Creating a workflow for family photo sessions

Are you ever at a session and things are going well and then your mind goes blank when you are trying to figure out what you should do next? Wondering how to keep a steady workflow for family photo sessions?

I am not just talking about posed portraits but lifestyle portraits, too. We have workflows for our editing process so why not create one for our photo sessions, too?

Preparation workflow

Creating a workflow for family photo sessions can make your life so much easier and make your sessions more successful. Going into a session without a plan can be overwhelming. A workflow can even start before your session.

For example, what is your process when getting ready for a session? Do you start the night before or the morning of your session to get everything prepared? Do you check your camera bags and make sure you have memory cards and charged batteries? Do you prepare mentally for your session?

If you create a workflow for every process you eventually do this all without even thinking about it. It will become second nature to you as you repeat these processes over and over.

I personally get my bag ready the night before if I have a morning session and early morning if I have an afternoon session. I mentally prepare and see what my session subjects will be and their ages. This way I know what I am dealing with and am prepared for anything.

Are you ever at a session and things are going good and then your mind goes blank when you are trying to figure out what you should do next? We have workflows for our editing process so why not create one for our sessions, too? Here's how I do it.

Session workflow

When photographing a newborn, family or senior session I like to prepare myself and create a plan or workflow for the session. I ask my clients about the ages of their children and if they plan on making any outfit changes, things that would help me better prepare for the session.

For example, if I have a senior that has 2-3 outfit changes then I would make sure to choose a location with 2-3 different backdrops to coordinate with the outfit changes. If you are shooting a family with a 3 month old verses a family with 3 children all ranging from 6-16 then your session plan is going to look a little different.

Family workflow

1. I always want to start off with the whole family.

The first photo sets the mood for the entire session and the children get more comfortable with me and earn some trust. Plus, they are not tired of me yet! I start by telling the family to get together — even though I mostly do candid, I still give them direction. Once the family is together, I will direct them to do something like tickle the baby or big brother. Setting the mood is a really important part of my workflow for family photo sessions. This lets the family know what they should expect for the rest of the session.

2. After a few good family shots, I do group shots of siblings.

This is where we play games and loosen up. Yes, my job is to play games! Isn’t it wonderful? So I start off with telling the kids to squeeze each other like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, kiss brother or sister, hold hands and swing, dance and twirl. I like to play red light, green light and ring-around-the-rosy. We also have races! I also make sure to get some shots of the kids with their parents as well.

3. Individuals are next.

I let the kids do silly faces, then serious, then tell them to do them really fast and then the real smiles come. I keep having them switch back and forth until I get natural smiles, because I know they are in there.

4. We can’t forget mom and dad.

I believe these are often overlooked and most important; it all started with mom and dad. I just love photos of me and my husband to remind us daily that we are in this together. Sometimes parents can get stiff and not know what to do. I often tell them to look at each other like they like each other and that gets them smiling. Also I tell dad to give mom a big bear hug or even ask them to dance.

I believe in organization.

Having a workflow for family photo sessions is the best way to mentally and physically prepare for your clients. Without going through my workflows, I feel lost and unprepared which may result in situations where I feel like I didn’t give it my best.

My work has become more streamlined and my business has become more successful for having plans, goals and workflows. I highly recommend sitting down and making a workflow of your own. Map out your sessions so you know exactly what you want to achieve.

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More tips for creating your workflow for family photo sessions:

Erica Williams

I am a full-time lifestyle photographer located in North Dallas,Texas area specializing in families, newborns and senior photography since 2008.

See more from Erica at www.woodsywondersphotography.com.

Creating a workflow for family photo sessions

Preparation workflow

Session workflow

Family workflow

1. I always want to start off with the whole family.