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The Holidays are fast approaching: President’s week, Spring Break, Easter and Passover. Families may be gathering to celebrate and it’s a great time for updating the family photographs. Sometimes, it’s the only time people are able to get together. As a family photographer, I know how important these times can be and having a professional photographer there to document it  can be invaluable. The sessions are often scheduled in the late afternoon when the light is soft and golden. Some families bring along beverages and snacks and make it a party-like atmosphere. I like to offer at least the following eight groupings:

1. The Whole Family Seated and Standing

2. The Grandparents with the Grandchildren

Family Reunion Photography, different groupings

3. All of the Grandchildren

4. Three or Four Generations: All the men, all the ladies.

5. The Grandparents. The Grandparents with their grown children as demonstrated below.

Family Reunion photography, different groupings.

6. Each Family Group

7. The Children of Each Family

8. Individuals of the Children. The children having fun together as a group.

Family Reunion Photographs, different groupings.

I am always open to different groupings and a client’s suggestions. If time permits, I like to add some candid photojournalistic photographs. It might be playing ball, running together on the beach, running through the water or roasting marshmallows around a campfire. It’s nice to have a mix of formal portraits and interactive photographs to tell the whole story. Creating heirloom family photographs that last beyond your lifetime are treasured forever.

For information on clothing for family reunion photographs, please refer to my former blog post at: http://bit.ly/11tYWCx

 

 
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As an avid rider and equestrian photographer, I know what a good jump looks like. Capturing the “perfect jump shot” can be more difficult than one would expect. It’s not just timing: its framing, using the background advantageously, the direction of light and the position of the horse and rider.

Photographing Your Performance Horse

This hunter horse and rider are well lit. The sun is falling on them and the jump is an attractive oxer. The frame is at a ¾ angle which is most flattering for horses and people, especially when the horse is jumping in good form. His knees are up, his ears are forward and his eyes are open. [Yes, sometimes they close their eyes.] Ideally, the rider should be more centered on her horse, not tipping to the right and her leg underneath her more, instead of behind as it is. I am a perfectionist and want both horse and rider looking their best.

Photographing Your Performance Horse

The jumper horse and rider are riding into the light. It beautifully sculpts the horse’s face and falls onto his neck. The jump is an attractive red oxer. I would prefer if the speaker was not in the background but being limited by the direction of the light, the type of jump and my ability to get a clear sight to the jump, this was my best option for this class. The horse is at the center of his arc and his knees are folded beautifully. He is fully attentive to the job at hand. The rider is nicely balanced on her horse making the picture almost perfect. For me, perfect would be eliminating the speaker.

There are many variables when considering which jump to choose when photographing a horse and rider combination. The jump, the direction of light and the background must all be taken into account. Much thought and skill goes into making “The Perfect Shot”.

 

 
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When choosing what to where for a family portrait session, I suggest to my clients to think about making a “Bouquet of Flowers.” Since color harmony represents a pleasing balance of two or more colors, not everyone has to wear the exact same colored clothing. Once you choose your basic color, either use a monochromatic relationship varying the hues of that color, or a complimentary relationship of colors that balance each other out as in a flower arrangement. Below are three samples of color choices for family portraits.

Choosing clothing for a Family Portrait Session, like a bouquet of flowers.

Complimentary: The pink, green and white colors all complement each other. Even though different colors are used, the tonality is the same and the colors blend well.

Choosing clothing for a Family Portrait Session, like a bouquet of flowers.

Monochromatic: A lot of portraits I make are at the beach. Blues of any shade usually look great in the finished portrait. In this photograph, the people are wearing blue and white. The blue water and white foam adds to the harmony of the finished photograph.

Choosing clothing for a Family Portrait Session, like a bouquet of flowers!

Complimentary: The orange and green clothing complement each other. The dune grass in the background adds to the harmonious look with the chosen colored clothing.

Don’t forget that simple and plain work best so the focus is on the person’s face. Avoid stripes, patterns and bold logos. Lighter tones are better than darker for outdoor location portraits. Most of all, remember to relax and enjoy your time together as a family. The photographer will take care of the rest!