What is your favorite part about photographing families?
Ashlee: “My favorite part about capturing all of these families is that I get to see them grow every year. I know about their hobbies, their activities, and that means a lot to the parents! Also, when the families get their pictures back and swoon over how perfect they are – that is what it is all about. I love hearing “oh my gosh you captured us perfectly” or “I was so worried we didn’t get anything good and these are amazing”. Trust your photographer, a well-trained and experienced one knows what they are doing and knows how to capture the best images of your family in every situation.”
photo courtesy of Sweetest Snaps Photography.
So there you have it, mamas. Now you’re all set to take the perfect family photo (just don’t forget the toddler snacks).
Ashlee did our staff photos for Corpus Christi Moms Blog, which is where I got to meet her and see her awesome studio space in downtown Corpus Christi. Just stepping into her studio I could immediately see her love for newborn photography (she has so many bows and outfits and props!). To see more of Ashlee’s work or get in contact with her, check out www.SweetestSnaps.Com or find her on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetestSnaps/
Instagram: @sweetestsnaps
