Written by Nancy
The perfect family portrait takes planning, patience and panache. Expert tips on capturing the character of your clan.
Finding a Photographer
One thing you need for a great family portrait is a great photographer. The trick is to find the photographer that matches your style. What do you want your pictures to look like? Do you like traditional or photojournalistic style photographs?
Most photographers offer either traditional, posed portraits or candid photojournalism style. Some offer a combination of the two. You may already have a family photographer. A great place to start is by asking for referrals from family and friends.
If you’re recently married, check with your wedding photographer. Many wedding photographers have continued working with many of their brides long after their wedding day.
If you’re starting from scratch, check out the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) website . They offer an online database of photographers where you can search by name or location.
Look for a photographer you are comfortable with. Whatever your style, you’ll want the photographer that will capture your family’s personality—creating a portrait that tells your family’s story.
The Consultation
The consultation is the planning session for your portrait. The photographer will go over your photographic needs, make clothing and location suggestions based on your preferences, and answer any questions you may have. He or she will walk you through the details of the actual photo shoot so you will know what to expect. The more you work with your photographer, the better your pictures will be.
Make sure your photographer has a clear understanding of your expectations. To help avoid any future misunderstandings, be sure to discuss the services provided and the fees involved.
What to Wear
Whether you have your pictures taken in a photographer’s studio or on location in your own home, you will want to carefully plan what everyone will wear. Photographers encourage clients to heed your photographer’s advice so your clothing works well in the environment you have chosen.
In general, avoid patterns and prints. You’ll want to coordinate the members of your family, but you don’t need to look like bobbsey twins. Try grouping different outfits on your bed for starters. Do try on all your clothing choices before the day of the photo shoot.
You want your photographer to capture the real look of your family on the day of your portrait. If dad wears glasses everyday, then he should wear glasses in the picture. If little Joey has braces on his teeth, he shouldn’t be afraid to let them sparkle. This is not the time to try out a new look, be it makeup or hairstyle.
No Cheese Necessary
Cheesing for the camera wrinkles faces and looks phony. The more you and your family are at ease—the better your pictures will be.
Moms, try not to worry about uncooperative children. It’s very important to let the photographer give direction to the family. Remember, the very best moments captured on film are often without any coaching. Allow your kids to express themselves.
Not just a picture on the wall
Your family’s portraits can be enjoyed in many ways, whether you hang them in your home or use them for greeting cards. Families today have several options—canvas, watercolor, art greeting cards, photo books and much more.
Family portraits can preserve the personalities, places, and family events that tie your family together. They’ll enable you to share family memories with your children and your children’s children for years to come.
Tips from the Pros
• Ask friends and family for photographer recommendations
• Interview several photographers—ask to see their work
• Choose the photographer you feel most comfortable with
• Meet with your photographer prior to having the portrait taken to go over details•
• Plan what your family will wear ahead of time—avoid prints and patterns
• Follow your photographer’s direction on the day the portrait is being taken
• Bring items to keep the children occupied during any down time at the portrait sitting
• Don’t forget the family pet
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Comments
5 Responses to The New Family Portrait
Great information Nancy. I have never had a family portrait done professionally. Maybe it is time to do so. My mom has asked me several times about doing so with my family. I guess high tech digital cameras now days makes it easier to avoid doing so. I know several of my family members have done so and they all have come out great.
Have you had one done recently, Nancy?
We’re due for one, Pam. I invested in a nice SLR almost a year ago. Problem is, I’m never in any of the pics! The little one was only 16 mos old the last time we had a family portrait done. I’m hoping to schedule one this fall.
Alot of photographers here do family-fun type days where they are already at a park and you schedule your shooting time while they are there. It helps save alot of money.
This is great advice.
• Ask friends and family for photographer recommendations
I think this is one of the most important tips. A personal referral from someone you trust means a lot.
We are also due for a formal pic. With the ease of digital pics, I have slagged off on my older years. I used to be more diligent about it. We have some great older pics, but I really do need to make it a point to get one soon. I think this time we will include our pets. I have never done that before, but wish I had. Thanks Nancy.
I loved these suggestions. I have never really done this before, but am intrigued. When my daughter was younger, money was tighter and I tended to go to Sears or JC Penney for her portrait shots. As others have mentioned, we have kind of slagged off in later years.
I do like the idea of using a real professional and taking pictures outside the photo studio. And I agree about making time for it now. A little while before my mom passed away , she shared that the only gift she really wanted for Christmas was a portrait of her daughters and granddaughter. Sadly, we never got around to it. I think these pictures mean so much, especially to our older relatives.
This is very timely. I’m planning to have our portrait done sometime in the next couple of months. Love the “no cheesing necessary” tip. I love a photo that looks real, not a posed moment.