3 Major Steps To Take In Creating Authentic Family Photographs

How do you create authentic family photos?

At the time of booking:

When you first book a family portrait session, send the family a questionnaire. Ask questions that helps you get to know them a little bit better. Questions like, what each family members favorite candy is, or favorite drink at Sonic. These simple questions give you a small insight to their personality, but also allows topics to talk about when you take their pictures.

Day of the session:

First things first. When the session first starts, make some small talk. Be observant when doing the small talk thing. Watch their mannerisms, smiles, touches, and the candid way they stand with their arms folded and hands in the pockets.

If you are photographing them at their home, this creates a comforting atmosphere. Everyone, kids and husbands included, open up a little more than they would in a public location.

However, if you are doing the session at a park, or your local downtown area, give them an action.

Tell them to group up, then gradually watch how their arms fall on each other. If they don’t, direct them a little bit and make a connection between each other.

How to create multiple poses/photos in one setup:

While everyone is in the group, here is a shot list you can use. Keep in mind to work around your subjects.

1. wide group shot of everyone smiling (safety shot, not as heartfelt, but safe)

2. close-up group shot

3. close-up of each person, without anyone moving. Examples are below. Kids might have their arms intertwined in moms arms, or mom might be running her hand through her children’s hair. Again, if they are currently doing them, coach them and direct them through it and make them do an action. It will look authentic and lead to something beautiful.

4. Photograph the connections. Not just the faces, but also the arms and hands holding one another.

While you are there to photograph the family, don’t forget to snap some of mom and dad. Take a look at these cuties below.

Have any follow up questions. I’d be happy to help. You can email me at cristy@cristycross.com or leave a comment on this post.

*Pin these photos and add them to your Pinterest boards for inspiration.

Client Testimonial: "I love the photos so much!"

I work with the absolute BEST clients ever (no, of course we’re not biased)!

Just recently, Wendi said, “I love the photos so much! It’s going to be hard to choose which ones are my favorites!!”

I was so excited to hear her say that! I work very hard to make sure every client is satisfied and this proved that I am on the right path.

Tell me: did you have a similar experience as Wendi when working with Cristy Cross Photography? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

Your Excuse Isn't Good Enough

Are you struggling with finding the time for family pictures?
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I know it can be difficult fitting into everyone’s schedule.
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Here are a few tips to help you move past that:
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1. Schedule the appointment a month in advance to prepare your family.
2. Plan your outfits two weeks prior to the session. I provide all of my family sessions with an outfit guide for free to help you out with this.
3. Let your kids be a little crazier than usual during the session. This allows for genuine smiles.

Are you done with the excuses? Good, I’m glad to hear it. Take action now and let's get a date set. Click below to start the process.

Testimonials from clients:

“That was so enjoyable. It was such a fun and relaxing experience. She is so easy to feel comfortable around. I couldn’t agree more.” -Schaap Family

“OMG yay!! Thank you Cristy. Love what you captured in the kiddos. Their little personalities came through so well and even how they interact with each other is just perfect. Such sweetness.” -Maggie

“You are the BEST!!! You have such a gift and are so experienced at your craft. You made me feel so much more at ease that I ever thought. I could. You are a gem Cristy.” -Darby

It doesn’t take much for time to slip away from us. Before we know it, the day is over and tomorrow starts a new one.
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And what does tomorrow bring? Busy-ness, to-do lists, work, school, baseball practice, piano lessons. The list goes on right?
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Can we all just take a second. A second to breath and appreciate the things around us.
Cuddling on the couch with your kids, talking about random highlights of your day with your husband, sitting still on the porch and listening to silence.
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Taking the time to sit in the presence of your family can feed your soul.
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Taking the time to be photographed with your family in your home, cuddling on the couch, preparing dinner, baking cookies, playing with dolls, stuffed animals or cars...ya know, the normal everyday stuff.
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Can I photograph that for you? The chaos, the calm, the tears, the smiles, the hugs, and all the stuff you would do when you are in down time with your family.
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Those are the memories I know I want to cherish as a mom. Those are the things I’m going to think about when my boys, who are 7 and 11, go to high school one day.
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Before we know it, time will slip away.

In other news, I want to introduce you to my friend Renee. She is an underwater photographer. Have you ever wanted to do maternity pictures…in the water? You will be blown away by her work. So beautiful and magical.

DIY: Friendly and Spooky Halloween Tablescape Decorations

I love Halloween decorations, but I’m not fond of the scary ones. I like the cute and spooky stuff, you know?

Well, when my seven year old came to me with the cutest creation of Frankenstein, I was inspired to create a Halloween tablescape. I love when he inspires my creativity, because he is so creative all the time.

We created our spooky friends out of lunch paper sacks, construction paper, markers, glue and fake succulent plants.

Here are the steps to creating your own:

1. Brainstorm which spooky friend you want to create. There’s a ghost, Frankenstein, mummy, werewolf, Dracula, jack o’latern , bat, black cat, one-eyed monster, skeleton, etc. Ask your kids for more ideas :)

2. Select your colored construction paper and trace the paper sack onto your paper and cut it out.

3. Create your spooky friend with markers, glitter, extra paper or any other craft item you have in your home.

4. Glue your paper to your lunch sack.

5. Add a rectangular vase inside your bag or mason jar filled with rocks or something to weigh it down so it will stay open and not fall over.

6. Finish your creation by adding fake succulent plants from Hobby Lobby as hair.

Add this to your table with pumpkins, checkered black and white placemats and more succulent plants. Now you are now ready for a party!

LIfestyle Newborn Family Sessions

How does Cristy Cross Photography photograph newborn sessions?

Your newborn session takes place in your home and in your babies nursery 1-2 weeks after the baby is born.

