Maternity Family Photoshoot
Welcome to my FIRST BLOG! I thought it would be fitting to introduce you to my little tribe and share a bit more about us. I’ll also be featuring photos from our recent maternity family shoot + some family photoshoot tips along the way!
photographer: claudiajophotography
Here I am with my boys! My incredible husband Richie and little Jacey boy who just turned two (just posted his birthday blog!) But don’t worry, we will even out the numbers when baby girl joins us in October! I feel so blessed every time I look at my family, it’s just a reminder of the faithfulness of God in my life. We’ve lived in Chicago surrounded by our friends and family our whole lives. We always make the most of the beautiful summers here and try not to take life too seriously. In fact, we’re very goofy and fun-loving, which makes life a million times more enjoyable! You can follow our daily lives on my Instagram for more fun!
SHOP THE LOOK
7 TIPS FOR FAMILY SHOOTS WITH A TODDLER
1) Choose a location that is either familiar, or controllable. For example, we went with a Chicago suburb beach that our photographer has shot at many times before. She knew it wasn’t an over crowded beach, she was aware of the best photo spots, and it was safe and large enough for Jace to run around and actually enjoy himself. If all else fails, we do shoots at home too because it’s both controllable and familiar!
2) If you can, bring an extra set of hands. I asked my sister Andrea to join us and keep Jace company while Richie and I took a few photos of just us. This was incredibly helpful! Thanks sis!
3) Bring your toddlers favorite book/toy and snack. Since these items may make it into some of the final photos, make sure it’s something that’s not too much of an eyesore. Jace LOVES his trains and toy animals, which actually turned out aesthetically cute in the few photos he’s holding them. Our photographer was also a toddler whisperer and came prepared with a yellow balloon and lollipop which immediately helped him warm up to her and calm down, plus looked cute in the photos!
4) Jace had just been recently potty trained so we had to think ahead on avoiding any accidents during the shoot. Even though he only wears underwear now (except during sleep), we went ahead and put on pull-ups during the shoot in case of an accident. We also always keep a portable potty in the back of our car. Thankfully, he did amazing and held it in for 3 hours!
5) Make sure you don’t skip out on meals before-hand! A full belly keep toddlers less crabby and we made sure Jace ate dinner ahead of time and brought along plenty of milk in his sippy cup as well.
6) When your photographer asks what time you want to do the shoot, consider the best timing for your little one! Typically that would be after they wake up from a nap + have eaten so they’re well rested and happy!
7) Try to relax and have fun with your family! Shoots can be stressful! I get nervous before every single one, mainly because I’m hoping it all goes smoothly with Richie and Jace who are more-so getting forced into it :) The thing is, a worried face is obvious in photos, so do your best to take deep breaths, relax, smile, laugh and enjoy your family. Let the photographer do the rest. The best photos are the ones that are natural and everyone forgetting the camera is even there. I couldn’t believe how amazing our photos turned out because from my perspective, Jace was fussy most of the time. However, you could NEVER TELL from the photos! Claudia Jo did an amazing job keeping us all comfortable and genuinely enjoying ourselves, while also directing us!
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