Every fall I try to get a good family photo to use on my Christmas card. After doing this for a few years, my family is used to it and participates fairly well. However, if it is your first year to suggest the idea of family portraits, you might meet with some resistance.
Here are a few tips for preparing your family and yourself for family portrait day.
1. Pick a day, or two possible days so you can reschedule for weather, and let your family know when it is.
2. If it’s a sunny day, start about 4:30-5. If it’s a cloudy day, any time of day will do.
3. Give yourself plenty of time to get dressed, make sure everyone is fed and rested, and get to your location.
4. Have your camera battery charged, memory card clean, and tripod ready.
5. Stay calm and try not to get frustrated. The more you react to their crazy behavior, the worse they will behave (speaking from experience!).
6. Give them a reward for good behavior. Go out for ice cream afterwards or let them play at the park. Posing for pictures is hard work!
7. For really young children, break things up. Spend some time playing, then do some posing.
8. Bring a friend along. Even if you plan to use a tripod it helps to have someone who can tell you if everyone is looking at the camera and give you an idea of how the arrangement looks.
9. Have wet wipes, snacks, bribes, a mirror (for you!), and a toy or distraction handy.
10. Hire a photographer :). Once a year family portraits is a great time to let someone else do the hard work for a change.
Now’s a great time. I’m offering mini sessions two weekends in November. It’s a great price and you get a $25 gift certificate to Gift It Up! a boutique in Star City. The little girls’ outfits in the first image are from Gift It Up! They have adorable clothes. Three adorable scenes and 10-12 images in your gallery. Don’t miss it!
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