Pictures are timeless, yet you find yourself counting the seconds until the family portrait is done. Embrace the occasion rather than worry about potential blunders. Donโt close your eyes while gleaning the following to ensure a stress-free family photo experience.
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Choose Clothes Wisely
Some clothes are timeless, like three-piece suits or black dresses. Choose attire suitable for the future versus a shirt from last yearโs trip to New Zealand. Wear simple or ‘timeless’ articles, outfits that wonโt look out of place hanging in the home a few years from now.
Dress appropriately for age rather than current fashion. Place more emphasis on the sentiment of family; itโs a family photo and not a fashion shoot.
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Get Plenty of Rest
You donโt want the kids looking cranky and tired, or you and spouse like you could use a few winks. Get plenty of sleep before the shoot and drink a lot of water for healthy looking skin.
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Look Natural
Models relax face muscles during photo shoots. Itโs easy to look unnatural when thinking about taking a great shot rather than waiting for the camera to capture us in a natural state.
It takes practice and seems silly, but have members practice relaxing face muscles in front of the camera; it looks much better as compared to forcing a traditional โsay cheeseโ variety of smile.
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Do Nothing Radical
Donโt reserve radical new looks (extreme haircut, uncommon hair color, multiple nose rings, etc) for the family photo shoot. Wait afterward to make your transformation and avoid mishaps or regrets, recorded and posted on the homeโs wall.
Be respectful of other members who want the portrait to look great (or at least as good as possible).
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Itโs an All-for-One Affair
If all members stay devoted to taking a great picture, the final product will appear so. Discuss any reluctance (or resentment). Itโs a team effort, like being in a family!
Awkward or failed photos are often a result of poor attitude and not lack of expertise. “The camera doesnโt lie,” so make sure all members are not living a lie – just pretending to smile.
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Take Candid Shots
Fight fears and reluctance by taking shots doing something the family truly enjoys. Whether itโs a sport, time on the couch, or holding hands on the beach, discuss candid opportunities with chosen photographer.
Photographers take many shots, choosing pictures that capture people and objects in unique, intriguing, and candid ways. Viva Portrait Photography captures the story of your family; candid shots express personality and the essence of family bonds.
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Maintain Digitals
Ask the photographer if you can keep the digital copies. That way, you can arrange other pictures around the home and get other physical copies produced. Alternatively, use digital copies to compose a virtual calendar, emailing the collection of shots to family members and friends.
Some photographers charge extra fees, or do not allow families to keep master copies. Discuss intent with chosen vendors before making a confirmation.
Taking great shots is essential, yet without preparation, you may look like you feel, stressed about the occasion. Now, you can appear calm and collected along with proud family members.
GUEST BLOGGER: Bianca Emery is a mom of four and a passionate writer. When she’s not busy with the children, she likes to blog about all the things she has learned as a mom and wife.
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