Having a Successful Family Photoshoot Tips
A SAMPLE OF WHAT I SEND TO CLIENTS PRIOR TO PHOTO SESSION:
I am so looking forward to our session! Once we plan a location and time I will send over my proposal for you to sign, so you may lock in your date. Here are just a few tips that can make our time together run smoothly.
We will start on time!
Family portraits are best when it is candid and natural, its almost a must for families with dogs so if this sounds like your family...natural light is what I would recommend for your session. The best time for natural light photos are a few hours after sunrise or a few hours before sunset. Depending on the season and location, any morning time can work as well. The time is all up to you, these are just my suggestions.
Please allow enough time when you find yourself planning and include time for travel or traffic. I would suggest arriving 15 minutes early so you are ready and don't cut into your session time, and if it's a sunset shoot we won't run out of light!!
Plan Ahead:
Pick out the outfits you want everyone to wear about about a month in advance and then set them aside somewhere safe. A week before the photoshoot, try them on again to ensure everything still fits comfortably and that you didn’t miss any tears or stains.
Make sure it is clean and pressed a few days ahead to be ready for the big day. Set the clothes together (sorted by person) and place them somewhere where it'll stay clean and dirt free. To ensure that no articles of clothing go missing be sure to inform everyone that these are picture clothes and not to be worn until picture day. Don’t forget about shoes, jewelry, belts, and other accessories.
Small maintenance can go along way with photo session, so well manicured nails and toes, groomed facial hair ( brows, nose, ears, etc...), moisturized skin and face, check teeth for food, eyes aren't red, etc...
As for the dogs, if there are bribe treats for good behavior bring them along, I can use it to get them to look to me for a few photos:) I love animals!
Clothes Choices:
You may want to choose color options that compliment each others outfits, not contrast. Dress to compliment the seasons and surroundings. For example, if your photoshoot is in April, it will be beautiful but a bit warmer, so keep that in mind maybe light and flowy clothing options. Also, try to avoid stripes, busy patterns, graphic tees, and these do not photograph well as its distracting. Guys avoid white socks, we want the attention be be on your face not your feet!
It’s more than okay to feel nervous!
Everyone feels uncomfortable in front of a camera unless your a model, its ok to feel nervous! Some posing may feel silly but they photograph well and I will do my very best to direct you to feel comfortable, relaxed and looking your best and have fun doing it. I’ll be sure the end result is something you will love!
Location, location!
If you have a location in mind please don’t hesitate to tell me about it. I want to capture your family in a way that is meaningful to you and if the location help that put, lets do it!
There are beautiful places all around us, but with animals I would suggest somewhere they are familiar with, maybe a park near your home or a trailhead you take them on a hike.
Again, I am so excited for your upcoming session and cannot wait for our time together! Please let me know if I can help you at all in your preparations! Please feel free to send me any Pinterest or photo ideas you may have.
Looking forward to our time together,
Marissa Ladera