Hire a Professional
I am sure that you have noticed but it seems like these days everyone has a digital SLR. You probably do too. You might even be pretty talented with it. You should still hire a professional for your family photographs. No, I am not just saying this because I am a professinal photographer. Photographs are one of the only tangible things that we have to preserve our most precious memories. Not only will hiring a professional save you lots of time and frustration (and trust me I am that completely stubborn person who has taken 218 images of my husband and I with our three pets using a remote trigger to get one decent image so I am speaking from experience here) but hiring a professional allows you to be in your images. I cannot stress how important this is, especially for your family images. These photographs will be your children’s history. You owe it to them to be a prominant part of the story of their childhood. If any of you have lost someone you know how much it would mean to have images of the two of you together as you were growing up. Yes, quality photography is expensive. Your family is worth it. If the budget is tight ask about a payment plan. Most photographers will be willing to work with you to help you get the art that you want for your home.
Know what you like and communicate it with absolute clarity
Since we are on the subject of art for our home, planning ahead can help you get exactly the artwork you have been dreaming of. If this is your first photo session with a custom photography studio (or your first YEARS) do some research before you book. Look around at photographers websites and facebook pages and make note of the types of images that you are drawn to. Try to note what specifically about the images that you like; colors, poses, lighting, overall feel or mood. You might want to make a file to bring to your consltation or session. Most photographers appreciate knowing what types of things you like so long as you realize that these images will be used as a guide and you allow your photographer to bring their own creative flavor to the images. If you encouter something either in the session or at your ordering appointment don’t feel like you can’t speak up, but do express your concerns constructively. Sometimes poses will feel akward, but look great. Don’t let anyone pressure you into doing something you really object to but trust your photographer, too. If however, there is a specific part of your finished image that you do not like speak up with specific concerns. “I just don’t like how I look” does not give the photographer much direction on how to change their approach to give you the results you want while “I feel like this pose makes my muffin tops stick out” is specific and actionable. Then your photographer can change your pose or perform a little photoshop retouching to give you the image you imagined.
Plan ahead
This point has two parts, one practical and one creative. On the practical side of things be sure to anticipate what you may need to mke your shoot go smoothly. This can include snacks, favorite toys, or in the case of small children a couple extra outfits so the shoot doesn’t stall of they get dirty. On the creative side, there are endless possibilities for session themes and accessories that make your session more personal and original. If you have an idea, speak up before the shoot and let your photographer know. They can help you plan a memorable session.
Be clear about what to expect
The only stupid question is the one that is unasked. Before you book be sure that you are clear on pricing, when payment is due, style that the photographs will be shot in, and the schedule for viewing and delivery of your images. Clear communication between you and your photographer makes the entire process more enjoyable and helps it flow much more smoothly. Your photographer wants to exceed your expectations but they can’t do that if they don’t know what they are! Besides, there is nothing worse than not asking about something like price only to get to your viewing appointment and realize that you can’t afford the beautiful phtos that have been taken of your family. Payment plans may be available, but it it best to walk into the situation prepared so that you don’t end up walking away with less than you’d like.
Dress for success
It is a very popular look to have your family portraits taken with everyone wearing white or black shirts and jeans or khakis. There is nothing wrong with this, but colors at the ends of the spectrum are not ideal for photography. Your eye can see a much greater range of tones than the camera can record so as a result (especially if you are being photographed outdoors in bright light) you will often lose detail in either the shadows or higlights. It is not the end of the world, but it is something that you should be aware of when selecting what to wear for your family portrait.
I always tell my clients to try to coordinate but not match. This allows them to be able to showcase the personailities of each member of the family while still looking great together. This could mean that everyone wears jeans of some sort (pants, shorts, skirts, or overalls for babies) and tops that are tan, sky blue, or brown. This will allow for everyone to look like themselves while all looking great together.
Color and pattern selection are also important in your images. Solid, mid-tone colors (like blue, green, red) look great and flatter most people. As for patterns, avoid small high contrast patterns like small stripes, checks, or deep ribs on cotton shirts (like tank tops) because these will cause an odd ripple effect on film. Large or low contrast patterns are fine especially on children.
Don’t forget to accessorize! Bows, headbands, shoes, and jewelry all add interest and personality to your images when done in proper amounts. You want enough to be interesting, but not so much that they overpower you and take the focus off your beautiful family.
Let the photographer do their job
This is one thing that I run into almost every shoot that involves a small child. If you are trying to have a formal photo taken of your entire family including children the most important thing that you can do is to look at the photographer and smile! Nothing ruins a photo more quickly than having a great expression on the babies face and seeing nothing but the top of dad’s head. Your photographer works with children all the time and it is their job to get that winning smile so your job is to make sure that you are looking your best while not worrying about everyone else in the photo. There may be some times when you are doing more candid photos and the photographer wants you to interact with the child rather than smile at the camera so just trust them to know what images are going to look best and try to be as natural as possible while following instructions.
Relax and have fun
This is the last tip, but that doesn’t make it least important! You want images that show your love for your family and the joy you feel being together. You can’t get images that show how happy you are if you are stresses out! Trust that your photographer has the skills to make things turn out beautifully (that is why you hired them in the first place right?) and just relax and have a good time with your family. If you can manage to do that, the photos will take care of themselves. Your photography experience should be a fun time for you to spend with the ones you love most and enjoy each others company.
Ready to capture your family at it’s best?
