Family Portraits: What to expect and top tips
Family Portrait sessions are a fabulous way to adorn your home with quality family photographs and then share with other family members. Not everyone loves their photo being taken, but that is to be expected, often there is always one shy person in front of the camera. Family is just a general term for these types of shoots, family doesn’t have to be blood, it can include your pets, or be a session with your friends and have a bit of fun!
I love to mix and match styles with my own family photo shoots, however this is dependant on the family and if any activity is taking place at the time. Candid photographs are a favourite of many, but they can be difficult when knowing a photographer is around. All of the family, even those not involved in a session will have their own opinions on what to expect in the session, so I love to capture a bit of everything to try and please as many family members and friends as possible(within reason). I often like to get at least a few slightly posed shots of everyone together and in a few different groupings, so Grandma can have a photo of everyone smiling at the camera while you then get a photo of the kids playing a game or jumping in the sea, or off of nearby rocks.
No 2 photo sessions are identical, I might use some of the same prompts and locations, but the weather will always dictate some sessions, and then the family will change up a session. A session can also be a long walk in a lovely location, stopping for some photos along the way, and candid shots going along.
A common question/statement that occurs during a shoot is “This person does not smile, how do we make them smile?” Or a statement along those lines. Simply put, there is no straight answer for this. I’ve been aware of people who never smile in any scenario, or others who monkey grin as soon as a camera points their direction, also potentially ruining shots.
With young children, getting them to smile can be as easy as pulling funny faces or using a cute toy to attract their attention; if only it was that easy with adults. In some cases, I have resorted to telling really bad “dad” jokes, which ultimately end up in a smirk or unwitting smile at just how awful the joke is. At all ages a bribe can always work, but you can’t rely on that one! If someone is ticklish, then that works too.
My 3 Top Tips for a successful session
TOP TIP #1 CHOOSE YOUR CLOTHING WISELY
A big area that comes up between a client and the photographer is what to wear for the session. What you wear during a photo session can make a big difference to the final photographs. Ultimately, the decision is your choice but there are a few things to remember for timeless photographs, that you are happy to display for many years to come.
This might seem a silly idea to plan your clothing appropriately. Where you might be able to plan your clothing appropriately for the weather, it might not be the best idea for in front of the camera.
AVOID big and bold branded logos or printed designs of your favourite cartoon or band. You might be wearing these all the time, but in a photograph, big bold logos or designs can be really distracting. It can also lead to regrets later on.
The best way to avoid clothing regrets is to choose more neutral items of clothing. This doesn’t mean to say patterns are out the window, a floral dress is lovely, just try to avoid the big bold designs that means everyone will only stare at you in the photograph! Especially avoid a t-shirt with a big brand logo on the front for instance. Another big option to avoid is gym wear - joggers, tracksuits ect, no one enjoys the look of gym wear in a fancy family photo, unless of course you are taking part in sporting activities while on the session.
TOP TIP #2 YOUNG CHILDREN? BE PREPARED FOR EVERYTHING
Absolutely anything can happen on a family photo session, no matter the location. A temper tantrum to someone falling over, especially for the younger children and babies. Being prepared is always key! Bring EVERYTHING, you never know what you might need.
Items to include in your bag or the car to be prepared:
Wet Wipes (or other similar), Tissues, Plasters and mini medi kit to clean any scrapes, secret snacks, a drink, a favourite toy or toys (these can be included in the photographs to help soothe or occupy). Keep a spare outfit or two in the car just in case someone lands in mud or runs into the sea and gets soaked before the first photograph has even been taken!
TOP TIP #3 HAVE A SHOT LIST
There is nothing worse than seeing all the final images and realise you did not get a photograph of just mum and kids but you had one of dad and kids ect ect (input own family scenarios). Have a shot list at the ready or send one in advance to the photographer to make sure all groupings or activities are captured and not missed on the day. This applies to every photographic session, family sessions, weddings and even product & property photography.
A shot list need not always apply, but it can be extremely useful if the session doesn’t quite go to plan and you are doing it for specific reasons. Not only that, everyone has a memory like a sieve on occasion, especially if something unexpected happens!
