Whether you are ready or not, the time is here folks, it’s coming…”Finter”. Wait. What? Michigan weather likes to play with emotions. It will be Fall for a millisecond then BAM! Winter. Therefore, Finter.
If you are geographically blessed with Fall, take advantage of it. Have a photo taken without the phone *gasp* and with a real camera. My friend Jenni from Jenni Bee Photography is a pro at taking infant and wedding pictures. She has graciously shared some of her wisdom for taking an awesome family photo. If all else fails, threats and bribes work too.
5 Tips to Make Your Fall Photo Facebook Worthy!
By Jenni B
The season of cute scarves and high boots is here. Grab your favorite pumpkin flavored beverage and hire a photographer because this is the ideal time for a photo shoot with family. We are in the Pinterest age, seeing flawless pictures of happy little families surrounded by red and orange foliage is inevitable. You are CERTAIN that you can easily recreate it. I hate to burst your bubble, but there are a lot of small details that can make or break your photo session. Here are 5 tips to ensure a picture that is Facebook worthy or in the least “above the couch” worthy.
1. Hire a photographer based on their portfolio. NOT price.
This is the most important thing to consider. With DSLR cameras becoming more affordable, more consumers are able to become “photographers” and charge. Skill comes from practice and learning from mistakes, not just a great camera. If you approve of the work in their portfolio, then they have honed their skills and will likely deliver a good product. Keep in mind, photography is an art. Some photographers master a certain style of photography -for example boudoir- but may need work in family poses. Don’t become a candidate for a new “akward family poses” slideshow. Make sure it is THEIR work that you like and not their price. Hiring someone because they are inexpensive and hoping for the best may end up a complete waste of time and money. Remember, you are hiring a professional for a reason.
2. Get it right, the first time.
Yes, photographers can edit photos and use photoshop on every single photo. However, it is actually really difficult and time-consuming. If it is done right in the first place, your pictures will look better and get to you much quicker. If the photographer fixes your hair, has a child blow their nose, etc. then embrace it, let them. Fixing a minor flaw at the moment may take 30 seconds whereas correcting it via photoshop may take 5 minutes. Photoshop is not the miracle tool. Please be patient.
3. Timing
Timing is easily overlooked. If a child naps at 4pm, then resist the urge to schedule a shoot at 4:30. It will make life much easier for everyone involved.
If family photos are taken outside, there is lighting to consider. Those “golden” photos with a sun flare or gorgeous ‘back lighting’ are actually taken about an hour before the sun sets. Consider this when scheduling the shoot. You won’t get the same sun-set effects if you schedule the session at noon. Communicate with your photographer so he or she can help you choose a time that fits their style…the style you more than likely booked them for.
4. Trust the photographer to do the work.
Many times family photographers will set up a shot, and attempt to coax a little one to look at the camera. *Sigh* Then the parents chime in. Stop! This causes two problems; 1) the child gets confused. They have no idea where they are supposed to look. 2) When the child finally cooperates, the parents are not photo ready. More times than not, they are looking away from the camera or worse, with a finger pointing at the camera. Trust your photographer to do their job. If you child isn’t looking the right way, let the photographer worry about it. It’s much easier to wait on one person than to wait on everyone.
Your photographer will have preferences on how to pose you using their own ideas and inspiration. Please do not expect to emulate a Pinterest picture that you brought the day of the shoot. Not all photographers are flexible and create a masterpiece without preparation. Let me clarify, having photos as a reference is great, as long as it is shown prior to the shoot. It gives the photographer a better feel for what you want. But also be prepared to share what it is that you love about the photo. Is it the colors, posing, background? This will communicate you preferences without impeding the photographer’s artistic control.
5. Pick your wardrobe wisely.
It’s a challenge to coordinate a family without being matchy-matchy. Pinterest is absolutely awesome for fashion inspiration. Make a board and pin away!
When choosing wardrobe colors: crazy patterns are not ideal, strive for solid colors instead. Solid colors photograph better and are much easier to photoshop if needed. Again, no need to be matchy-matchy. Choose a color hue or two, and mix it up! Peacock colors are popular right now (mint and coral). Throw some jeans and khakis into the mix, some simple accessories, done.
For adults, fitted clothing is always best. Regardless of body shape or size, fitted clothing will look more presentable 100% of the time. FITTED clothing, not clothing that is too small. There is a difference. If you are unsure of what to wear, ask your photographer!
These 5 tips will help you capture the best side of your family, immortalize a memory, and make it is something that you want to have printed. Photographers aim to capture the essence of your family, and will do everything in their power to deliver that.
One more tip! Families with children, smarties are a fantastic bribe during a shoot. They are small, easily hidden during the photos, and don’t stain the mouth. Another Photoshop crisis averted!
Thank you for the tips, Jenni! She knows a thing or two about family photos. Make sure to check out her portfolio on Jenni Bee Photography!
I’ve been the annoying parent who points at the camera. I thought I was contributing, not making it harder for the photographer. I’m kind of embarrassed about it now! Our photographer kept her poker face, remained professional and endured it. If you are reading this and you have children in the shot. Don’t be THAT person. I vow to learn the error of my ways.
Did we miss something? What tricks have worked for your family?
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