I recently had my family portraits taken for the first time in several years. It's my son's 10th year and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get our family's portraits done. I used the special birthday to force my boys to do family portraits.
My son is very tolerant of taking pictures for me. As long as I am quick with what I want and only post things he approves. Yes we have already hit that age where things are embarrassing and cannot be shared. But I am rarely in the pictures and I wanted to love myself in photos with him (and my husband).
As I prepared my family for portraits, I sat down and wrote this post. These are my thoughts on getting ready for portraits (and my family pictures).
First, find your photographer. Success! You can cross this one off! You found me! Things you want to think about when choosing a photographer. Do you like their style? When will they deliver my portraits, and does this fit my timeline? Are they available? What type of experience do they have? Do they have good reviews? Does their portrait experience fit my family? Do they offer the products I am interested in?
Next, I am a straightforward girl when it comes to grooming. No makeup, crazy hair, short nails... down to earth, and keeping it real describes me perfectly. So, as my session time started to get closer, I thought about what I should do to prepare myself. I got my hair cut well in advance, so it had time to relax into its typical wackiness. I decided I was done dying my hair. I got my nails cleaned up and a simple polish. For more polished ladies, get a blowout. Do your makeup just a little fancier. Take time for a mani/pedi. These little things will help boost your self-confidence, and the camera can see it!
If you have the man in your life get his hair cut in advance as well. Newly shaved sides will show the skin and give that white wall effect. All haircuts look better once they have had a chance to relax. If your kids have a new style or cut, practice a few days before (especially if they are as opinionated as my kid).
Outfits: while I usually would struggle with what to wear, I already had my dress picked out this time. So then, it was getting my son and husband coordinating shirts. Knowing what I was wearing and the look I wanted to achieve was not as easy as I had hoped. But I started buying shirts for my husband to try on weeks in advance. When that didn't work, I sent him to the store with strict instructions on what would look good. I then bought a shirt for my son that tied us all together. The dog was the easiest to dress. I did buy him a new leash and collar. My husband thought it was a bit ridiculous, however. But the dog gets photographed yearly with the kid...so I guess it's okay. You don't have to buy a new set like I did. But it would be best not to bring the neon, glow-in-the-dark version. Also, plan on taking the poop bag holder off as well. Clean, mellow colors and simple design are less distracting in portraits.
Now, choosing what to wear is probably the most challenging task. And I am here to help you with that task. Whether suggesting websites, choosing from pictures you send, or helping you go through your closet, don't hesitate to ask. To give you a place to start, I created this style guide; check it out: Style Guide. And if you get stuck along the way, holler!
Day of portraits, everyone showers. Clean hair is best. Try to keep to a regular schedule. Don't book many activities; you don't want your kids tired. Granted, I know that sports and birthday parties are difficult in the Fall. But a well-rested kid will be better behaved. If you have things to do beforehand, prep your kid so that they know what the day looks like and keep the surprises to a minimum. Brush your teeth before you leave the house. Typically, we do this in the morning and evening. However, if your session is in the late afternoon, you have eaten multiple times since their last cleaning. Check your kid's nails. My guy seems to have an affinity for putting that task off until reminded. Clean nails look the nicest. Bring snacks. Kids of all ages get hungry/hangry (even the biggest ones). Have something for everyone to eat that isn't messy and won't stain fingers. If you are bringing your pup, they like treats too. And have a plan to feed everyone afterward. Taking pictures requires patience, time, and energy. This doesn't mean that you need to take everyone out to dinner. But do have something easy planned for when you get home.
Now that I have our portraits back from the photographer, I am incredibly excited to create a gallery wall to display them. I recommend putting in your order for prints and digitals right away. It is easy to put ordering or printing on your to-do list. And then it gets pushed off...until next month or year. I have even already created our Holiday card. This year, they will go out early,; having that off my plate is a breath of fresh air.
Do you have questions? Not sure where or what to do with your portraits? Designing wall compilations is one of my favorite parts of your portrait experience. I love creating a gallery wall that can grow with your family.
Don't have a ton of wall space? Family albums are the perfect way to print your portraits. Kids love going through albums with their family portraits. Thick pages help keep your album in excellent condition over time.
Portraits make the perfect gifts for family! Especially if your folks are like mine and already have everything they want/need. Wall art, prints, mugs, mousepads, albums, you name it I can help. Whether I create it for you or give you my recommendation, my goal is for you to have and give the most beautiful pictures to those you love.
I am here to capture your family just as you have always dreamed. And I will walk you through all the steps to achieve that goal. From outfits to on your wall, I am your woman!
Cheers!
Sara
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