Photographing you and your family in your space, cuddled up on the couch or hanging out in the kitchen creates a relaxed and comfortable feeling for the whole family.

Basically I focus on allll the hugs, kisses and intimate setting.

Would you like more information? Send me an email at cristy@cristycross.com or click the CONACT tab. I’d love to visit more with you.

Let's Get Authentic

  For more info on getting genuine smiles of your family, you can check out the live video here.

When hiring me for your family photographer, ask yourself why you want family photos?  What's the desire behind having them done?  Also, where do you want to take these pictures?  And, what in the world are you going to wear?

Let me break it down for you.

Why get family photos?  Do you want to document your family and kids while they are little in their genuine, real-life moments? Those laughable, funny and squishy love moments? 

Where should you photograph your family? If you want those genuine moments, photographing in your home is the best place.  Families are in their environment and will be more authentic.  (Your backyard are also a great location) BUT your favorite park is also a plus! Just like this family session below.

What to wear? First off, start with mom.  Then work on the rest of the family outfits.  Keeping with solid colors is best.  You want these photos to be timeless, yet trendy. Decide on a color palette choosing between cool tones or warm tones.  For example, gray, cream and tan are a good base.  Add baby blue and dark gray for cool tones or for warm tones add maroon, camel and blush.  

Plan your outfits a week before the session.  Then, lay them out the night before so you are prepared and ready to go. 

Keep the outfits simple.  I want you to feel comfortable and relaxed.  

30 minutes to 1 hour before your session:
-Feed your kids a light snack, like apples or a banana.
-Please don't feed your children gold fish, or graham crackers or anything that will
stick in their teeth prior to the session. (for the young ones)
Feel free to do all of that AFTER the session :)

 Note to mom:

Get your hair and makeup done by a professional.  Nothing crazy or out of the ordinary.  Just having a professional to pamper you is something you deserve.  Consider it a gift to yourself.

My Secret To Photographing Kids

Do you want to know my secret to photographing kids?

Well the secret is patience. I know it’s not a big eye opening secret, but that’s it. Easier said than done.

When I photograph kids, I also play with them and talk to them and get down on their level. I give them actions so they don’t just stand in front of the camera and smile. For example "hold hands and walk in front of me” or lift your sister up with her hands in the air smiling at the sky and turn in circles.”

The in-betweens though, they are my favorite. The moment after the shot or when they are just being siblings. As a photographer you have to watch and observe, and that’s when the patience comes in.

Get the traditional smiling-at-the camera shots, but then let go and have fun yourself as the photographer, whether your are the mom, hobbyist, or professional photographer. Get outside the box and photograph who kids really are- super energetic, fun and loving. They always have a better idea for a photograph if you will just sit back and watch.

Have you ever done a photo scavenger hunt before? My friend Kristina started one up and she shares all about it on her blog. Click here and you can see the list she made and do it too.

The Holt's Albuquerque, New Mexico Maternity and Family Session

Celebrating beautiful pregnant mamas today.  As a mom of two, I know this road can be challenging.  But we always say, it is totalllllly worth it in every way. 

I love this family (went to college with this beautiful mama) and I had a wonderful time traveling up to Albuquerque to photograph them on one of their favorite trails.  How beautiful is this location?  I've decided that this is now my favorite new spot. 

The Wilsons Clovis, NM Newborn and Family Session

The Wilson family welcomed their sweet baby girl into the world.  And look at how precious she is?

The Curtis's Clovis, NM Family Session

This year the Curtis family changed it up for their family session and did a batman theme.  How cute is this?  And because Batman saves lives down in the "city", we went to an urban location to complete the look. 

What ideas do you have for your family session?

The McAden's Vintage Township Lubbock, Tx Family Session

My ultimate goal as a family photographer is to grab a shot of mom and dad and their kids in a moment.  A sweet and real moment. Creating something that tugs at your heart even if you don't know the people. 

Well, this shot tugs at my heart times 10, because I DO know these people-quite well.  This beautiful mama has known me since I was in high school and she has been a role model to me for the past 18 years.  Holy moly!  I just did that math and I am shocked that it has been that long.  Woah.  Her goodness and kindness and tender heart are characteristics that are loved by her husband and overflowed and shared by their children.  My husband and I just basically love this family. 

We all have friends out there that make us complete.  We may not see each other for 6 months at a time, but we love each other just the same.  She is my cream to my coffee.  I just can't live without.

(okay enough of the gushy stuff...now take a look at my favorite shot from their session)

Aren't they so adorable?

Family Session Chaos

Do you ever feel like a crazy mad woman dripping with sweat when you have your family photographed? haha Don't worry.  You might feel that way, but it's probably going a lot better than you think. Sometimes family sessions may seem overwhelming, but I guarantee to work my magic and photograph beautiful, and memorable pictures for you and your family.

Fall family sessions are booking up, and I would love to have the opportunity to photograph you and your family.  Fill out the form on my contacts page and I'll get you set up with some info on how to book.

The Hendley's Lubbock, Texas Family Session

Let them be little.
Explore and play with ladybugs.

A sneak peek from the Hendley's family session. 

Wild Thing's First Birthday Shoot

The Davis family celebrated their little boys first birthday with a family session and a "Wild Thing" birthday themed shoot.  I think little man was a huge fan of the cake!   

The Davis Family

I'm pretty sure the Davis family is one of the cutest families out there.  Here is a sneak peek from their recent session.

The Spano Family

A highlight of my job is watching families grow.  Last year I was photographing this sweet girl when she was just a baby, and look at her now! Such a cutie.
Thank you Spano family for letting me into your life this weekend.  I enjoyed our time together.