Tips from Photographer, Deedee Zimon, that will Help Your Family Get the Most Out of Your Fall Family Photo Session
We recently had a summer family photo session with Loudoun-based photographer, Deedee Zimon. Heading into it, I was 1) really excited for the actual photos that would result, but 2) wary of the extensive preparation: a photo sesh nearing a one-year-old’s bedtime toward the end of a long work week + needing to dress in coordinated clothing that would be, hopefully, mostly clean + hair that I’ll not hate and want to remember in five years + eyeliner + remaining cheerful for sake of baby & spouse……it’s A LOT.
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BUT. Deedee was absolutely awesome. Her skill as a photographer/artist paired with her laid-back but purposeful demeanor made us immediately feel at ease and seen. And Deedee happens to be a mom, so she well understands the wills and protests of the small.
Deedee Zimon Photography | Ida Lee Park
After our session, I asked Deedee if she’d be interested in sharing some tips to help families have POSITIVE experiences during fall family photo sessions. AND SHE THANKFULLY OBLIGED! I’m so happy to share her five tips below.
Guest Blogger: Deedee Zimon
Fall is coming, which means you’ve probably (maybe?) already booked a family photo session for your holiday cards and updated prints around your home. I was thrilled when Anya asked me to provide some tips on how to make your family photo session a positive experience, and I hope that these ideas help you and your family through something that can feel stressful…but doesn’t have to!
1. Keep Everyone Informed
I’m a type-A, take-charge-of-planning kind of girl, but I’ve learned through my experiences on both sides of the camera that — shocker — other family members like to know what’s going on and often provide their own unique input.
Partners
Let’s take husbands for example: literally 98% of husbands/fathers that I photograph want to be anywhere else. But the partners who are informed about how the session will go, the time it will take, and what s/he should be doing at what time seem to handle it much better than those who have been kept in the dark.
Kids
It’s a great idea to prep kids as well, but don’t get crazy with training them to smile on command.
A few days before the session, let kids (who are old enough) know that they’re going to play with mom and dad/partner while someone takes pictures. A family photo session should be a fun experience; be ready to be silly and have fun with your children.
2. Do the Prep Work for the Photo Session — Most Importantly, Plan Your Outfits!
I get it — this part is so overwhelming. I always advise clients to pick one piece (usually mom’s outfit or a child’s) and build everyone else’s look around that.
A Small Portion of Deedee’s Incredible & Comprehensive Family Styling Guide
Say that you pick a patterned romper for baby: pull a color or two out of that design and integrate it into everyone else’s outfits.
Anya: We were DEFINITELY a bit nervous about what to wear & what would look good together. Deedee shared with us her helpful styling tips & style guide…it helped times a million!
Also consider your surroundings and the season
Will it be spring/summer? There will be a lot of green around you, so consider a contrasting color.
Neutrals always photograph beautifully, but a bold jewel tone is also gorgeous. Just make sure not to wear any super duper bright colors that create a color-cast on your face. AKA that neon coral that Cat & Jack pumped out two years ago is an excellent example of this…so cute but def not the best for photos.
Overall, try to think classic
Your child, once a surly teen, will most definitely make fun of these pictures. But let’s try to counteract future hilarity with a dash of timeless sophistication.
And for the love:
SHOP ANYA’S FAMILY-LOOK
I used all of Deedee’s tips and decided to build our outfits around my dress — a gold, flowy situation, much like any of these dresses/chiffon skirts:
Beautiful & Flowy in Yellows/Golds
- Flowy, chiffon skirt in gold/dark yellow,
- Plunging Neck Ruffle High-Split Dress,
- Or this Women’s Sleeveless High Neck Maxi Dress in Squash
Burnt Oranges, Emerald Greens, Deep Navies, & BURGUNDY!?
- Burnt orange/brown for fall? This dress hit that’s mark (plus I think I just need this).
- Or green if the fall leaves are golds and grasses are more brown? How about this Emerald Green Off-the-Shoulder Maxi with POCKETS…also in Navy Blue.
- OR deep burgundy!! like this 3/4 Sleeve Burgundy Button-Up Split Front Maxi
- I have this dress in this color. And am obsessed. Yes, I know it’s the same as the emerald green and navy above. BUT THE POCKETS YOU GUYS.
Fall Ideas for Baby/Littles
- Penelope is wearing this adorable gold/green flower onesie.
- Primary.com has well-made, simple dresses & onesies for baby in pretty much every color! So if mom’s dress or partner’s shirt is more “busy,” check out Primary for a simple piece for baby that can complement (and that they can wear for other things, too!).
Fall Ideas for Male Partner/Spouse
- Matthew is wearing a Navy Blue Men’s Polo, like this one
- Or this Deep Gray Men’s Polo is a great color, too!
Makeup?
- Makeup from Credo Beauty…all of it
…And if none of the above works? More…
3. Ask Your Photographer’s Input. And TRUST her!
Your photographer probably has some favorite locations for shooting, along with times of day that she prefers. And props.
She probably can also provide insight on your outfits beforehand if you want a second opinion.
Our fave prop that Deedee brought to our shoot, producing a series we’ve named “Baby in a Bucket”
As far as the actual session, I like to add in games with older kids. You may think it’s completely ridiculous, but trust that your photographer knows what she’s doing and isn’t just making you play the “Ring Around the Rosey” in the middle of a field for shits and giggles.
4. Don’t Stress...
…It’s Just a Family Photo Session.
This is hands down the hardest rule to follow. I believe that the majority of couples get into some sort of argument prior to their session, and if you don’t, my hat is off to you.
Allow extra time so that once you arrive at the location, you can put camera-ready clothes on baby, wipe food off of children’s faces, and make sure that everyone is picture-ready.
Golden Hour with Deedee Zimon Photography
If you’ve chosen a photographer whose work resonates with you, hopefully that means that your personalities will click as well.
During the session, take cues from your photographer
You may think your child is acting like the worst-behaving child in the history of family photo sessions, but believe me, your photographer has seen it all.
Don’t scold your child into smiling or sitting still; that will result in stiff images that don’t capture your true selves.
I personally love emotion and interaction. If your toddler is throwing a tantrum that requires a little bit of consoling, console that baby and let me capture that. These are the moments!
And lastly, if your child is between 18 and 24 months old, just accept that he/she will not cooperate and embrace capturing your child as he/she is right in this very moment.
5) Bribe
Bribe like you’ve never bribed before.
If you bring sweets to your session for bribing, be cognizant not to bring items that melt on hands/faces or get stuck on teeth.
My personal favorite treat are smarties (so unhealthy but just enough to make even the grouchiest child perk up for some images).
Also bribe the spouse. For real.
THANK YOU, DEEDEE!
Your advice, wisdom, and humor is so appreciated. If a family invests in family photos, we should all most certainly try to enjoy it!
If you happen to be in Northern Virginia and in search for a family photographer, I encourage you to follow Deedee on social media (@deedeezimonphotography) & check out her beautiful work!
Deedee Zimon is both a studio and natural light photographer who’s artistic passion lies with newborns, mothers-to-be and families, along with a dash of yoga and puppers. Based in Loudoun County, Virginia, she has photographed newborns up and down the east coast with her work drawing international accolades from newbornposing.com.
