This blog post serves as SHOW NOTES for our podcast -- Cultivate a Good Life. This is not a comprehensive outline of everything discussed in this specific episode. The notes, links, and tips below are just some of what was mentioned. Everything we're highlighting here will certainly make so much more sense when you've listened to this episode. If you haven't already listened, you definitely should. And you should also just go ahead and subscribe to the podcast. It's good stuff. Also, these notes show up in the order that they came up during the show.

episode description

Oh mamas. We get it. Family photo shoots are usually an investment and it’s so stressful getting the whole family ready! Why is it that tensions are high and moods are swinging all over the place when all we want are some nice family pictures? We share 30 practical tips that will help your next photo shoot to be a much more pleasant experience than past years — from preparations to during the session, and even tips for afterwards.Be sure to join OUR tribe and be a part of this incredible community by following us on Instagram — @CultivateAGoodLife. Oh, and pretty please leave us a review on iTunes; it would mean the WORLD to us! Plus, we randomly pick listeners who do leave reviews, to win awesome stuff.

Link to this episode: BeckyHiggins.com/Podcast

Beddy's

We are so grateful for this episode's sponsor -- Beddy's!

Follow them on Instagram: @beddysbeds

Visit their website: Beddys.com

To save 20% on your purchase, be sure to use this exclusive code at checkout: BECKY20.

show notes

A few of Becky Proudfit's family pictures over the years. The first couple shown here were taken by her sister-in-law, Melody.

A few of my family pictures over the years. (For those who are new here, this is Becky Higgins and I am writing all these show notes.)

ABOVE: Our first family picture in 2002 with us being a brand-new party of 3 (we were married for 7.5 years before being blessed with our first child).

ABOVE: Our first family picture with all 5 of us, taken in 2009. This was also the first year we hired a professional photographer (Kara Layne) instead of just having a friend take a picture.

ABOVE: Last year's annual family picture, taken by Natalie Nelson in the basement of our home under construction.

Local 14-year-old boy that I'm considering hiring for this year's family pictures: @jonascostnerphotography

Flip-through of my photo book that spans our first 20 years worth of family pictures. As promised, I'll share this video flip-through on our social media -- @CultivateAGoodLife.

30 TIPS

Keep in mind that all of these are expanded upon in the episode. This is just a refresher to remind you because there were so many tips covered.

THE BIG PICTURE

Just do it.
Begin with the end in mind. “The purpose of the task is to strengthen the relationship.”
Make a family date out of it.
Connect with your photographer and have clear expectations.
Share tips about your kids with the photographer.
Let perfectionism GO.
Trust your photographer.

Becky Proudfit’s “ball of wonderful" with her hands on her hips. Oh sweet Caroline.

Becky Proudfit's picture of the boys in front of the Christmas tree right after Jameson threw up.

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BEFORE THE DAY OF THE PHOTO SHOOT

8. Do not overbook your day. Make your photo shoot the prime event of the day.

9. Plan your outfits in advance.

10. Lay it all out to be sure that everything looks good together.

11. Consider the sit-ability in the outfits.

12. Run your outfits by your photographer.

13. Socks matter!

14. Let’s talk hair. Consider a trim for that day or be intentional about getting those haircuts well in advance, before the photo shoot.

15. Makeup. If you’re doing your own, go a touch heavier. Also consider hiring a professional makeup artist, as long as you’ve already used them.

16. Add another generation.

DAY OF THE PHOTO SHOOT

17. Prep your man.

18. Do not show up hungry.

19. Sleep is underrated.

20. Be prepared with treats.

21. Bring a "favorite thing" for the little ones.

22. Be early to the shoot.

DURING THE PHOTO SHOOT

23. Do not be a control freak.

24. Let the kids be themselves. Let their personalities SHINE.

25. Savor the moment. Show love to your family during the pictures. Enjoy being together.

26. Personal interactions. Be aware of your facial expressions in between the posed pictures.

27. Get over your personal insecurities. Feel free to communicate a few things with your photographer ahead of time.

AFTER THE PHOTO SHOOT

28. Validate your photographer.

29. Check with your photographer before posting pictures on social media.

30. Thank your family! Don’t focus on what went wrong.

Tip for printing your holiday cards this year:

There are fantastic and FREE holiday card templates found through the (also free!)

Project Life® mobile app ... and online at DigitalProjectLife.com. You can also print your greeting cards directly through the app or directly through the online printing service at DigitaProjectLife.com. Best quality ever. We strongly recommend it.

Links to our Instagram accounts:

@CultivateAGoodLife

@Becky HigginsLLC

@BeckyProudfit

Email us. We'd love your feedback! podcast@beckyhiggins.com.

Spread the word!

We would be so grateful if you shared about our podcast with your friends. Post on social media, text a buddy, whatever floats your boat. And leaving a review on iTunes would just make you our favorite.

Upcoming LIVE events where you can find us! Everyone's invited!

Oct. 23 from 10-12. It's our BH Birthday / Podcast Launch Party at SodaRush in Gilbert, AZ! My team will be there, too!
Nov. 9-10 is the Pinners Conference in Scottsdale, AZ. We'll have a booth there for selling merchandise and visiting with anyone that comes by, and I'll also be teaching a couple classes.
Nov. 27 from 2-7 pm is our BH Favorite Things Fall Boutique at our headquarters in Peoria, AZ.

contributing photographers

The following professional photographers contributed to the content shared in this episode. We are so thankful to them for sharing their wisdom, tips, and expertise!

NATALIE NELSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Serving: Arizona

Specializing in: Portrait

Web: cheznousimages.com(It’s French and pronounced shay-noo images)

Instagram: @cheznousimages.

BROOKE SAMUELIAN

Serving: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria (Arizona)

Specializing in: High school seniors

Web: brookeallisonphotography.com

Instagram: @brookeallisonphotography.

JULIA DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Serving: Colorado Springs, Colorado.