Highly enjoyable portrait sessions
4 ideas for busy families preparing for their photo session
The challenge for most families on the Isle of Wight is organizing a beautiful photo of their clan – one that encapsulates dad’s strength (with good hair), the love between the youngsters (just before they jostle each other), and your warm smile (not to mention a great sense of style). But life is never straight forward. Families gathering together, teenagers starting to define who they are, squabbles over whose turn it is in the bathroom. And that’s just for starters.
Photo sessions are a little bit like a beautiful flower arrangement. Luxurious, elegant, and artfully crafted – each stem slightly different from the next, brought close together and needing slightly different care. But which vase to use? Creating fabulous photos of your family requires planning, thoughtfulness, and a sense of adventure.
Earth laughs in flowers ~ Emerson <<< Tweet this
#1 Have a plan
Like pulling out your favourite vase, preparing the stems, and removing the spoilt petals. You need to decide how you want your family to look. Start by looking through your wardrobe. Do you all have a favourite outfit hanging ready? How about choosing a coordinating colour to create a styled look? Or do you prefer bold colours and patterns? Look through a variety of on-line shops and make a note of what outfits you like (tips here).
#2 Don’t have a plan
Sometimes dropping the stems into a vase creates the most natural balance. Once you arrive at your portrait session, let the shoot flow naturally. If you try and control too many elements – tidying dad’s hair, commanding ‘say cheese’ for the photographer and standing straight for the shot you’ll cease to enjoy the experience. Just like a posy of meadow flowers, lifestyle sessions aspire to look unstructured and organic. Going with the flow will enable you to capture portraits that look relaxed and have more depth.
#3 Start over
Most photographers describe themselves as a ‘people person’. Ask for feedback during your session, look at the photographs on the back of the camera. So much of the communication through the session is done through collaboration. If you are confident with your photos, this will show through in the pictures. Pulling out all the flowers and starting over is sometimes the best approach when building a beautiful arrangement.
#4 Laugh, giggle and smile
The days of grimacing ‘cheese’ is over. Sharing a family joke or anecdotal story is something we reflect back to each other and genuine smiles shine forth. There are celebrations, occasions, and events in every family’s life, take time out to share these moments, projecting happiness as you re-tell these experiences with your photographer.
#5 Remember why
This might be the first time all your family has come together for a portrait session. Remember why you initiated the idea. Your family print will remind you to smile when the day seems heavy. The promise of your next weekend outing, a reward after another busy week. Knowing that those we love will return home.
Check out the helpful posts below:
- Learn about my supportive approach to headshots
- See more of my work as a headshot photographer in the Isle of Wight
- Check what I enjoy producing in my home studio, Ryde
- View a typical beach session by Ryde pier
- Read about headshot photography pricing and check availability
My aim is simple – to ensure a truly wonderful experience. I customize each photo session, from the beginning of the shoot right until your items are delivered. My goal is to personally look after you every step of the way. That way I know you’ll get a service that is second to none.
I’m a warm and laidback family photographer in Ryde and the Isle of Wight. With boundless energy, I capture your family’s love and laughter to produce storytelling images for boisterous families, loving couples, and informal get-togethers.
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