Family Photographs
by Erin Rogers
The leaves are changing color, and the fervent heat of summer is dissipating, making the holiday season the optimal time for updating your family portraits.
Many clients intend to use their photos for Christmas cards or gifts, but whatever the occasion, being prepared is essential. The idea of taking photographs as a family can be daunting, but with these simple strategies, you’ll acquire treasured memorabilia that everyone in the family can enjoy for generations to come.
The most important elements for taking memorable family photographs are preparation and communication. This means being proactive, communicating your needs and expectations to your photographer.
Once your family and the photographer have confirmed your session, inquire about completing a questionnaire if your photographer hasn’t already provided one. The information obtained from that document can aid the photographer to better understand your desired outcome for the portraits. Standard questions range from the style of editing you prefer to specific shots you can request to have taken. If you have a Pinterest account, be sure to invite your photographer to a shared board so you two can begin to formulate a more definitive direction to go in.
Next, you will need to determine the setting of your session. Selecting the time and location will be much easier once you and the photographer have discussed an overall vision to emulate. If your kids are young, keep in mind the weather and when their bedtime or nap is, and ask your photographer to accommodate their needs.
If you are more drawn to natural settings, an open field, park, or backyard might be ideal, while those who prefer more modern styles may choose an urban location, such as downtown. Should you plan to use the photos for any holiday cards, consider visiting a local Christmas tree farm, or a street heavily embellished with holiday lights and décor. If you are still undecided, consider the tone of the room you intend to hang the photos in and base your decision around those elements. Regardless of your taste and color scheme, sunrise and sunset are the ideal times to take your photos.
When it comes to determining the attire for the family, Pinterest is a wonderful resource for strategizing a cohesive look. The goal should be to make a decision that complements everyone’s skin tone and body figure and makes them feel comfortable and confident. It’s important to limit any distracting patterns, logos, or colors that may take away from the overall image; confine everyone to two or three colors maximum. Solid-colored clothes are ideal; you can add layers or small accessories, such as scarves, hats, and jewelry to accentuate the overall look of the season. To save a little time and stress, consider having hair and makeup professionally applied. If there are young men, schedule their hair trimming within a week or two from photo day.
Prior to the session, consider inquiring with any family members or friends to help the day of your portraits. Young children are more likely to cooperate if there’s a familiar face to assist. It’s also helpful to have everyone practice his or her smile and poses in the mirror; familiarity with the poses will help everyone anticipate what they need to do and hopefully prevent anyone from being camera-shy. No matter what, positive reinforcement is the best way to encourage inclusiveness and confidence.
The principal factor for attaining fantastic family portraits is to have fun. Incorporate any family traditions or activities you enjoy together, such as fishing or family games, and embrace candid photography. Planning out a series of shots with your photographer is crucial, but it is imperative to keep in mind that if you have small children you may need to be flexible and work around their attitudes. Families are encouraged to bring any stuffed animals, music, or other forms of entertainment to occupy the younger family members and entice natural smiles.
Keep in mind the weather and when your children’s bedtime is.
Taking family photos should be an event the entire family looks forward to and can enjoy. Whether you’re planning to sport ugly Christmas sweaters, jump in a pile of colored leaves, or simply capture a quality photo of the entire family together, having fun and implementing these strategies will ensure your photography session is one to commemorate.
