North Carolina Family Photographer Shares Tips for Family Photo Shoots

Nikki Whitt Belch, Founder and Owner of Fancy This Photography

I first met Chelsey many moons ago when she started Gather Together Events, her Raleigh-based wedding planning business. Believe me when I say that Chelsey knows how to flawlessly plan a knockout wedding. She specializes in private home, outdoor, and tented weddings that are truly stunning. When Chelsey asked me to be her North Carolina family photographer, I was honored and excited. In addition to wedding and branding photography, Fancy This Photography lives for family photo shoots.

As a mom, I understand how quickly time flies. It's important to document the stages of your family because it all goes by so quickly. This is such a sweet time with everyone under one roof. People deserve this.

Using my Nikon z6ii, I captured Chelsey’s family’s contagious love and joy in images they will cherish forever. This family photo shoot in North Carolina is chicken soup for the soul. But I’m all about efficiency, so I’m going to share some tips and tricks for planning an easy, breezy, beautiful family photo shoot alongside these gorgeous family photos.

Families are one of my all-time favorite things to photograph. Whether you have a chaotic family (hello, toddlers) or an awkward family with older kids, each stage needs to be documented in all its glory.

This winter family photo shoot took place at Blackwood Farm Park in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Keep scrolling for more family photo shoot ideas.

If you’re interested in booking a family photo shoot with Fancy This Photography, please email nikki@fancythisphotography.com.

Honest Tips for Family Photo Shoots

The first thing I do for a family photo shoot is try to get to know the kids. They are the heart and soul of the session. Sometimes, trust can be earned with a cake pop—my North Carolina family photographer version of the olive branch. I used this approach with Chelsey’s kids, and it was a sweet success.

If kids have a lot of energy and are acting crazy, running around and loving life, that's what I document. All of it is beautiful. I’ve learned to embrace the chaos, if there is any. That’s why there is a mixture of posed and candid images in this family photo shoot. I love the photos of Chelsey’s kids running through the meadow at Blackwood Farm Park in Chapel Hill.

Back in the day, family photo shoots were stiff, forced, and painful for kids to endure. Imagine hours of standing still and being adjusted by a stranger in a department store photo booth. I do smile at the memory of those awkward photos of families in identical outfits. Don’t worry, we’ll talk about family photo shoot outfit ideas later in the blog.

All this is to say—family photo shoots with Fancy This Photography are authentic, natural, comfortable, and professional. When I take pictures of a family, I want to give them a beautiful snapshot of that moment in their lives. Family photos are vessels for memories and stories. One day, Chelsey will pull out the pictures from this photo shoot and remind her kids of a time when they were young, innocent, and full of silly joy.

Family photo shoots remind me just how sweet life is. It really can’t get much better than this.

Family Photo Shoot Ideas

Before we dive into family photo shoot outfit ideas, let’s give a shoutout to parents. I love kids, but parents are really the best. When two people come together and decide to bring more good human beings into the world, it’s a beautiful thing. That's why I recommend that parents get some quality pictures without the kids during their family photo shoot.

Keep scrolling for more family photo shoot ideas and inspiration from this session at Blackwood Farm Park in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Family Photo Outfit Ideas

My main advice is to find a pattern or color that the family really likes, then find complementary colors that go with it. For instance, if someone has a blue and white dress, another family member could wear a mauve shirt or even orange (if they’re feeling bold) to complement the pattern. I also provide family photo outfit ideas in vision board format for those who need a visual aid.

Chelsey’s skirt set the tone for the fashion in this family photo shoot. The rest of her family looked amazing in complementary shades of Carolina blue and coral. I loved that the colors were bright and joyful yet suitable for winter. I also appreciated that the oldest child wore a suit jacket to match his father, while the younger two wore soft sweaters.

Outfit changes can be a good idea, but when doing a family photo shoot with small kids, their attention spans are limited. If you have small kids, I suggest sticking to one outfit for the family photo shoot. Chelsey’s family did not have any outfit changes, and I think that was the best decision. We added variety to their images by changing locations, walking from the meadow to the front porch of the historic farmhouse at Blackwood Farm Park in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Should You Bring Your Pet to Your Family Photo Shoot?

If you have a pet who is a big part of the family and can handle the spotlight, bring them to the family photo shoot! However, if your pet has a lot of anxiety or doesn’t do well in public places, it might be best to leave them at home. If you do bring your furry friend, I suggest bringing a pet handler. This way, they can hold the pet while you take pictures with just the family. We’ll want to get pictures both with and without the pet.

Book Your Session with a North Carolina Family Photographer

Thank you for visiting our blog and exploring Fancy This Photography’s work and advice for family photo shoots. As a seasoned North Carolina family photographer, I would be honored to capture your family.

