Hey guys! Remember this post? The one where we were able to visit the fabulous farm and peruse some amazing historical places?
We were also able to meet up with Hannah Sumner, fabulously talented photographer (and owner of Photography by H.Sumner) who captured some sweet moments with our family.
We were way overdue. Like, horribly embarrassingly overdue to have a few family photos taken. I love Hannah’s work, her style and how she handled our {slightly crazy} children. I don’t know what it is about our kids, but they’re kind of, uh, difficult when it comes to family photos. As in down right refusing to participate, ridiculous. So if you’re anything like us, those family photos are a little rare. It was my one goal with this session, but I feel like we walked away with so much more.
Today, we wanted to share our five favorite tips for great family portraits. Maybe you’ve heard these before, but are getting geared up to do it again. Maybe you are seasoned and totally know what you’re doing and you think I am a total dork. The latter is probably most definitely true. ;} These are some things I wish someone told me when I was just “starting out” in the realm of capturing our family, and something that I’m learning over time. So without further ado…
1. The Photographer. We’ve had some great experiences with some amazing photographers. Pricing, printing policies, and all that technical stuff aside, using a good photographer comes down to the basics. It’s the same as going to a doctor with great bedside manners. In my book, they can have five degrees from Johns Hopkins with studies, and all that doctory mcdreamy mcmedical stuff in their fields, but if they have zero bedside manners, it’s all for nothing.
My first question after spying a great photographer, if I’m serious about asking them to photograph our family: what are they like? Word of mouth gets around… and if you choose someone who rushes you or doesn’t put a lot of thought into the process, that will be reflected in their work. If you don’t know anyone who has used them before, touching base before hand with a few ideas, asking questions, and just listening to what they have to say… will tell you a lot. It’s good to go in with eyes wide open and though hindsight is always 20/20… no regrets are always better.
2. Style & Editing. This really is part two of one, but be ‘nosy’. Their portfolio probably is (or should be) online for a reason, and per Photography by H. Sumner: Ask about style options. If you have a preference with a finished look or certain style, whether it be black and white editorial or full blown high def color… be sure to discuss it before hand. It can only help the process.
Also, ask about their editing policies. I’m pretty sure Hannah Edited like, five double chins per photo on just me. I should have asked her to fix a few other things in the plastic surgery post baby arena because she’s that good… but digression. If you’d like a blemish removed, stray hairs, or an unflattering part, ask up front. It’s important to know if they do this.
3. The Venue. Choose Wisely. Choose a place that you’re comfortable with. That reflects your style and your family’s personality. A place where you won’t be fighting with background photo bombers. A place where everyone and their grandmother haven’t already had theirs taken. We love off the beaten path kinda places, but from farm land to urban streets… get creative and we think you’ll love the outcome. (Just a side note on the atmosphere: There’s also a ton of options with time of day, etc. Everyone probably already knows this but we had to add it. If your photos are outdoors, unless they are night shots or in a location with full fledged shadow, make sure they’re scheduled really early in the morning, or at dusk. You’ll be happier with the lighting.)
4. The Look. Repeat after me : I will not take another photo on the beach in all white with my family. Just kidding. Not really. Put down your angry mob torches. All joking aside because we all have those photos circa 1995… just don’t be afraid to mix it up a little. This is always the hardest part for me. Clothing is a personal preference, so wear something that you’re comfortable with. If you’re comfortable, your photos will be, too. Try to make it work, without matching dead on. Sometimes the colors don’t quite work when captured by the camera, one tone will be “off” and that can be distracting. If you absolutely must match because it’s totally you, then go for it. (You’re dead to me.) But thinking in terms of colors and hues in the same family, with different versions can be fun, too. Try to think outside the typical.
{Obligatory disclaimer: No hate mail please. I love sarcasm. And beach photos.}
5. FUN. Have it. It’s possible. Those are when the best photos happen. When I quit stressing over my five double chins, my kids who have wonky looks on their borderline psychopathic give-me-a-compensation-fruit-snack-for-this-or-I-will-cut-you faces, and we just laugh. There’s a lot of pressure. You’re dressed up. No one has fallen down and ruined their outfit (yet) and everyone is there. I get it. I’m Monica.
