The craziest thing happens when you know how to prep for family photos have a positive mindset for family photos and mentally prepare for your family pictures beforehand. You actually enjoy yourself. It’s true! Your head isn’t filled with doubts and negative thoughts. Instead, you’re focused on your kids and your spouse, and on enjoying yourself and your family and the victory of having family photos that you’ll get to keep forever. Setting a positive mindset and figuring out how to prep for family photos can feel daunting but it makes all the difference. Here are the 6 things that I do personally to get into a positive mindset for our own family photos.

1. Take a deep breath to find your positive mindset for family photos.

It’s going to be okay! It’s going to go much smoother than you’re anticipating. Remember, I’ve seen and done it all. I’m not worried about your kids so you don’t need to worry about them either. 

2. Come up with a mantra to remind yourself about why you’re doing this.

So your kids have pictures of their mom. And/or remind yourself of things you love yourself – I love my smile, my sparkly eyes, my beautiful hair, my soft belly that grew my kids…I’m still working on that last one, but it gets a little better each time I tell it to myself.

3. Practice smiling and little poses in front of the mirror.

My prompt is always to push your chin out and down. If you don’t get this, don’t worry, your photographer will help you out and prompt you to do it during your session!

4. Find an outfit you feel amazing in.

Amazing is key. Don’t go for the outfit that you feel okay in or the one that simply matches everyone else. NO! You are the most important here and you should feel bangin’. There are probably the least amount of photos of you AND you’re probably the one who booked this session AND the most invested in this. So for all the above reasons, you should feel amazing in your clothing. When you feel amazing, it will give you confidence and make your photo session that much easier. Check out my spring outfit ideas if you need inspiration!

5. If you have a lot of negative thoughts about yourself and taking pictures, do a little journaling.

Here are some prompts:

What 10 things do I love about my body?

Why is getting pictures taken important to me?

Three ways my life would change if I started accepting all aspects of who I am without judgment or shame.

6. Lastly, this is what I told my friend when she was feeling down about her body…

“I am so glad when I see your (clothed) body because that means I’m hanging with my friend. We’re going to laugh, talk deeply, and I know I’m going to have fun.” Don’t forget, what you say to yourself matters. It’s influencing you. Are you going to use your words to influence for the better or for the worse?

I notice the moms who know how to prep for family photos and work on a positive mindset. I am so glad I get to capture so many women who decide to show up for and love themselves. I’m grateful for the moms who show up not because they’re ready to love themselves but because they want photos for their kids and they know that’s more important than their current self-doubts. I see you. I see your efforts. You’re doing great, sis.

If you’re ready for family photos after doing the work, head here to schedule a session with me.

PS. If you need a little extra coaching, I love Cindy Ames Coaching. Go check her out!

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Capture your precious moments with me! Book a photography session today and let’s laugh, play and capture the details of your unique story. Whether it’s a family session, engagement shoot, or newborn session, I’m dedicated to capturing the beauty and emotions that make your memories last a lifetime. Don’t wait, schedule your session now and let’s create magic together!