Family portraits are captured memories that will be shared with generations of friends and family. As invaluable a keepsake as they are, they can also be very expensive, so you want to do your best to ensure they turn out well. With children, even something as simple as having someone snap some great pictures can be an adventure. I know this from experience.
If you’re planning on having family portraits done, keep these tips in mind. You’ll come home with the best pictures possible without going insane during the shoot.
- Time the appointment with purpose. Keep in mind what time of the day your kids are the happiest and most cooperative. If their personalities are the sunniest and they’re more attentive in the morning after breakfast, make your appointment with the photographer or studio during this time. Also, avoid meal and nap times. Morning rocks because they’re well-rested and just had a hearty breakfast.
- Don’t get too matchy with the clothes. Think about colors and styles that work well together, but don’t have everyone from your 2-year-old daughter to your husband wearing the same outfit. The idea sounds cute during the planning stage, but the result will inevitably be immortalized with a witty tagline on AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com.
- Keep clothing simple. After avoiding the crazy matching family phenomenon, it’s also important to pick simple clothes that are easy on the eyes and don’t make your portrait seem too “busy.” Patterns, florals, polka dots and stripes are all scene stealers in a photo. You want the focus to be your family, not your fashion. Also, when it comes to really little ones, cute, functional, casual clothing is best. If your little girl’s taffeta dress is too itchy or your son’s wool blazer is making him sweat, you’re going to have a heck of a time getting genuine, happy smiles out of your brood.
- When choosing a background or backdrop, less is more. Again, the focus of the portrait is supposed to be on your beautiful family. Therefore, the prominent features in the picture should be your smiling faces, not bizarre Styrofoam props, cheesy faux Christmas trees or fields of sunflowers. The scenery’s not the star of the show, your family is.
- Let your kids be themselves, and respect what makes them uncomfortable. If your 11-year-old is embarrassed of his braces, or your 8-year-old would rather sport a sassy smirk than a toothy grin, let them. What makes a good family portrait fabulous is capturing a genuine moment in time. The true value of the picture is remembering that period of your lives the way it truly was. Forcing an issue, like smiling from ear to ear, can unintentionally ruin your portrait because the picture isn’t truly reflecting your family. 25 years from now, when you’re sharing this portrait with your grandkids, you’ll be happy you let your kids be your kids.
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