Keys To Great Family Portraits

Family portraits are a rite of passage, and a pretty standard wall decoration in most homes. However, they are also sometimes challenging to obtain. If you are considering booking a family portrait session, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier and ensure that you get the finished product you've envisioned. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind along the way.

Choose Your Clothing Carefully

Many people misguidedly think that everyone's outfit has to match when they get family portraits. This results in some people in the group feeling uncomfortable in what they're wearing, and that reflects in the photos. Your goal should be complementary colors but unique clothing choices. Let everyone wear something they are comfortable in, because that comfort level will reflect in their demeanor in the pictures. This is especially true for the little ones. The last thing you want is a toddler frustrated with and uncomfortable in their clothes, because that can make for one cranky munchkin.

Time Your Shoot Correctly

There are a couple of things that you need to factor in when you book your family portrait session. Your photographer will give you a couple of time windows to choose from based on the lighting where you'll have the pictures taken. Before you take just any slot, think about how that time fits with your family's routine.

You don't want to try to have pictures taken when you're short on time, or when it's too close to a child's naptime. You also want to make sure it's not conflicting with mealtimes, and if it does, make sure everyone (especially the kids) gets something to eat before you go.

Aim For Natural Photos

The day of the staged, "say cheese" portraits is long since over. Don't go into the session expecting something like this, because you'll just end up with forced, unnecessarily uncomfortable pictures that won't reflect your family at all.

Instead, talk with the photographer about getting natural pictures. Have your family gather at a favorite outdoor spot, and bring some activities and things for everyone to do. That way, your family portraits can include some natural interactions. After all, when you're just doing your thing is when the real personalities and love shine through.

These are a few of the key considerations for great family portraits. Talk with a family photographer, such as from Moorman Photographics, about any other tips he or she may have to help you get the pictures you want from the session.

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