A little planning makes all the difference in your family portrait session. Think of when you were a child, and how many family portraits you had professionally taken. Probably only 2 or 3 times in your life did your mom insist that everyone get spiffied up and head out to the photographer. With that in mind...realize that family portraits are IMPORTANT! A bit of planning, and coordination with the photographer and you'll have a portrait you treasure for a lifetime!
Clothing, let's start here. Trendy, classic, casual or formal? Deciding what you want your portrait to say is where we start. I believe a classic look is the most timeless and one that won't look dated, hanging on your wall a few years from now. That's not to say, however, that you can't do trendy. I love it when clients come in with a trendy look. For the classic look, I recommend folks stay with a certain color palette. Beige, khaki, blue, or black and khaki, jeans, simple is best. I also prefer long sleeves and solid colors. Planning ahead on this one will give you time to shop and select outfits you love. Rushing this part is never good. Plan ahead!
Time of Day...this is important. There's two sides to this one. As the photography professional, I make the call of the best time of day for your session. Light is my primary goal, and the environment is second. Yes, a pretty background is nice, but honestly, I can create a gorgeous image anywhere. It's all about the light. TRUST.ME. With that said, sometimes little ones have a certain time of day that parents may want to avoid. Let's work together to find a mutually beneficial time for your session!
Rest...Yes, you read that right, REST! The week of your session, try taking extra special care of yourself. Go to bed a little earlier. Drink lots of water! Cut back on processed foods. Your body will thank you and the camera will love you. Trust me....it's makes a difference! You'll feel better, too! Children especially will benefit from a little extra rest before the session. A nap the day of the session is ideal.
Letting Go..Yesterday I was watching David Tutera's My Fair Wedding. He was working with a lovely young bride. She was all about control. Controlling every minute detail. They did a monologue moment with him and he said "She's a control freak. Well, guess what, so am I, and I'm in control now." It was something to that effect. He has a wonderful way about him and it was not offensive at all. Just cute, and to the point. In the end, the bride benefited from his amazing expertise and the fact that she let go and let him do what he does best! That's what happens when we get to you photo session.....
It's my job to get the NATURAL smiles. It's my job to pose everyone. It's my job to get the children cooperating. It's not my first time to the rodeo, and TRUST ME (Geez, I've said that a few times here), I know what I'm doing. That's why you are hiring a professional in the first place, right??
And lastly, leave your camera at home. I GOT THIS.
Let's have some fun. Schedule your portrait session today! (207) 450-9641
I totally agree with Joanne about trusting her. I hadn't had a family portrait taken in years and the one we had taken then, none had all of us looking good that all of the family was happy with. We hired Joanne when we vacationed in Maine and she did a fabulous job. I haven't had a picture of myself that I was happy with in at least 20 years. I now have what was my dream pictures of the family.
Posted by: Patty Whipple | July 23, 2013 at 07:14 AM
Patty!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Wonderful to hear from you, and know that you are still treasuring the images we created. I am going to be in the same area tomorrow evening for another lucky family who are all gathering in Maine for a reunion. I have such fond memories of your photo session last year! All my best, Joanne
Posted by: Joanne Lee Photography | July 23, 2013 at 07:53 AM