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Writer's pictureLaurie LaPorte

Frequently Asked Questions about Family Photography

With Laurie LaPorte Photography, New Hampshire Family and Portrait Photographer


Are mini-sessions a good fit for my family?

Maybe the kids don’t have the longest attention span. Perhaps your partner isn’t too excited about dressing up for a full session in front of the camera. Sometimes you just want a few photos for a holiday card. If you are flexible with timing and location, then a mini-session might be the perfect match! 

New Hampshire Family Photography Mom and Two Sons

What if my child isn’t happy during our session? 

It’s okay - we’ll still get some great photos! When my oldest was 17m, we did a family session. He cried the entire time and wouldn’t be put down. I worried about the photos, but they still turned out great. I treasure those photos because that was his stage. Now that ten years have passed, part of me misses those clingy days! 


What if I don’t know what to do in front of the camera? 

I will guide you and your family through the entire session! I will capture some posed moments (you know - the ones Grandma wants to hang on her wall), but I will also freeze those in-between moments where we can see your families’ personalities and connections. Ultimately, you’ll just take home the photos you love that bring your family joy!  


What should my family wear to our photo session?

Simple and comfortable is best! Lots of patterns can distract attention from your face. Each season does lend itself to certain color palettes, and I’ll suggest colors that your family may want to consider. You may also want to remember the colors in your home where you’ll be hanging these photos. You always want to avoid two things: bright/neon colors and large logos (which would be half my sons’ wardrobes). The bright colors can reflect onto your skin, and the logos can make your family photo look like an advertisement. Together we can make your photos ones you’ll love and cherish!


Should my family schedule a full session instead of a mini-session?

Mini sessions work great when you just want a quick photo for a holiday card or a portrait for a gift. A full session allows for more flexibility. Your family will be able to choose the date, time, and location that works best for you. Your kids will have more time to warm up to having their photos taken. You’ll also have more variety of photos from which to choose the photos you’ll keep. If you still aren’t sure if you’d like a mini or full session, we can discuss what will work best. 

New Hampshire Family Photography Family of Four Hugging

When is the best time of day for our family photos?

If you want indoor portraits, we can make any time work. I have lighting and backdrops to help create my timeless fine art portraits. Lighting can also be used to capture your family inside your home without the use of backdrops.  If you want outdoor photos, you may have heard of the magical “golden hour” when the sun provides the perfect, soft glow for your portraits. This magical time is about an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset. I’ll often combine the golden hour with some of my lighting to ensure everything is perfect! We can discuss the best options to help create the perfect portraits you have envisioned. 



Will you help us create artwork to hang on our walls?

Yes, I work with an outstanding lab that will print your photos on heirloom-quality paper that will last. I have made the mistake of printing my family portraits at the drugstore or online photo service only to have prints returned with the colors all wrong or that fade after years in frames or albums. I want to prevent these photos from living on your phone or hard drive; they should be framed and hung on the walls. I will work with you to make sure you choose the right print size for your space and the right combination to feel complete. 


What is the turnaround time for our photos? 

You will see your family’s photos within two weeks of our session. If you need them sooner, we can discuss your needs before your session, and we will figure out a timeline that works for everyone. 


Where will we have our pictures taken? 

When you schedule a mini-session, the location has been chosen before you even schedule your family’s photos. What about the location for a full session? The possibilities are endless! If your family has a special location in mind, I can take a look and see if we can make it work. Otherwise, I can suggest locations around Henniker and surrounding towns where your family can both be comfortable and shine for your portraits. 


New Hampshire Family Photography Young Girl at Christmas Tree Farm

How can I make sure my kids are happy for photos?

While nothing is guaranteed, you can take a few steps for happier kids during the photo session. Beforehand, make sure the kids are well-rested, fed, and dressed comfortably. Snacks and water are always helpful during the photo session, too - just make sure the snacks aren’t going to melt on the kids or stain their hands. Gummy snacks and mini marshmallows are usually winners for little bribes and hungry bellies. 


What if my older kids aren’t really into having their photos taken? 

One way you can help make your older child or teen more comfortable with the photo session is to involve them in the planning process: Allow your older child or teen to have a say in the location or outfits for the family pictures. When they have some control over the process, they are more likely to be excited about it! Also, make the photo session a fun activity! Instead of treating family pictures as a formal event, turn it into a fun activity. Plan a day out with the family or go to a scenic location. This will make the experience more enjoyable and engaging for your older child or teen.


New Hampshire Family Photography Family of Four Mom Dad and two sons

How many edited photos can we expect to receive? 

My basic family packages start with five photos. You can choose packages with more photos or purchase additional photos individually after viewing your gallery. No matter the situation, you’ll only pay for the photos you want!


Can we include extra family members or our pets in our family portrait session? 

Yes - I can work with you to get the photos you want. Whether you want to capture the adorable bond between your children and their beloved pets or create lasting memories with grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins, I'm here to make it happen! 



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