“Precisely by slicing out this moment and freezing it, all photographs testify to time’s relentless melt”
~Susan Sontag
So, it’s time to organize and plan your family portrait? You’re either on vacation and want memorable portraits of your time together, have a newborn baby or you simply realize that your family is growing and changing so quickly. This is the when you stop the train, get off and document these days with images that will help you remember the feeling of being together because this is special moment in time. Time flies and blink! kids grow up so fast, so let’s get right down to it.
I realize that finding the right photographer and planning a family portrait includes pricing, a date that works for everyone, the perfect location and what to wear. This can be a daunting task, so let me help you with your checklist to make it easier. Let’s face it, this is not an easy activity to plan, but when you do and do it mindfully, with a few simple steps, you’ll be organized and so happy you did!!!
I always include a complimentary design consultation with you before every Lovesome client session, so all the pesky details are determined ahead of time. This way on the day of your photo shoot, we can be relaxed and have a lot of fun! This should be an experience that you and your family remember as a special day, so having all these questions answered before your session makes it super easy and takes all the stress out of it. This is when we decide what your final product will be and what you want to spend on artwork. This can include fine art wall prints, gift prints and keepsake books as well as digital file options. We’ll also decide where your session will be, what time of day is the “best light” for that location and what date on the calendar works for you and your family.
Then the big question… What do we wear? Well, my advice is always this. Try not to be too “matchie matchie” about it. The best way to plan what to wear is to choose a color palette that compliments your style. That includes your home decor and your lifestyle. As long as everyone in the photo is wearing a color or two in that color palette, the portrait coordinates perfectly and the photos will reflect your own personal style without looking like your trying too hard to “match”. Say your colors are navy blue and white. As long as everyone has one of those colors on either on top or bottom, you will coordinate and look amazing. It could be solid or a simple pattern (plaid, small stripes), although I do advise staying away from cartoon characters and logos because they tend to be distracting in a portrait. Think classic and timeless rather than trendy. There are many modern trends that fall into that category and can enhance your family portrait beautifully. I promise you, this advice and simple formula works every time and I see people come up with the most amazing outfits that take their portraits from mediocre to magnificent!
Here’s your checklist when hiring a photographer and planning your family portrait:
- What do you want to spend?
- What product do you want to have: fine art prints, gift prints, keepsake books, digital files?
- What will your location be? Your home, the beach, a park?
- What time of day is the best light?
- What do we wear?
- Choose a color palette
- Have fun!!!
- Refer to #7
