Many families choose autumn and early winter to take family photographs. The light seems just right, the pace of life has slowed down and there are upcoming holiday cards to consider. But taking family pictures can also be fraught with indecision – how do you know who to hire? What location should you choose? What should everyone wear? A couple of local photographers shared tips for scheduling, managing and loving your family photographs this season.
Find a good fit
Kate Holzman of Kate Holzman Photography has been honing her technique as a professional photographer for a decade. When looking to hire a professional photographer, Holzman highly recommends taking a deep dive into their portfolio ahead of time. These days, that's easy, as most photographers have portfolios for you to view online. Holzman recommends that when you are viewing a photographer's work online, try to do so with an eye toward your desired aesthetic. Do you want traditional, candid, documentary or artistic shots? Make sure your chosen photographer's work consistently meets your preferences.
And when you are shopping for a photographer, be sure they have the time to schedule you. Zach Adams of 1221 Photography recommends that clients book as early as possible, especially if you have limited availability due to coordinating with multiple family members.
After all, if you wait too long, spots will fill up and you may find yourself out of luck.
Who's involved?
Adams also recommends that you have a conversation with your photographer about the number of people in your group. If you are hoping to capture a large, extended family, this could affect both your rate and your choice of location. Speaking of location, feel free to ask your photographer where they typically shoot, and if they have any recommendations. After all, they have the inside track on what has worked for all sorts of families.
Dress the part
Once you have settled on a photographer, style, rate and location, it's time to decide how to dress your best (and dress your family) for the photo. Adams says coordinating outfits can be fun, but it's not necessary. Be sure you don't accidentally match your location – i.e., being decked out in all green in a forest may pose a problem. Adams said neutral, natural colors almost always work out.
Regarding clothing, Holzman added that coordination doesn't always have to mean being matchy-matchy. Gone are the days of everyone in the same white T-shirt and jeans, she said. Instead, consider putting family members in the same shade of a certain color and then mixing in an accent color or two. Think about the pop of color you can add with a scarf or a vest. Don't be afraid to mix patterns and textures, but it's best to avoid any clothing with thick stripes, words or logos, to achieve a more timeless look. Most importantly – dress for comfort. You'll feel better (and photograph better) if you are comfortable. So will your children. Keeping comfort in mind, many of the best shooting locations have solid ground, so be sure your shoes allow you to move in all sorts of terrain.
DIY tips
What about capturing family memories in photographs on your own? Both Adams and Holzman shared tips for DIY photography. Adams recommends you learn both your angles and your camera settings. Holzman said she recommends picking a spot with nice, even lighting (i.e. no harsh sun). She said the best time of day is what photographers call the golden hour – typically that hour right before sunset is best.
And practice! Take many photos from all different angles and try placing your subject with their backs toward the sun. Again, know your camera settings. Ahead of a family gathering, do some research on settings and editing apps.
Lastly, and most importantly, take it easy. Holzman said when trying to capture photos, the biggest tip is to have realistic expectations. Nailing the perfect shot – especially if you are DIY-ing – can be frustrating and spark all sorts of emotions. Try to remember to have fun and embrace chaos. If things start to stray from your plan, just go with it. Play games with your kids like peek-a-boo or follow the leader, yell out silly words or use tickles to try and evoke natural smiles. Hopefully you'll capture some priceless family memories.
Pamela Savage is a freelance writer living in Springfield. She's worked with Kate Holzman in the past and looks forward to working with Zach Adams sometime as well.
