Let’s face it, sometimes family portrait sessions can be challenging for the family. I get it, since I have my own, crazy, lovable bunch. That is why I feel that preparation is the key. If I educate my photography clients BEFORE the family portrait session then my clients will get the most out of their photography experience. I understand that after the initial booking is complete, lots of questions come to mind. Maybe they sound something like: What will we wear? Will the kids behave? What if everyone doesn’t look at the camera? So I am here to say: it’s ok, breath and relax. I wanted to publish a quick, helpful and a handy guide for my photography clients to use and enjoy. Here are my tips to prepare you for an amazing, stress-free portrait session.
- Chose your attire carefully. In advance, pull together the outfits that you would like your family to wear to the session. Make sure your choices are 1) coordinated and 2) comfortable. Ask yourself what does my dream family portrait look like? If you are looking for elegant, timeless portraits then choose colors that are neutral earthiness void of stripes, patterns and polka dots. We want the focus to be YOU, and not be distracted by your attire. You can wear the same pallet of colors and find different garments for each family member.
- Leave plenty of time to get the family ready. Last minute panic is the worst. Leave plenty of time for showers, baths, dressing and grooming. If a family shows up feeling disorganized and chaotic it usually shows. If it happens that you are rushed— because life happens—we can certainly work with it, but if you can prepare to schedule your time to get ready, you can leave organized and confident.
- Be well rested and fed. I know it is very obvious, but making sure that everyone is rested and has had a snack before the session can really help, especially with little ones. Don’t show up with anyone on an empty stomach because we all know how irritable we all can be when hungry!
- Say “no” to the “cheese.” Many parents feel it is helpful to tell the kids to say cheese for a photographer, but this is not necessary at all. Candid portraits help personalities shine through. Let the photographer interact with your kids so that they can get the true essence of your child by making them smile easily and naturally. From my experience you will see these are the portraits that families want over and over. They are usually deemed the favorite!
- Not everyone has to look at the camera. Piggybacking off the last point, we want candid, natural shots that capture your family and its personality as a whole. Some of the best photography comes from subjects being engaged and acting with one another. It lets the family connection show through and exudes the emotion of love. Time and time again, I see these images become the most cherished.
- Does your family have an activity that they like to do together? Great if they do. Bring it with you if feasible. Here are some ideas: If you like to read together: bring books. As a family do you like football, picnics, bike riding or hide and seek? The possibilities are endless. This makes for a beautiful and authentic session. A true picture of your family.
The goal is to create portraits that are special, meaningful and ultimately just plain beautiful. These tips should get you prepared and ready for your session and give you family portraits that will be treasured for a lifetime. Preparation is the true key. I want to see your family story through my lens.
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Angelsea Urban is a entrepreneur and photographer helping families to nourish their homes, relationships and businesses through meaningful portrait photography, business consulting and management for entrepreneurs, teaching practical stewardship and home management systems, and creating simple products and tools that maximize the quality of our lives. Her unique photography work focuses on Redefining the Family Portrait Experience by telling the story of family through personalized foundations while creating a space to strengthen family bonds throughout the experience. As a certified tax professional and seasoned business consultant, Angelsea has helped the careers of photographers, restaurateurs, musicians and general small business owners through teaching, workshops, coaching, and hands on consulting. She has photographed for families, brides, Bravo TV, NFL Films, and more and has been published in multiple blogs and magazine print for her work in photography and in strategic business management. Angelsea teaches and photographs throughout the United States, and resides with her husband of 17 years, their two children, and their barely 3 pound Yorkie near Long Beach Island, New Jersey.
To book your session with Angelsea Urban, please visit www.angelseaurban.com
For education and consulting opportunities, please visit www.urbanrg.com
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