In a previous post, I talked about having your business portrait taken and how to prepare yourself for the event. Now, I'd be the first to admit that for most people such an experience probably doesn't rank that highly on their list of enjoyable things to do!
A family portrait, however, is a rather different affair. Okay, your children might not be as keen on the idea, but nonetheless, the reason for having your family documented in such a way is far more profound - it's about capturing memories and creating something to look back on. Essentially, it's about showing personalities, relationships and emotions and how you all were at a certain moment in time.
Therefore, the advice I give to parents when they have booked me for a portrait session is somewhat different to the advice I give to corporate clients.
Family portraits used to be stiff and formal affairs, with everyone trooping off to the studio and sitting rather rigidly in front of a brown canvas backdrop, with maybe a few pot plants thrown in for good measure. Now though, the experience is altogether more natural and spontaneous and doesn't even need to take place in a studio. After all, the most important moments of your life aren't likely to happen in a bare room with white walls and lights are they? - it's all the little things that go to make up those precious memories, like walking the dog, playing football in the park, relaxing in the garden or even baking a cake with your kids.
Location portraits offer a refreshing alternative, since you can combine your favourite activities and places with having your photographs taken.
However, a certain degree of preparation is still necessary to help ensure that everything goes with a swing.
So what are the most important things to bear in mind?
How to prepare for your family portrait session.
- Sleep well, eat well. Make sure that you and your family have had something to eat and are well rested. Might not sound that important, but lack of sleep and empty stomachs are not a good way to start!
- Never, ever, say "smile"! Parents are understandably going to be anxious that their children are on their best behaviour; however, my absolutely golden rule is never to ask your children to smile. Why? Well, when you think about it, how easy is it to smile to order? Not easy at all I would say - and if you ask your kids to "smile for the camera" the chances are pretty high that you'll end up with either horribly cheesy grins or a refusal to co-operate at all! So no matter how tempting it may seem, never ask them to smile or even to look at the camera; instead, give them a reason to smile, by playing and joking with them, just as you might if there wasn't a photographer around. And don't forget that a smile isn't always necessary - sometimes, those quiet moments when your child is in a world of their own, can be the most poignant.
- Bribery is allowed! The judicious application of chocolates, sweets or money is perfectly permissible - but proceed with caution!
- What to wear. For family portraits the best approach is for everyone to wear a similar (not absolutely identical) style of clothing; white shirts/t-shirts and jeans for example. Clashing styles and colours should be avoided, since they won't add anything to the picture. Babies look great either au naturel or in light pastel colours. For children, again try to pick out a few key items in bright, plain colours, with not too many different patterns or logos - the emphasis should always be on the people in the photograph and not on their clothing.
- To guard against anyone (parents, children or photographer!) getting overtired, which will immediately show in the photographs, it's essential to take some breaks for rest and refreshment. That way, the session won't end up being a rushed affair.
- Children invariably have their "off days". So if your child has had a bad night or is feeling even slightly unwell, it's always best to let the photographer know, so that the session can be rescheduled, since the photographs will reveal exactly how your child is feeling.
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