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Here are some tips to make sure your family portrait session is enjoyable and produces wonderful photographs that you will treasure forever:

1. Clothing: Keep clothing simple. No stripes, patterns or logos. Lighter is better than darker. Everyone does not have to be identical; have the clothing similar in tonality. Make sure that girls can sit comfortably as well as stand (so stay away from the tight skirts and short dresses). Babies need bloomers and plain underwear for white dresses. Boys in collared shirts are a nice look. Make sure the clothing fits your child properly (i.e. sleeves not too long, pants not too long).

2. Hair: For those with long hair, please bring hair ties, clips, ribbons, gel or hair spray in case it’s windy. For adults or children in need of a haircut, have the appointment a week before the session.

3. Colors: If you have a favorite outfit that is bright and colorful, pack that as well. It’s better to have too many clothes to choose from than too few.

4. Snacks: Bring drinks and easy to eat non-staining snacks like Cheerios, Teddy Grahams, pretzels, crackers, cheese, or carrot and celery sticks. It’s not a good idea to bring candy to the session. We need the children to focus and stay relatively calm.

5. Don’t Say Cheese! Please think about songs and stories that will make your children relax and laugh. (It’s better to have your mouth moving than theirs!). Please do not practice “Cheese” or “Smile” – it’s best if they are encouraged to play, use their imaginations, and have a good time. With young children, it’s important that parents are ready with silly things that you know will make them laugh. Be prepared to act ridiculous if called upon (all for the sake of fine photography). We promise not to tell your friends that you danced on the beach or jumped up and down or made funny noises. We want you to have fun too. (Don’t worry, if you can’t be ridiculous, we can.)

6. Be Rested: If possible let the kids have a quiet afternoon before the session. I know this sounds like the doctor who says “keep your child in bed for 24 hours.” Just do your best. We need them rested. They will be very active during the session.

Good preparation helps to ensure a successful family portrait session.

 

Kalas_fall_family_portrait
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Note and Holiday Cards

In this age of email, texting and Social Media, it’s really wonderful to receive a holiday card by regular mail. It’s very popular for people in the Hamptons to use family portraits on their holiday cards. They have their family portraits made over the summer and then select either a photograph of the whole family, part of the family, or just the kids, for their cards.

If you think you may want to your family portrait on a holiday card, here are 6 things to think about during the planning stage of the photography session:

1. Do you want the photograph to be of the whole family or just the children?

2. If you have a pet, do you want to include them as well?

3. How many cards to get: If you sent cards last year, did you have enough?

4. Who to send them to: Some clients have business and personal clients that get the cards. In these cases, it’s important to include the family name. Other clients send them to the teachers at school or sport coaches as well as family and friends.

5. Some cards have the photograph printed right on the paper. The photograph is part of the texture of the paper. Other times the photograph is attached. It’s your choice.

6. Sometimes it’s nice to include a thoughtful quotation. Some quotes that my clients have used in the past are:

“If you surrender completely to the moments as they pass, you live more richly those moments” – Anne Morrow Lindberg

“The path is best that leads you back to those you love” – which is a nice touch with the right photograph.

We offer many beautiful and unique cards to choose from. And just think – selecting your holiday card during your summer family portrait session takes off the pressure of getting it done at the last minute!

 
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Over the years, I’ve worked with countless families in hopes of catching the perfect family portrait. Whether I’m working with a large extended family gathering or a couple and their firstborn, I’ve developed a certain workflow to capture the perfect moment. I would like to familiarize you with how I work and also provide my tips and insights so we can best prepare for your family portrait session together:

  1. If we are working at a location I am unfamiliar with, I make sure to visit it before the session at the same time we will be shooting. I observe where the light is falling and what possible locations I can work with in that setting. Then, I watch the weather carefully in order to be able to adjust the start time for optimum lighting conditions.
  2. In most cases, I begin the session with more controlled portraiture starting with the largest groupings first and then paring away. Young children being with their parents helps them feel more comfortable. The light may also be a bit bright so I can control the lighting better. However, if you have an extremely active child who must be moving all the time, I will start with moving photos first. Usually even a very active child will calm down, and at this point, it’s easier to bring in other family members for portraits together.
  3. From there, I like to move into active play. Each individual has “their turn,” and then I work with all of the children playing together. Sometimes I need parental participation to engage the children. I will direct you where to be. It’s important for you to be in close proximity to the camera, which may mean kneeling down so your children’s eyes are focused in the camera’s direction.
  4. I come to every session with lots of patience. It’s important to acknowledge each child’s personality and timing and let myself be guided by their comfort zone. If they need a short break for refreshments, it’s important to give him or her that time.
  5. Though the sessions are meant to be relaxed and enjoyable, I am very aware of the changing light: approaching clouds, setting sun, and wind and will move the session along to accomplish what I have in mind to give you the greatest range of images.
  6. I like to end the sessions with family play. By then, the light is gorgeous, everyone is very relaxed, and it’s a great time for spontaneous photography.

I hope this gives you a better understanding of what to expect when having your family portait taken. I thought I’d also share a finished photograph of engaging children in active play on the beach:

Hamptons Family Portrait