If you have plans to capture Tybee Island family photos while you’re visiting our little barrier island here are a few tips I’d be happy to pass along to ensure it’s a stress-free experience.
Make sure you like the photographer’s work…and the photographer too. It sounds obvious, but sometimes people get hung up on secondary things, like a set price in their minds or simply booking with the first available photographer so that it’s off the “to do” list. If thoughtfully preserved, photos are something that can be passed down for centuries in a family and become a part of your family’s visual history. Long story short, like the work enough that you can see passing it down to your children’s children. Why like the photographer? If you like your photographer chances are they’ll create an experience worth remembering and will become a story also worth sharing with your family as well.
Give your family the chance to succeed. Simply put, plan and prepare rather than winging it. Plan a wardrobe that compliments rather than copies each other. (See more on that here.) Do a dry run drive to the location so you’re not getting lost and stressed moments before. Avoid sunburn and wear sunblock anytime you visit the beach prior. Sunset sessions are late in the day and for many little ones to succeed a good nap with a good few hours of being awake before the session are key…for some adults too. Lastly, have an easy day where you’re not out in the sun all day and drained. Come in by midafternoon, hydrate, snack and give plenty of time for everyone to shower and prepare for photos.
Let them be kids. Some of my favorite photos never happened because a well-meaning parent thought their kids needed to behave a certain way and were quick to correct any behavior they deemed immature. Let your kids be their quirky selves and let it be documented. Some of my client’s favorite images were created because we not only encouraged play and letting their personality shine, we joined in. That’s right Mom, Dad, please take this as my official invite for you to unwind, connect with your inner child and perhaps allow an authentic moment to occur with not only your kids but your significant other too. Probably the whole point of your vacation. You’re welcome.
