Is it weird that one of the most amazing compliments that a family photographer can receive is that the client’s friends and relatives cried while looking at her photographs? I was so humbled to find out that grandmothers and friends got choked up while watching their slideshow. However, I really can’t take credit for the tears. It’s the pure awesomeness and uniqueness of this family that shines through the pictures from their first photo shoot together as a combined family. I think everyone who knows them, while looking at the photographs, feels incredibly happy and thankful that they found each other and all fell in love :)
Do you wish you had pictures that show the unique and genuine love between your family? If so, read on below for 3 tips to keep in mind:
1. Have your photo session at home
Your home doesn’t have to be straight out of Architectural Digest to be a good place for a photo shoot! The photos are about you and your children or partner, and you’re most likely to be completely yourselves at home. Sure, some homes will be more difficult than others, but an experienced professional photographer will be able to find or create the best light and background in any situation. And when one of the kids accidentally falls in the pool (example below:)), you’ll have plenty of clothes to change him into!
2. Don’t be afraid to break rules
Most photographers (including myself in many situations) will tell families not to wear clothing with logos on them. This may be true in many situations, depending on the purpose and ultimate use of the photographs. But come on, how perfect are the Superman and Starwars t-shirts for the kids in this family? This is who they are, and how they’ll want to be remembered when they grow up. Sometimes it’s ok to break the rules!
3. Go with the flow
Someone falls in the pool or scratches their knee? Kids are not smiling perfectly? No worries. This family was great at letting things go, having a sense of humor, and having patience with the process. Not every shot will be perfect (most will not) – that’s why I usually take a couple hundred and only show you the best ones.
Here’s a short music slideshow I sent to the family shortly after the shoot – something I’ve decided to do for all my clients going forward…
…and a gorgeous 16×24 canvas they ordered for their photo wall, printed locally in Encinitas by the awesome Roger Zacharias of Evolve Digital:
Do you know Steph, Brett and their awesome children? Leave a comment for them below! (click “leave a reply” below the Facebook box) And if you have any other tips or experiences from past photo shoots, I’d love to hear them.
