We are thrilled to announce that Baby Lucas #6 will be arriving in early November (11/6/20 to be exact, another reason to love the number 6).

We decided on a family photo shoot to celebrate the big news! I am often asked about how to we manage to have a a successful family photo shoot. Today I will share some background about this particular shoot, plus some tips and tricks to make your next photo shoot memorable and less stressful.

Our recent photo shoot was staged in Tacoma, Washington. The location is called Opera Alley and it could not have been more perfect. The color and character were just right, and even better, Spencer and I had our wedding reception at Over the Moon Cafe located there in Opera Alley. 

We worked with the amazing talent of Hushed Revelry Photography. Hushed Revelry collaborated with Confete Party Box to set up the perfect balloon design where each kid held the number of balloons that matched with their birth order number. Spencer and I held 6 balloons representing Baby #6.

The girl’s dresses were all from Joyfolie. Davy and I were also able to score some amazing boots from Joyfolie as well! Ladd is rocking one of my favorite suspender outfits and boots from Cat&Jack at Target.

Some Secrets to a Successful Family Photo Shoot

Step 1: Pick Your Photographer and Discuss Ideas in Advance

Paige Wells of Hushed Revelry Photography was fantastic, working with us on our vision and including her own special touches. If you are evaluating photographers, study their web site, Instagram or other social media portfolios. Does their photography fit your family’s style—and your vision? (Good news: with the accessibility of digital imaging, you’ll find there are many affordable photographers within your budget.)

I try to find a photographer who isn’t too focused on perfection, but more concerned with capturing each child’s unique personality. I also love working with photographers new to the business (or non-professionals who have practiced their photo skills). It is so special to give them a chance to showcase their unique viewpoint.

For our wedding, Spencer and I actually hired a friend who had never photographed a wedding before. The pictures captured our day perfectly: less staged and lovely in their realness.

Step 2: Pick a Style

My vision was bold color, a touch of floral and romance. I also knew I wanted to incorporate balloons. For the Lucas girls, my thought was flowy dresses, though not necessarily matching.

Envision colors and how they are going to work together. Try laying garments next to each other, seeing how the different colors, prints and textures blend.

Accessories add a wonderful layer too. Pinterest can be a great place to get inspiration, but often I just start with one outfit and build around it.

This year my outfit was actually the last one chosen. I borrowed it from a friend (thanks Lynsey!). Props and accessories are also great accents and help keep the kids engaged. The balloons for this shoot added a fun element for the kids and also photographed beautifully.

Step 3: Include Your Kids in the Decision Process

Clothing plays a big part in the staging, and is a terrific way to celebrate each unique personality.

Now, my 2-,5-,6-,8-, and 10-year old children love to help choose their outfits. I have at least two options each can choose from and try on in advance. (We “shop” in their own closets first.)

Taking time individually to “dress rehearsal” choices seems to create excitement for the shoot and being together as a family. I also have a few accessories for them to try, like headbands, jewelry or hats.  I set aside their chosen clothes before the special day so they are all pressed and ready to go in advance.

For my husband, I also like to lay out a few options. That way, there is no last-minute stress.

Step 4: What time is best for your family?

Figure out what time of day works best for all of you. We work around meal and sleeping schedules. For this shoot, it was early evening and as it turned out, perfect timing. Our youngest, Davy, had napped and the older kids were not in the bedtime slump.

Before they get ready to go, we have a fun snack together, so hunger is not an issue and spirits are high. The kids also look forward to a special treat afterward.

Step 5: Mix it Up

For years we staged family photos at our house. I made the assumption doing so was easier for everyone, plus we all love our acreage. But for this shoot, we had to drive about 25 minutes and getting there built excitement for the kids. It really helped their energy to be somewhere new. (The kids also loved visiting their parents’ wedding reception location.)

Step 7: Be Prepared

Pack a bag of lip gloss, hair pins, diapers…whatever last-minute items you might need. If we have a new baby (accidents happen!), I may pack a backup shirt or dress for Spencer and me. If you are staging outdoors, will your clothing selections work no matter what the weather? If possible, press and prepare the night before instead of scrambling the day of…

Step 8: Keep it short and sweet

A longer shoot does not correlate to better photos. Some of our best shots were in mini-sessions. So keep it simple—and short. Tell your photographer the number of shots you would like. For example, one great family group shot and one to two individual shots of each child.

Step 9: Focus on family fun-and being together

Now relax and just have fun. Work with whatever you have, and don’t stress about inevitable accidents, forgotten items and weather changes. Some of the more unplanned candid photos are going to be the ones you might cherish the most someday.

I can’t wait to see your beautiful photos!