A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to create a new family portrait of my mentor. It was a lot of fun and we got great a lot of beautiful images of his family. Afterwards I said to him, “Thank you for letting me do this for you. I had fun and hope it wasn’t too stressful for you all!”
I was more or less joking a little bit and he replied, “It’s always stressful getting a family portrait, but once it’s over, life is back to normal. Thank you for doing it!”
This got me thinking a little bit. My mentor, who was a professional portrait photographer in Las Vegas for over 30 years, said it is “always stressful getting a family portrait” created. If in 30 years he could not reconcile the experience to not be stressful, have I been fooling myself? Is getting a family portrait always a fate worse than death for most people? The answer is no! I have photographed many families who anticipated the experience to be unpleasant and they later complimented me saying it was “not painful” or it was “so much fun!” This experience is what has driven me to write these few tips for preparing to have a more fun experience while getting your family portraits done this year!
1) Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.
Really, I can’t stress this one enough. Planning your clothing choices shouldn’t be left to the day of your session. When I photograph families, we discuss clothing choices in detail to make sure everyone is prepared. (Check out this previous post for a few clothing tips!) The families that prepare properly for the clothing always have a higher quality portrait than those who don’t. If you are going to shop for new clothes, try to buy them a few days or even a week in advance to your session. One less thing on your mind will definitely take weight off your shoulders on your session day. Call your photographer and get their input while shopping if you have any questions.
2. Keep the Peace.
Coordinating schedules, making sure kids are well groomed and don’t have chocolate on their faces, getting your make up on and loading everyone into the car, etc. is a stressful reality of parenthood, adult life and getting set for a new family portrait. It might not always be possible, but I recommend trying your best to keep a calm demeanor through it all. The saying “if mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy” is quite true. The energy of the family is largely dictated by the mother’s mood and the father’s mood. If parents are stressed, annoyed, angry, or anything along those lines, it transfers over the rest of the family. As a pro, I can’t tell you how much more difficult this makes my work out to be. I’m thinking this: “They are paying me for the portraits of their dreams–how am I going to do that when everyone is so upset?” In the past, I’ve still gotten incredible results because of my own directional and communication skills that was able to change the state of thinking of the subjects but really, it is just such a nicer experience for everyone if a little patience and calmness is observed. You won’t regret it.
3. Feed the Family. Especially the Kids.
Eat a good meal or even just a snack before the session. Don’t eat until you’re stuffed or anything along those lines (it might make you uncomfortable during the session) but eat something that will keep you from being lethargic or grumpy. Kids almost always photograph better after they have had a snack. It is also a good idea to bring a few bottles of water and non-messy snacks along with you to the session to further hold kids over until the next meal.
4. Trust the Photographer (Me).
I know it isn’t everyone’s favorite thing in the world to be photographed. I understand, I really do! I also know that you might be a little (or very) nervous. This is normal, don’t worry. Unless you are a professional super model, I’m guessing you are going to need some direction. Please understand that not every pose is going to feel super comfortable. Actually, most people look terrible in a portrait if they are sitting how they normally are when they watch t.v. or stand how they do when they are in line at Cafe Rio. It might not feel wonderful but remember, from the camera/my viewpoint, I must flatter each and every subject as best I possibly can. That means tipping heads, leaning bodies, bending legs, positioning hands and hair, all while making sure everyone looks slim, the clothing choices are clustered together the best way, paying attention to what lighting will work best….there’s a lot to consider! What’s most important is that YOU LOOK YOUR BEST. That’s my job and I do it well. It might not be how you normally stand or sit but for the portrait, it will all make sense when you see it. Trust me.
5. Repeat After Me, ‘This is More Than a Picture”
What do I mean by that exactly? Don’t I take pictures for a living? No. I create portraits for a living. There’s a difference! A picture is something less important; something fleeting and temporary. It is on your Twitter newsfeed one day and gone the next, banished to the badlands of the internet. These are pictures you pass by in advertisements, social media, and the selfies you see see on a daily basis. They are just filler. A portrait is something else. It is special. It is both genealogical documentation as well custom photographic art for your decor. It grows in value day after day and becomes one of your most treasured possessions. In regards to a family portrait, it represents the feelings you have for each other, the struggles you have overcome, the personality traits you all have and the hard work that is put into the family by each family member. Shouldn’t it be more than a picture? I always think in the long term when it comes to your family portrait–it has to be something you absolutely love and it has to become something your future family members who inherit it are going to love. I put a lot of pressure on myself, don’t I?
6. Be Thankful.
Be thankful you live in a time where we can create photographic art. Be grateful that you can give this gift to you and your kids. Be happy that it is going to look out of this world! Just be happy. 🙂
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