Preparing for the Photoshoot

Before the photoshoot, it’s essential to communicate with your photographer to discuss your vision, preferences, and any specific ideas you may have. Coordinate outfits and consider factors such as color schemes, patterns, and accessories to ensure a cohesive look for your family portraits. Encourage family members to relax, be themselves, and enjoy the experience, as genuine smiles and interactions make for the most authentic and memorable photographs.

Also to prepare the best for the family photoshoot would be great if I will get to meet and know your family in advance (I mean virtually). For this it would be great if you please send me the list of names and photos of participants. We want photoshoot to go smoothly and in non-stressful manner.  

Group photo

So the most important part that should be planned and organised is the group photo.There are two options for the group photo. First one — everybody standing up. We can place grand parents in the middle and other small groups by their sides. The photo with about 19 people will look something like this. With the city background of course.

Or we can place people in 2 levels. for this we will need couple of chairs (we can ask in cafe) or use street bench. Or may be some of highest men maybe will squat.

Extended family photoshoot in Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Extended family photoshoot in Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Extended family photoshoot in Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Small groups & portraits 

After the group photos I can take pictures of small groups and portraits. So would be great If I will have the list of photos you want me to take.  For example:

  1. Family of Jack (names)
  2. Family of Jack (names) + grandparents (Names)
  3. Jack and Mary with parents
  4. Mary’s family  (names) + grandparents (Names)
  5. Jack and Mary with parents

And so on. So we will not miss anything 

Extended family photoshoot in Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Photoshoot in Toulouse

We usually call  Toulouse rose city, because it build with this specific colour bricks. So if  we will be shooting in the city centre, we can use these colour to chose outfits.

Example of color pallet

More examples you can find here Family photoshoot color pallets

Extended family photoshoot in Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Extended family photoshoot in Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Extended family photoshoot in Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

During our consultation I will give you very detailed instructions about outfits for all the member of the photoshoot. But here are some simple tips about clothes that will help you to prepare. It is better not to use more when 4 colours in the photo. In this case it will look better. White, beige  or grey colours are neutral we do not count them and can use only them plus using colour accents.

We also can go simple: Jeans and white tops. But on my opinion it is simple, but probably is tooo simple and a bit boring.

Extended family photoshoot in Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

General advice  

  • No logos or prints on clothes
  • Natural makeup
  • Fresh manicure
  • Clean hair
  • Make sure that everybody hydrated it can be really hot in July in Toulouse. For the same reason do not wear the top on which sweat stains may be visible
  • Encourage everyone to relax and enjoy the experience, rather than focusing too much on posing for the camera. Genuine smiles and interactions will result in the best photos
  • Be Flexible: Understand that not everything may go according to plan during the photoshoot, and that’s okay. Embrace spontaneity and go with the flow to capture authentic moments.


Book your extended family photoshoot in Toulouse today and capture the timeless beauty of your family bonds. Contact us now to schedule your session and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Eugenie Smirnova — family & event photographer in Toulouse, France

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