Ah, big family photoshoots. Those epic undertakings that can leave you feeling like a rodeo clown wrangling toddlers and a family therapist mediating squabbles over who gets to sit next to Grandma. But hey, amidst the sunscreen-smeared faces and the inevitable “I don’t wanna take pictures!” whines, there’s magic to be found.
Let’s face it, in the grand tapestry of life, big families are the vibrant, gloriously messy threads. You’ve got aunts, uncles, cousins galore, a whole squad of nieces and nephews climbing over each other like puppies. It’s a beautiful, hilarious, sometimes ear-splitting kind of chaos. And documenting those milestones, those moments where everyone (hopefully) manages a semi-decent smile for the camera, is priceless.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: isn’t wrangling this crew for a Christmas card photo stressful enough? Don’t even get me started on the logistics of planning a family reunion or coordinating a weekend getaway! But here’s the thing: big family photoshoots can be fun! Not just for the end result (although let’s be honest, those pictures on your wall are brag-worthy), but for the experience itself.
Here’s the truth: the struggle is real when it comes to herding a big family for any kind of activity. Finding a date that works for everyone can feel like navigating a minefield. Uncle Bob has a fishing trip planned, little Timmy’s got a soccer game, and Aunt Margaret swears she can’t miss her weekly bridge night (let’s be real, bridge night can wait, Margaret!).
But fear not, fellow family wranglers! Here are some battle-tested tips for wrangling your big brood for a photoshoot that won’t leave you pulling your hair out.
Tips to help you wrangle your big family together!
- Pick a date and stick to it! Democracy rarely works in big families. Be the benevolent dictator and choose a date with broad appeal – a weekend morning, maybe, before the afternoon heat sets in (if you’re in sunny Queensland, like me!).
- Location, location, location! Think about what kind of vibe you’re going for. A sprawling park with plenty of room for the kids to run around? A cozy beach setting for some sunset magic? My studio in Greenslopes is always an option, fully air-conditioned for those steamy Brisbane days.
- Incentives work wonders! Let’s be honest, a little bribery never hurt anyone. Promise ice cream after the shoot, or maybe a fun family outing as a reward for everyone cooperating.
- Keep it short and sweet. Attention spans in big families are like fireflies – they flicker brightly for a short while, then disappear. Plan for a focused photoshoot, maybe 30-45 minutes tops.
Now, here’s where the real magic happens. Because at Katrina Christ Photography, we don’t just take pictures, we capture moments. We know how to handle the inevitable meltdowns, the shy smiles, and the bursts of uncontrollable giggles. We’ll have your big family laughing, playing, and forgetting they’re even being photographed.
Imagine it: a stress-free photoshoot where everyone feels like royalty. We’ll take care of everything, from location scouting to wardrobe suggestions (yes, even for the grumpy teenagers in the back!). You just show up, relax, and soak up the precious moments with your loved ones.
Because let’s be honest, those big family photoshoots, despite the initial chaos, become cherished keepsakes. They’re a reminder of the crazy, wonderful tapestry that is your family. So ditch the stress, embrace the laughter, and let’s capture those big family moments that will be treasured for years to come.
Ready to book your big family photoshoot? Head over to my website, Katrina Christ Photographer: https://katrinachrist.com.au/, and let’s chat! We can discuss weekday or weekend sessions, answer any questions you have, and get you on the road to creating those picture-perfect (or should we say, perfectly chaotic) memories.
