Last year, around this time, I wrote a blog about the much anticipated (or dreaded) holiday party. Tis the season for holiday parties and this year’s December blog topic – Family Photos — l can almost hear the collective groan.
I managed to really torture my family this year with not one, but two photo sessions. The morning session featured a frozen setting, blanketed in freshly fallen snowflakes – just like I like it. It also featured below freezing temperatures, bad attitudes, a sky so clear and bright we couldn’t open our eyes and to top it off, a fall by my 6 year old that left her face scraped and swollen. I did the only thing I could…I snapped her photo, slapped it on the Christmas card and captioned it #FamilyPhotoFail. Surely everyone on my address list could relate.
Ha, if only I had thought of that in the moment instead of hours later when the swelling had subsided.
I did postpone the second session until the next week because even Photoshop couldn’t fix her face that day. Now, as I look at our photos; a handful are good, a few more are ok and more than I’d like are “not my favorite,” I find myself wondering how to guarantee a great family photo session.
What the EXPERTS say:
What Not to Wear: Gone are the days of matching outfits. After all, how often do you dress like your 3 year old? Think classic and complimentary. And don’t forget the accessories which often provide a needed distraction for little ones. Imagine a little boy tugging on his dad’s tie or wrapped in mom’s scarf.
Background Considerations: Keep in mind your background colors when choosing outfits. Black on black may result in “floating heads” where your body will blend in. White on white may wash you out. Again, compliment, don’t match.
Make it fun: Easier said than done, for sure. Think about what your family likes to do. My successful photo session included a camp fire and roasting marshmallows. It was my photographers idea but it fit my family perfectly as we spend a lot of time camping. It didn’t feel like a photo session, it just felt normal which resulted in less complaining, more fun and some great, candid shots.
Look at the camera or NOT: Nothing kills the fun like having to constantly look at the camera. Some of the best pictures happen when you aren’t looking at the camera. Maybe you are looking at each other or looking and laughing at the family dog. Photos that capture you and your emotion are always the keepers.
I will certainly treasure all my family photos as they capture moments that otherwise may be forgotten. I will also continue to periodically torture my family with the perfectly staged photo session as those pictures are important to me as well. Next year, as a small gift to my family, I may consider a summer photo session to take a little of the chill away.
Interested in more photography tips? Stay tuned, my next blog will examine the best kept secrets for great event photos. In the meantime, happy clicking.
About the author:
Amy Lucke decided long ago, she would never stray far from the mountains and rivers of Montana. She loves sharing the outdoors with her two kids and spends most summer weekends in a 3-person tent with her four person family. She feels fortunate that she gets to write, create and collaborate with the smart and talented women of Meetings Northwest. Little known fact: She once traveled for 4 months on an around-the-world plane ticket.
