Over the last couple of years I have found myself taking family photos. While I do not put myself in the professional category I do charge a small amount for this service. However my main reason for doing it is because I enjoy photography, and the very best way to get better is to practice. Being on both sides of the lens has been fun, and definitely changed my prespective on so many things related to family photos. Since we are currently in the midst of what I like to call the 'family photo session rush' I felt like sharing some thoughts I have with you. Hopefully you will find them helpful too…but please realize they are just the personal opinions I have developed from my own experiences behind the camera.
1. Don’t stress about what to wear. I am always surprised by how many people worry about this. Personally I think it is best to wear clothing that is similar to something you would wear everyday, and that reflects a real image of you and your family. I realize you might want to look a bit nicer and coordinate, that is great, but if you don’t I think that’s totally fine too.
2. the location isn't always that important. Now don't go and take this the wrong way because I do understand that location does play apart in the pictures you take. However if your end-goal is to capture great photos of your family and their personalities then where they are taken really doesn't matter that much.
3.accept that you don’t need perfection. Before someone gets confused, I need to clarify that you DO need a photographer who knows what they’re doing and can snap nicely exposed photos. But when it comes to your family, especially if you have small children, you don’t all need to be wearing perfect pasty smiles and looking stiffly at the camera. This just isn't real life. My current favorite family photo (pictured above) isn’t like this at all, and because of that it just feels more real. Which brings us to…
4.keep it real. As a photographer I love nothing more than to get a shot that feels genunie. Even if the person(or people) aren’t perfectly posed. Getting real emotion is just more exciting and makes infinitely better photos. So if you’re the type that tends to worry about your three year old making super hero moves or that they would rather be playing in the fountain I say stop right now. As long as you’ve got yourself a decent photographer you are going to get some good shots that captures who they really are.
5.accept yourself. Okay ladies you are the worst when it comes to this because so many of us are way to hard on ourselves and our appearance. We’re too fat or too thin, we hate our hair or the wrinkles around our eyes, believe me I've heard it all. I am not trying to be insensitive by bringing this up, I just wish more women would quit worrying and just love themselves no matter what.
1 comments:
Good stuff! Thanks for this. I am like you - not a professional but because I love people, photography, creative expression.. I find myself taking family photos for friends. It's been fun but sometimes stressful. I love this time of year for family photos - just a simple pile of leaves in a yard can be a beautiful pic, wouldn't you agree? :)
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