If you’re interested in booking a family photo shoot with Fancy This Photography, please email nikki@fancythisphotography.com.

Springtime Bliss: A Stunning Family Photography Session at Coker Arboretum

Spring is the season of renewal and growth, a time when the world comes alive with vibrant colors and fresh beginnings. And what better way to capture the essence of this beautiful season than with a family photography session at Coker Arboretum on UNC Chapel Hill's campus? In this article, we'll join the Gorski family as they bask in the springtime splendor of the arboretum and create memories to cherish for years to come. From the power of natural settings to capturing genuine expressions and playing with colors and textures, we'll explore how a skilled photographer can turn a simple photo shoot into a work of art. So come along on a journey of Springtime Bliss and discover how you too can create timeless family memories at Coker Arboretum.

The Power of Natural Settings

One of the most powerful aspects of a natural setting like Coker Arboretum is the way it can put people at ease and inspire genuine expressions of joy and connection. As we saw with the Gorski family, the lush greenery, blooming flowers, and tranquil atmosphere of the arboretum provided the perfect backdrop for them to relax, have fun, and be themselves in front of the camera. In the next section, we'll dive deeper into the art of capturing those authentic smiles and laughter that make family photos so special.

Capturing Genuine Smiles and Laughter

One of the most rewarding parts of family photography is capturing those genuine smiles and laughter that make each family unique. At Coker Arboretum, we were able to create an environment where the Gorski family could let loose and have fun. As a photographer, my goal is to create a space where families feel comfortable being themselves and enjoying each other's company.

It's important to approach a family photo shoot with a playful and lighthearted attitude. One way to do this is to encourage parents to interact with their children and make silly faces or tell jokes. This helps to create a relaxed and fun atmosphere that shines through in the photos. Another strategy is to give children activities to do, such as playing with bubbles or running around, which helps to distract them from the camera and allows for more natural moments to be captured.

When it comes to photographing families, it's not just about capturing posed shots, but also those candid moments of joy and connection. At Coker Arboretum, we were able to capture the genuine smiles and laughter of the Gorski family as they walked, played, and cuddled together against the stunning backdrop of the arboretum.

In the next section, we'll explore how playing with colors and textures can add depth and interest to family photos, building on the natural beauty of the setting.

Playing with Colors and Textures

At Coker Arboretum, the natural beauty of the setting provided a perfect canvas for family photography. But adding pops of colors and textures can take family photos to the next level. The Gorski family wore a mix of bright colors and patterns that complemented the lush greenery of the arboretum. The soft textures of their clothing and blankets added a cozy and inviting feel to their photos.

Playing with colors and textures doesn't have to be limited to clothing either. The vibrant pink blooms of a flowering tree or the rough texture of a stone wall can create interest and variety in family photos. Experimenting with different colors and textures can help capture the unique personality and character of each family.

In the next section, we'll dive into how incorporating activities and themes can create timeless family memories.

Creating Timeless Family Memories

Playing with colors and textures can create depth and visual interest in family photos, but there's more to capturing timeless memories than just aesthetics. By incorporating activities and themes, you can infuse your family photography session with personality and meaning that will make for cherished memories for years to come.

Think about what your family loves to do together. Is it baking and cooking? Head to the kitchen and capture those messy, flour-covered moments. Do you all enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors? Plan a photoshoot in a nearby park or nature reserve and let your family's sense of adventure shine.

Theme-based photoshoots are another way to create timeless family memories. For example, you could stage a vintage-inspired picnic complete with a checkered blanket and a wicker basket of goodies. Or, consider dressing up in your finest clothes and posing in a grand location for a formal family portrait.

No matter what activities or themes you choose, remember that the goal is to capture the essence of your family. Be yourselves, have fun, and let your personalities shine through. And above all, be present in the moment - after all, that's what you'll be looking back on with fondness for years to come.,

The Gorski family's springtime photography session at Coker Arboretum showcases the power of natural settings, capturing genuine smiles and laughter, playing with colors and textures, and creating timeless family memories. The beauty of the season and the love shared between family members are expertly preserved in these stunning photographs. If you're looking to create your own unforgettable family memories, consider booking a photography session at Coker Arboretum today. As the saying goes, "Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'" and there's no better way to celebrate than with your loved ones in this beautiful setting. Remember, time with those you love is a treasure, so let's capture it while we can.

The Brown Family

Chapel Hill, NC Family Photography

I always look forward to this family session! Every year the Browns bring the biggest smiles, and the best outfits! Dont you agree?!

This year we decided to go back to the NC Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill, NC and explore more. This was such a great time of year to do their session (second to last week of November) because the leaves were in peak fall foliage. The oranges, yellows, and reds were just amazing to photograph. It was even better that this family was in front of my camera!

I hope you enjoy the images! To view more of this family you can find their 2019 fall family session HERE.