It’s when the reality comes through, that the magic happens. The true reflections through the lens of a talented photographer… of a real family. Church directory photos via Olan Mills are so 1985. I am not the Mona Lisa. It takes me a while to turn off the freak switch and just take in the moment. But when it happens… when you let go and let the real come through, the less-than-perfect, not-so-posy, the better those photos will be. The better for your family and the better for your oh so talented photog. So if your kids are crazy, if you have a twitching eyelid, and if you want to bite your husband’s head off because he keeps blinking his eyes… embrace it. Most of the time, it will work out in the end.
Now it’s your turn. What are some of your favorite tips for having photos taken with your family? We’d love to hear!
Special thanks to the awesome mad talented Photography by H. Sumner, and Blue Willow Home and Farm. If you live locally… be sure to check them out! ;}
Have an inspired day!
Alli says
LOL awkward family photo on the beach! Love the tips and love the photos. They’re beautiful.
Jenna says
How is it that you wrote about family photos and you had me laughing? I love your take on this. Having fun is so true. I struggle with that. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one wanting to yell at the DH when he can’t get his act together haha!
Hayley says
I’m pretty sure I’m in love with all of your pics of Ms. Sassy Pants. She has attitude in every single picture. I have no idea where she gets that from…
ashley @ the handmade home says
Haha me neither. I have no idea.
courtney says
these are great tips.
and the link to the beach photos. OMG. i just died. that made my day!
Lisa@Advent's Adventures says
These are simply wonderful! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the black and white and the color and that last photo. WOW!
Donna says
Your family is precious and the photos are beautiful! Definitely apprecite the tips – my 11 year old son is the worst when it comes to being in pictures (unless they are him in action playing baseball!).
paige says
great tips my friend!
ya’lls photos are fabulous but that last one with backlighting & a tad perfectly blown out is WAY up my alley.
fabulous!!
ps–my college girl who loves all things Friends informed me, with a smirk, that i too am SO monica đ
Kathryn says
You guys are just too adorable! Your kids are awesome.
I also like a photographer who is friendly and nice but not afraid to boss the kids around a little to get them to smile or at least stay in the frame!
Love your pictures!
Tanya says
You have such a beautiful family!! And your photos are wonderful, what type of camera are you using? Thank you for the inspiration,
xo, Tanya
Wendy says
Your family photos are so beautiful! I like how the photographer captured how unique each child is and let their personalities shine through. The last photo…..blew me away! It’s amazing! Thanks for sharing these gorgeous shots with us!
Cecelia Krajcar says
Darling pictures. I am currently working on learning how to use my Nikon DSLR in manual mode. I might add here, I have been thinking about this for 3 years now!
Anyway, besides videos from Kevin via The Lettered Cottage , which I highly recommend, I am reading a book with suggestions. One tip that I think is great, is to have your subject, especially if shooting a group, close their eyes. The photographer then counts backwards from three. Three, Two, One, Open. The photographer waits one count after open and shoots the picture. It almost guarantees that everyone’s eyes will be open!
ashley @ the handmade home says
That is a VERY smart tip. I will be using that one! ;} And Kevin + shoot fly shoot is kinda brills. ;}
Jenifer says
Beautiful pics of a beautiful family! đ
Elizabeth says
These are absolutely gorgeous! What a talented photographer! Beautiful work. And I love your tips. Hilarious.
Beverly Wilkens says
I like to shoot spontaneously. There was one family I shot walking away from me and the girls all complained their tushy’s would look big. Turns out that is the one they enlarged on canvas and now have hanging over the mantel. You never know what will be a favorite!
Jessica says
LOL I have a family photo of us (my mom and dad, brother) all in demin. And I have the Rachel haircut. This was OF COARSE taken in 1995! I really need to find a copy of that keeper.
Erin says
As photographer, I LOVE that you included #5! Reality makes for the best family portraits. đ
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