For most of people, the yearly family portrait is a torturous task, but having a record of everyone's smiling faces and the changes they go through from year to year makes it all worth it. Here are some tips to ensure your family portraits are painless and perfect:
1. Timing. timing, timing. Plan the shoot when the kids are at their happiest. Well fed and rested children are much easier to work with. Photographers typically schedule shoots in the morning and evenings since the natural lighting is best, make sure that the kids come to the shoot, recently napped and with full bellies.
2. To quote "What Not to Wear", Outfits should"Go", but shouldn't match. Your clothing should coordinate, but should not be identical. Pick a vibrant color and incorporate it into each outfit, a bright turquoise could be in Dad's tie, a girl's dress and mom's skirt.
3. Be casual. How many times have you seen that old family portrait with everyone perfectly coiffed and posed. These are great for posterity's sake, but they fail to show the personality of each individual and how the family works together. More relaxed clothing and poses can help to show the family's charm. Some of the best portraits are taken in jeans!
4. Dare to be different. The pictures are about your family, don't be afraid to display the things you love. If you guys are really into music, bring your instruments. If you are into sports, have the photos taken in a park while you guys toss around a ball in your favorite team jerseys. Most photographers will love to do something different that you will truly cherish.
5. Backgrounds are not as important as faces. The pictures that are treasured the most, show shining faces and bright smiles, not what downtown looked like in 1996. A simple backdrop will showcase what the picture is about, your family.
6. Bring snacks, wipes and distractions, and anything else that will help little ones to stay happy. This is especially true for babies. It is easier to get them to focus on the photographer if they are holding the babies favorite toy.
7. And probably most important, keep it short. Most little ones are not going to smile at a camera for hours, they will get bored, they will get tired, they might even get cold, depending on the time of year. If you want more than one location, break up your shoot into mini-shoots, 45 minutes is plenty for any location and outfit. Plus you will get fresh smiles for each new set.
Hopefully, these tips will help you year after year!
Rigel
Bella Vie Studios
