Check out their tips below and be sure to check our Family Photographer Resource Page for a list of local photographers!
Tips from Cortney Wood Photography
TIP #1: Keep the Background Simple!
When shooting holiday photos, I think it’s important to keep the background simple. I also prefer subtle colors. Grandma wants to see her grandchild’s face on that holiday card she receives, not the background or an outfit that takes away from the subject.
Tip #2: Laugh!
Always try to make people laugh. Laughter yields the best images.
Tips from Courtney Souza
Tip #1: GET THE KIDS EXCITED!
Tip #2: USE LAYERS & TEXTURES
Tips from Karen Kahn,
Looking Up Photography
Tip #1: WARDROBE
Tip #2: HAVE FUN & GIVE YOURSELF TIME
Most importantly, have fun! If you focus on enjoying yourselves during your session, you will create precious memories along with beautiful imagery. It’s not just about the end result, but also about the experience. If everyone enjoys themselves, then next time your kids will be more likely to get excited for family portraits!
Tips from Maria
with Love & Limoncello
Tip #1: LOCATION
Tip #2: LOOK YOUR BEST!
Pick a color scheme and stick to it! If your location is at the beach you may want to choose more neutral colors such as whites, blues, creams and tans. If your shoot is at a park you may want to choose more earthy tones such as yellows, blush pinks, emerald and burgundy. Whatever you decide don’t make it too matchy matchy. If one person wears a pattern make sure everyone else wears solid colors and don’t wear the same color throughout. It’s important to dress so that the colors complement each other but aren’t identical.
Tips from Mima Fiorino
Tip #1: HAVE FUN AND IF POSSIBLE, PLAY GAMES!
Have fun and if possible play games. Kids love to play and using them can provide the best natural poses and reactions.
Some examples of games to play:
- Family Hug. I like to bring everyone together for a group hug several times during the session. …
- Wiggle. I play the wiggle game at almost every session, and it always gets everyone giggling. …
- Tag.
- Red light/Green light
- Simon Says
Tip #2: GREAT LIGHT. USE NATURAL LIGHT.
Go outside and turn off the flash and look for shade. Look for a tree or the side of a building that provides shade with even light. Bring your family to the edge of the shade where you can still catch the light in their eyes. The best time of day to photograph, or the “golden hour”, is the period right after sunrise or right before sunset, when the light is softer.
Tips from Carolyn,
Tesora Photography
Tip #1: ARRIVE 15 MINUTES EARLY TO YOUR SESSION!
Tip #2: PACK LAYERS FOR YOUR FAMILY!
Fall temperatures are all over the place, so whatever outfit you choose, always bring layers, blankets, etc. to have on hand. You can toss them out of the photo at any time, and it makes everyone just a little more comfortable.