Everything you need for your perfect portrait in one article.

Read through these tips whilst viewing the beautiful photographs – I’m always on hand to answer questions about your perfect photo shoot.

Although having your family photograph is one of the oldest traditions in the world, every portrait session is still a fabulous experience with many vital ingredients in the recipe for a natural, relaxed session. Whether you are planning a traditional portrait session or a modern lifestyle experience, perhaps in a park, the choice of photographers is simply huge.

From bespoke albums to custom canvases, wall-mounted prints to boasting books, with so much choice and diversity where do you look for the special touches your family deserves and will make your portrait session truly memorable?

Here’s how to get started:

Call your photographer

You can read lifestyle magazines, visit countless websites and view dozens of portfolios, but you still may not see what you really looking for. Speaking with a photographer can be an excellent way of feeling, first hand the services they have to offer. Professional photographers often have a welcome pack they send to new clients and a simple questionnaire to help break the ice.

A better way of deciding which photographer to choose is picking up the phone and ask about their services and approach. Organizing a portrait session in London involves a lot of discussion and decisions. It requires effort and compromise and this is why it is advisable to start making arrangements as early as possible.

Locations

Where your family wants a portrait should be the first item crossed of your list. Choosing a local photographer, close to home means they will know all the secret nooks and crannies that work well for portrait sessions (EXAMPLES HERE).

Questions to ask your photographer: do you use the same locations with other people, are there coffee shops and facilities handy for the children, what transport links are nearby? Ideally, you will want to find somewhere that is quiet, but has regular foot traffic, has a range of backdrops from outdoors to urban, and has plenty of light throughout the day (3 questions you should always ask).

What to wear?

Decisions about what to pack for your portrait session is the next pressing matter. You’ll already have ideas about your outfits, but it’s worth looking around for ideas. I collect brilliant examples of what to wear here to help people plan for their session. Hairdressing appointments, beauty treatments, and new clothes can be arranged well in advance to ensure all goes well on the day. Some photographers have recommended make-up artists and stylists, so it’s worth asking and seeing what’s on offer.

 On the day

If you’ve got to this stage, you’ll a huge sense of relief. A typical portrait session begins with …

• meet and greet – an easy way of dispelling last-minute nerves
• set up and shoot – follow the photographers lead
• review your images – start to feel excited
• enjoy yourself
• repeat – in a new location, outfit, or setting

Be sure to dip right in and share news of your own work, along with ideas and suggestions, in the comments.  I’ll be posting more ideas next week, but for now, head over to Questions to ask your photographer