Now that the holidays are over and my clients' family portraits have been sent out to family and friends, I would like to share a few of them on my blog. I had such a good time catching them interacting with each other! Scroll on down to see some of the photos, and at the end I'll give some hints for a successful portrait session for your family...
Colleen and Brandon came prepared for a fun day in the park with 3 year old Ethan! They brought a football, a caramel apple (Ethan's first!) and lots of love and kisses! What a beautiful family!
With three teens, the Rangel family was full of energy and fun ... and lots of spontaneous moments!
The Baileys knew of this little section of railway which is not busy, has great trees around it, not to mention a killer sunset! I had a great time with the family! I appreciate their kids making the special effort to take time out of their busy lives to get together for a family portrait!
We had another fun session with my nephew, Chris, his wife Cheryl and their girly girls at a local park. I just love the colors Cheryl chose for the portrait!
Getting mom and dad to kiss always gets a cute reaction out of the little ones!
After the girls were tired, the light was just too pretty to stop, so I convinced my own "kids" and husband to pose for a couple of portraits before the day was over ... thank goodness for timers and tripods! We made a couple of serious shots...
and then the fun began...
So, when you're getting ready for a custom portrait session for your family, be sure you talk with your photographer and let them know what style would best fit your family. Do you want a more formal portrait, in studio, or maybe in your home? Or maybe you want something outdoors, something more casual. Be sure to keep your final display in mind as you plan your portrait. If it will be displayed in a formal room, you will want to make sure the portrait will coordinate with the style and even the colors of the room. When choosing a wardrobe for the portrait, see that the style and color of the clothing will work well with your home decor.
As for clothing choices, remember that simple clothing photographs best. The focus should be on the faces in the portrait. Solid colors always work well. Bold stripes, plaids, checks and prints can be confusing. Large logos can also take attention away from the subject.
When choosing a color theme, it is important to take into consideration the background of your portrait. If the portrait will be outdoors, medium and dark shades of blue, purple or green work very well. Brown, rust and burgundy also photograph well. Light colors or white work well in a portrait set against a light or white background such as a beach or bright sky. But if light colors are worn against a dark background, the attention will be drawn to the clothing, as opposed to the face. Light colors can also add weight. Dark colors are more slimming.
Simple, comfortable and coordinated clothing look best in photos. Long sleeves are usually best for adults.
Feet may show in the portrait, so make sure that the shoes and socks compliment the style and color of the rest of the outfit. Jewelry should be kept simple. Wide gold and silver necklaces may cause a glare.
For a family portrait, it is important that the group's garments should be complimentary in color, tone and style. Pick clothes that are appropriate to the portrait's setting.
When scheduling your portrait, keep your kids' routine in mind. Try to find a time when your kids are at their happiest. Make sure they are rested and fed. If they are feeling bad, it would probably be best to reschedule until they are better. Midday light is harsh and limits the locations where photos can be taken. If the shoot will be outdoors, the light is best either in the morning or the late afternoon.
Give the kids time to relax around the photographer. I usually spend time at the beginning of the shoot just getting to know the children and helping them feel comfortable. It takes awhile to get natural smiles, but they will come as the kids loosen up and get used to the camera. So, resist the urge to tell the kids to smile or say "cheese". Let the kids get used to this new person and if you are relaxed and having fun, they will too.
Above all else, relax and have fun during the photo shoot. The photos will show a happy family having a fun time, which will result in images that will be treasured for years!
To see more of our work, please check out our website at www.karenmurrayphoto.com If you live in the North Texas area, please give me a call at 214-793-5436 or email me at karen@karenmurrayphoto.com and let me know what you are looking for in a family portrait. The weather will be warming up soon, bluebonnets will be blooming, and it will be a great time to plan your family portrait!
