What to consider when planning a family photo session
Location, Location, Location!
If you have a location that you love then that is the best option. I am a believer in telling your story in a way that is meaningful to you. However, I have a few locations that work great for family portraits that offer a variety of scenic backdrops. There are beautiful places all around us so consider what is convenient for your entire family for travel time.
Time of Day
As a photographer, I love telling stories with light and the last two hours of sunlight are ideal for photos. I study the sun position and weather every day to decide the best time to set-up for photos so we can capture the best portraits of your family. Family sessions typically take about 90 minutes. So we meet about two-hours before the sun sets to ensures that we capture the best results!
What to Wear
Consider layers of shirts, sweaters and even light jackets so we can mix up outfits. It is best to arrive in your preferred outfit so we can get right to work. Consider wearing complimentary schemes with each person that will be photographed. You can check out my other family galleries and or Pinterest for inspiration on what to wear.
Candid vs Posing
After working a decade as a photojournalist, I bring a candid style to portrait photography. So you do not need to prepare poses ahead of time. I specialize in finding moments where everyone is relaxed, comfortable and laughing. You do not need to practice poses, as I will direct when we are doing poses that works best with each scenario. And don’t worry about the chaos that is the fun part of this type of family photography, capturing moments as they enfold naturally.
Props & Pets
I urge families to bring blankets, props and pets. If we are working with babies, toys are helpful to grab their attention so they can stay focused on the camera. Pets are great to incorporate photos in a fun way. And don’t forget dog treats as this will help keep them focused on the camera. Speaking of treats, it is best to have everyone well fed before the family session, but if you need to sneak bar to someone who is losing steam, might be helpful too.
Leave a Reply