Preparation Tips for Family Photo Sessions
Part of my job as the photographer is to relieve as much stress as possible before the day of the session arrives, so that my clients can fully enjoy their Family portraits with no worries! Follow these easy tips and you’ll be well on your way to looking your absolute best. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me.
Clothing - Highlighting and Flattering
Please keep in mind, the portrait is about the whole group. Clothing plays a huge part in creating a successful portrait.
- Solid colors are an absolute must! Prints and patterns distract the eye and draw attention away from everything else in the image.
- Matching colors are best. You don’t necessarily need to have matching outfits, but tops and bottoms should all be of the same tones/colors.
- Jeans are great. They should be dark in color and almost everyone owns a pair that look great on them. Maybe stay clear of the old favorites with the rips and holes, but jeans are a perfectly acceptable option. If you are looking for something a little bit more formal, try dark pants, skirts or even khakis. Just remember that lighter colors draw more focus.
- Dark colors are not only flattering, they also keep the viewers eye moving toward the lightest part of the image (which should be your face). If you are doing an outdoor portrait, earth tones work really well. Blues, greens, browns are all great options.
If you decide to go lighter just make sure the colors are the same or similar.
People love to dress in white for family portraits. This is fine as long as EVERYONE is in white. Otherwise the one guy who is wearing a red polo shirt will be the only thing viewers see.
* Try laying all of the clothes out together and see if anything doesn’t go with the overall scheme. Think of it as one big outfit. If there is a piece that stands out you might want to swap it for something else.
Families with children:
The littlest members of the family often bring the most charm to the family portrait.
I want to make sure they are happy and cooperative on portrait day.
Weather
Don’t worry about clouds because they actually even out the light and make for ideal shooting conditions. But falling rain is an issue and we have to reschedule. I will try to contact you first, but please reach me at [email protected] if you have any doubts or concerns.
Part of my job as the photographer is to relieve as much stress as possible before the day of the session arrives, so that my clients can fully enjoy their Family portraits with no worries! Follow these easy tips and you’ll be well on your way to looking your absolute best. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me.
Clothing - Highlighting and Flattering
Please keep in mind, the portrait is about the whole group. Clothing plays a huge part in creating a successful portrait.
- Solid colors are an absolute must! Prints and patterns distract the eye and draw attention away from everything else in the image.
- Matching colors are best. You don’t necessarily need to have matching outfits, but tops and bottoms should all be of the same tones/colors.
- Jeans are great. They should be dark in color and almost everyone owns a pair that look great on them. Maybe stay clear of the old favorites with the rips and holes, but jeans are a perfectly acceptable option. If you are looking for something a little bit more formal, try dark pants, skirts or even khakis. Just remember that lighter colors draw more focus.
- Dark colors are not only flattering, they also keep the viewers eye moving toward the lightest part of the image (which should be your face). If you are doing an outdoor portrait, earth tones work really well. Blues, greens, browns are all great options.
If you decide to go lighter just make sure the colors are the same or similar.
People love to dress in white for family portraits. This is fine as long as EVERYONE is in white. Otherwise the one guy who is wearing a red polo shirt will be the only thing viewers see.
* Try laying all of the clothes out together and see if anything doesn’t go with the overall scheme. Think of it as one big outfit. If there is a piece that stands out you might want to swap it for something else.
Families with children:
The littlest members of the family often bring the most charm to the family portrait.
I want to make sure they are happy and cooperative on portrait day.
- Consider nap times when booking your portrait session. Little guys usually have a window when they are in a good mood after a nap. If your little ones have a regular nap schedule, try to schedule your session when you know your child is typically in a happy, cooperative mood.
- Get them excited! A strange photographer with a big camera and gear can be a little bit intimidating. I will do my best to make your child feel comfortable but it helps if you prep them before the session. Tell them something fun and exciting is going to happen. Show them other pictures you have of them or the family and tell them that is what they get to do. Give them an incentive - a favorite story or snack when they are finished.
- Bring snacks and things that make your child happy. If we need to take a break for carrots and goldfish, no problem. Anything to keep the youngest members of the family happy.
- Feel free to bring an extra outfit for the little guys. If they have a favorite outfit or something adorable that doesn’t go with what the rest of the family is wearing, bring it along. If we have time at the end of the family session we can do a quick change and a photo of just the kids.
- Be happy and excited! This day is about you and your family. Don’t stress. Relax and have fun! A little bit of goofiness and giggling can make for a great image. Children can sense stress and anxiety. If you relax and roll with the punches it will be much easier for them to enjoy the day.
- Get everything ready the day before. This will ensure that portrait day will go smoothly. Pack the snacks and a change of clothes if you will be bringing one, lay out the outfits and get excited!
Weather
Don’t worry about clouds because they actually even out the light and make for ideal shooting conditions. But falling rain is an issue and we have to reschedule. I will try to contact you first, but please reach me at [email protected] if you have any doubts or concerns.